Who I am
About Dave
As a proud lifelong resident of Upstate New York, Dave Catalfamo understands firsthand the issues that matter to our community and knows how to deliver results. He is running for NY’s 113th Assembly District to restore common sense to Albany by putting taxpayers first, restoring public safety, and giving parents a strong voice in their children’s education.
Dave grew up in Kinderhook, New York, one of four siblings. The oldest son of a single mom, Dave watched his mom struggle at times, but she always instilled in her children the value of hard work and integrity. That helped inform Dave’s passion for creating job opportunities and drew him to a life in service--first in the United States Army Reserves, then to New York State as a senior official in Governor Pataki’s Administration, and now to the greater Saratoga community. He has dedicated his life both in the public and private sector to helping create jobs and grow the economy.
During Governor Pataki’s Administration, Dave served as senior vice president of the Empire State Development Corporation, where he directed the state’s business development efforts with companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises. He led the effort to bring the semiconductor industry to the state with the establishment of Global Foundries in Malta and managed the state’s $30 million high-tech venture fund. Following the devastating attacks of September 11th, Dave was charged with devising and implementing the state’s widely-lauded business, housing, and tourism recovery programs. He was later awarded “Economic Developer of the Year” for his work bringing numerous multi-million investments and jobs to New York State.
Dave understands the importance of tourism to Upstate NY’s economy. He served as the Governor’s liaison to the Olympic Regional Development Authority, where he led the successful effort to bring the Goodwill Games to Lake Placid and facilitated transformational investments to revive the Olympic facilities that continue to serve as a key generator of New York State tourism. Dave was later appointed as the Executive Director of the Lake Placid Regional Winter Sports Commission.
Following his service in state government, Dave built a successful communications and government affairs practice where he provided advisory communications services to businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and elected officials. Today, Dave continues to serve as an economic development professional where he recently secured funding for the largest indoor UAS testing center in America.
Dave is a devoted Saratoga Racetrack enthusiast and took his passion for horse racing and tourism with the development of an app, Saratoga Tracksider, where he helps encourage new fans to the sport and supports local restaurants and businesses.
He currently serves as a member of the Wilton Planning Board, where he lives with his wife, Jessica, their daughter Chloe, and their Goldendoodle, Penny.
