The Board of Directors of the Empire Center for Public Policy today announced the appointment of Zilvinas Silenas as President and CEO.

Zilvinas (also goes by “Z”) will succeed Tim Hoefer, who joined the Empire Center in 2008 and has led the organization since 2013.

Hoefer has joined the organization’s board of directors.

The Empire Center, under Z’s direction, will continue its work: looking at the state’s energy and infrastructure plans; studying and making recommendations to improve tax, budget, education and health policy; and working to make government more transparent.

“Z’s appointment is the next step in a long-term plan to help elevate the work and influence of the Empire Center. We are confident Z will build on the strong foundation laid during Tim’s tenure,” said Peter Hein, Chair of the Empire Center’s Board of Directors. “We also would like to acknowledge and thank Tim for his many years of hard work to establish and grow the Center, now a preeminent organization in New York. His continued involvement and institutional knowledge will help create a seamless transition and continue moving the Center forward.”

“It’s been the highlight of my career working for and having a chance to lead the Empire Center, an organization with a mission that is absolutely imperative to the successful future of our great state,” noted Hoefer. “I’m very excited for this next phase and look forward to helping Z take us to the next level.”

“I am grateful for all the work Tim has done and for the trust the Board of Directors has given me,” said Silenas. “The Empire Center will continue to be the voice of reason, the purveyor of data and analysis and a driving force for change in New York.”

The Empire Center for Public Policy, Inc. is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank based in Albany, New York. It promotes public policy reforms grounded in free-market principles, personal responsibility, and the ideals of effective and accountable government.