Harry Wilson (businessman)

Harry J. Wilson
Born	(1971-10-25) October 25, 1971 Johnstown, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, former investment professional, corporate restructuring expert
Years active	1990s–present
Known for	Member of the 2009 Auto Industry Task Force; 2010 New York State Comptroller candidate; CEO of MAEVA Group and Genesis HealthCare
Spouse	Eva Romas (m. 1997)
Children	4

Harry J. Wilson (born October 25, 1971) is an American entrepreneur, former investment professional, and expert in corporate restructuring who worked within the U.S. Treasury Department during President Barack Obama's administration. He was also a member of the 2009 Auto Industry Task Force. In 2010, Wilson ran unchallenged in the Republican primary for New York State Comptroller but ultimately lost to the incumbent Democrat Thomas DiNapoli in the general election.

On February 22, 2022, Wilson declared his bid for Governor of New York in the 2022 election, where he placed last in the Republican primary with 14.7% of the vote.

Early life and education

Harry Wilson is the son of Jim and Niki Wilson. Jim resided in Johnstown, New York, while Niki, who originally hailed from central Greece, later relocated there. Jim was employed as a bartender, and Niki worked initially as a homemaker before becoming a sewing machine operator. Wilson graduated as valedictorian from Johnstown High School and earned both an AB with honors in government and an MBA from Harvard University. During his time at Harvard, he served as president of the Harvard Republican Club in 1991, promoting a "big tent" philosophy to expand the club’s membership appeal.

Business career

Wilson's professional background includes roles at Blackstone Group and Goldman Sachs, eventually becoming a partner at Silver Point Capital before retiring at age 36. In May 2012, he joined the board of directors at Yahoo!.

He is the founder and CEO of the MAEVA Group, an advisory firm established in 2011 based in White Plains, New York. In March 2021, Wilson took on the role of CEO at Genesis HealthCare, where he concentrated on corporate restructuring efforts.

Politics and government

Following a prosperous tenure in investment management, Wilson shifted to public service at age 36. Beginning in March 2009, he joined President Barack Obama's task force addressing the auto industry crisis at the invitation of Steven Rattner. Within this role, Wilson led the "deals and diligence team," providing critical financial assessments that influenced decisions during the automotive bailout. He gave testimony during General Motors’ bankruptcy hearings in July 2009, outlining the government's strategy to divest its shares.

Wilson was among four senior advisors serving within the U.S. Treasury Department under President Obama.

In political debates, his opponent Lee Zeldin criticized Wilson’s involvement in rescuing GM by labeling him as "working for Obama," neglecting Wilson’s efforts to safeguard thousands of GM jobs across New York State at both manufacturing plants and supplier facilities.

In addition to his federal work, Wilson contributed to Westchester County Executive-elect Rob Astorino’s transition team in 2009.

2010 New York State Comptroller Campaign

On February 16, 2010, Wilson declared his intention to seek the Republican nomination for New York State Comptroller. He secured the nomination without opposition and challenged the incumbent Democrat, Thomas DiNapoli, in the general election. Notably, Wilson earned endorsements from New York City's three leading daily newspapers—New York Daily News, New York Post, and New York Times—an uncommon occurrence given their varied political leanings. This was the first instance since 1976 that a challenger received unanimous support from all three publications.

In the November 2, 2010 election, DiNapoli defeated Wilson with 50.78% of the vote compared to Wilson's 46.26%. Wilson conceded the race the following day. Despite this outcome, Capitol News recognized Wilson’s campaign as the top statewide effort in New York that year, highlighting it as the closest Republican statewide performance since 2002.

Fundraising Efforts for Republican Candidates

In 2012, Wilson contributed to fundraising efforts for Republican candidates Matt Doheny's congressional bid and Wendy Long's campaign for the United States Senate; both candidates were ultimately unsuccessful.

Consideration of 2018 New York Gubernatorial Bid

Wilson weighed a run for governor in 2018 against then-incumbent Andrew Cuomo, indicating he would invest $10 million of personal funds into his campaign. Although regarded as a prominent Republican contender, he withdrew from the race in December 2017, attributing his decision to family obligations.

2022 New York Governor Campaign

Reports from the New York Post in January 2022 indicated Wilson was contemplating a gubernatorial run for that year’s election. He officially announced his candidacy on February 22, 2022, committing $12 million of his own money and immediately launching a comprehensive statewide advertising campaign.

Wilson faced three other candidates in the Republican primary. His platform emphasized shrinking the size of New York State government by eliminating inefficiencies and waste, reflecting his business principles. He also promised to reduce both income and property taxes by 20%.

Personal Life

Wilson wed Eva Romas in 1997. Together they have four daughters and live in Scarsdale, New York. He practices the Greek Orthodox faith.