The moves are a clear sign that Gov. Paterson is looking to revamp the agency. The governor has called for doing away with the leadership structure at ESDC where one chairperson was in charge of Upstate economic development and another chairperson led Downstate efforts, without what he terms a clear reporting structure.

"I believe that, because we are one state, we need one leader for ESDC who understands the challenges facing New York as a whole," Gov. Paterson says. "We need someone who understands the challenges of revitalizing Upstate, the complexities of jump-starting the large development and transportation projects Downstate and the economic relationship between Upstate and Downstate."

State officials say the 74-year-old Wilmers will be based in Buffalo and will have complete oversight of economic development issues throughout New York State. Wilmers will be undertaking a search to identify two individuals who will be in charge of the Downstate and Upstate divisions of ESDC. Both individuals will report to Wilmers.