RELEASE: Mayor Dyster Appoints Larry Cook To Fill Niagara Falls Housing Authority Seat

Cook Brings More Than 20 Years of Non-Profit Sector Experience
Niagara Falls, N.Y. — Mayor Paul Dyster announced his appointment of Larry Cook to the fill a vacancy created on the Niagara Falls Housing Authority Board on Tuesday. Cook brings more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, having developed extensive partnerships with cultural, academic, human service, social service, corporate, government and philanthropic arenas. He currently serves as Vice President of the John R. Oishei Foundation, where he has held several positions over the past eight years.

Mayor Dyster’s appointment comes after Board Chair Jeffrey Paterson’s departure, a position he held for 16 months. Paterson served as a board commissioner since 2010.

Mayor Dyster said, “I would like to commend Jeff Paterson for his unquestionable integrity and dedicated service to the Niagara Falls Housing Authority and the residents it serves, particularly during this difficult time. Though saddened by his departure, at this critical juncture, I felt it important to select an individual with a fresh perspective to usher in a new era of communication for an already strong and capable board. It is a board that will only be made stronger with the appointment of Mr. Cook who brings more than two decades worth of invaluable experience to the table. I am confident that we can look forward to a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the Housing Authority and city government; and a new beginning for the Board and the residents they serve.”

Larry Cook, Niagara Falls Housing Authority Board Member said, “I am honored to be appointed by Mayor Dyster to serve on the Board of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. It is my hope and intention to join with the board to assist with an increase in cooperation between the Housing Authority and Niagara Falls community. I am looking forward to building on the Authority’s many accomplishments within the city; and helping to create a stronger sense of openness and transparency within the Authority’s process and policies. My goal in this new role is to continue to build upon on-going efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and to work with the board to continue to increase confidence in the Housing Authority moving forward.”

Mr. Cook is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Buffalo. His appointment to the Niagara Falls Housing Authority Board of Directors is effective immediately.