DASNY busts the glass ceiling

As the top issuer of tax-exempt debt in the nation and one of New York’s biggest builders, there is much that DASNY can, and does do, to break the glass ceiling that has blocked women from reaching the top tiers in their careers. 

Both the finance and construction fields have long been dominated by men. By strengthening DASNY’s minority-and-women owned business enterprises program and looking within its own walls, DASNY is helping New York set a new course toward equal opportunity. In March -- Women’s History Month -- DASNY highlighted its ongoing efforts in this area to its partners and its staff.

“I am striving to push through barriers,” said Gerrard P. Bushell, DASNY President & CEO. “Women’s History Month is a firm reminder of the role we play in fashioning a future without a glass ceiling. We are all stronger and more competitive when we all rise together as one state."
                               
Few projects show DASNY’s achievements better than the $350 million Bronx Behavioral Health Campus. DASNY completed the project in January on behalf of its client, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). A significant portion of the project managers from DASNY and its private sector partners were women, as described in this video. The project also surpassed the 30 percent MWBE participation goal set by Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

DASNY fights for #1

DASNY’s Board approved up to $770 million combined in financings for Columbia University, Cornell University and Fordham University at its March meeting. It is a portfolio of internationally recognized preeminent institutions at the forefront of higher education.

“I am proud these institutions chose us,” said Gerrard P. Bushell, DASNY President & CEO. “DASNY has long been a top issuer of tax-exempt bonds in the nation. Financings like these show that we are getting better. We are advocating for our clients. Being Number One means we are doing more to keep New York competitive.”

Columbia will use a portion of its expected bond sale to help fund its redevelopment of a section of West Harlem as it extends its campus. By growing its footprint, Columbia will be better positioned to shape the minds of a new generation of leaders.

A portion of Fordham’s financing will reshape its Lincoln Center-area campus. Students will have access to an upgraded and expanded library, and a new student center. These are key components to attracting the best minds to the university.

Cornell will find savings by refunding bonds it previously issued through DASNY. Those savings can be reinvested in its campus so it can provide improved tools and programming to students. A portion of Columbia’s and Fordham’s financing package also includes refunding.

This work builds on the public-sector bonds that DASNY issues on behalf of New York State, including about $6 billion in the current fiscal year.

DASNY wins ACEC Award of Merit