State comptroller awarded for leadership on equality

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, a former state assemblyman from Long Island, received the Pacesetter Award Monday for his leadership and commitment to promoting the involvement of women and minorities in the securities industry.

The National Association of Securities Professionals recognized DiNapoli, a six-year comptroller and trustee of the $160.4 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund, at the 24th annual Pension and Financial Services Conference. DiNapoli shared his thoughts about the importance of promoting equality for all investment professionals.

“The strong results we”™ve seen with our emerging managers program prove that diversity is truly our strength,” DiNapoli said. “I will continue to support efforts to ensure fair opportunities for all in the securities industry.”

Under DiNapoli’s leadership, the fund invested about $7 billion in business enterprises operated by women and minorities. This is one of the few state pensions in the nation with program managers in all alternate assets classes.