About Us

Senior Associates:

Michael Wilton

Over the last decade, Michael Wilton has held key positions in leadership at various public entities where he developed an expertise in the areas of public finance and economic development, including real estate, public-private partnerships, tourism and higher education. In 2003, Wilton was appointed by Governor George Pataki and confirmed by the New York State Senate as president of the Higher Education Services Corporation, the agency which guarantees and awards more than $5 billion in loans, grants and scholarships annually.

Prior to that, Michael served as the first president of the USA Niagara Development Corporation, a special public benefit corporation charged with the advancement of tourism based projects in the Niagara Falls area. While at the helm of this corporation, Michael initiated and negotiated several high profile projects including a modern conference center and hotel and also acted as a liaison to the Seneca Niagara Casino.

Most recently he served as executive vice president for business development at the Empire State Development Corporation, where he was responsible for designing public-private sector initiatives and large scale real estate projects that focused on the creation and retention of jobs. Also on his resume are five years of service as the governor's director of regional affairs as well as experience in several statewide and local political campaigns. Michael received his master's in business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his bachelor's in political science from Niagara University. As an accomplished executive with a proven track record in public-private partnerships, Michael will bring all his talents to the table on behalf of PLA clients.