At BCC, Mr. Adams created career pathways to lead students into high-growth sectors of the city’s economy. Robust partnerships with employers, including unions and industry associations were fundamental to his work. Mr. Adams secured more than $1.7 million in grants and contracts for BCC. He and his team increased enrollment in their programs by 45%.

Prior to joining CUNY, Mr. Adams was the Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. From 2011 until 2015, he served as President and CEO of Empire State Development and Commissioner of the NYS Department of Economic Development. Before joining state government, Mr. Adams led The Business Council of New York State and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. As Executive Director of  New York Cares he created the Annual New York Cares Coat Drive and based it in the Falchi Building adjacent to LaGuardia Community College.

After earning his BA and MA degrees from Middlebury College, Mr. Adams began his career as a high school teacher and youth services coordinator. He grew up in Brooklyn, where he lives with his family.

Mr. Adams currently serves as Chairman of the Boards of Directors of New York State’s affordable housing agencies, including the Housing Finance Agency, the State of New York Mortgage Agency, and the Housing Trust Fund Corporation. He is a director of Opportunity America, the NYC Employment and Training Coalition, the Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the Bronx Charter School for Excellence.

Mr. Adams is the fourth president of LaGuardia Community College. His predecessors include Gail O. Mellow, PhD (2000–2019), Raymond C. Bowen, PhD (1989–1999), and the late Joseph Shenker, EdD (1970–1988).