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William C. Thompson, Jr. became New York City's 42nd comptroller on Jan. 1, 2002. As custodian and investment adviser to all five of the city's pension funds, Thompson manages a combined portfolio of more than $82 billion.
In this role, Thompson has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in affordable housing and commercial real estate in New York City, helping increase housing and job opportunities within the five boroughs. He has been an aggressive corporate shareholder, seeking reforms on issues such as employment discrimination, executive compensation as well as environmental and human rights policies. Thompson also worked with leaders of the financial services industry to reform the operations of the New York Stock Exchange.
Thompson graduated from Tufts University, where he currently serves as a member of the board of trustees. He graduated from Brooklyn's PS 161, Andries Hudde Intermediate School and Midwood High School. In June 2004, Thompson received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from the Metropolitan College of New York. In 1998, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Mercy College. In September 2003, Thompson received the Jewish National Fund's Tree of Life Award for his outstanding community involvement and his achievements in government.
Following his work for a Brooklyn congressman and his service as the borough's youngest-ever deputy borough president, Thompson was appointed to the New York City Board of Education in 1994. Two years later, he began the first of five consecutive terms as its president. During that period, Thompson led a reform agenda that resulted in improved student achievement and greater public accountability. Thompson also served as a senior vice president for public finance at an investment banking firm in the early 1990s.
