A native of Albany, New York, Thomas Whalen III became a city court judge in 1969, a role that began a long career in public service defined by a decade as the mayor of Albany. He was elected to the role of Albany’s chief executive in 1983 on a platform of transparency and fiscal responsibility. Thomas Whalen III continued in the position until opting not to run for re-election in 1993.

His successes as mayor included lowering taxes while achieving a nearly $34 million surplus and developing an environment that facilitated competitive bidding on various city contracts. In 1989 Mr. Whalen received the United States Conference of Mayors' Financial Leadership Award in recognition of his efforts to stabilize the city’s finances. This was just one of several accolades he received during his time as mayor.

Thomas Whalen III conducted his undergraduate studies at Manhattan College. He then completed his legal education at the Albany Law School, graduating with a juris doctor in 1958. Following his time as the mayor of Albany, he joined the University College Cork in Cork, Ireland, and the College of St. Rose in Albany as a professor of politics and government.

Thomas Whalen III