Medient Studios, Inc., announced that former New York Gov. David Paterson has accepted his nomination to join the board of directors of Medient.

“Governor Paterson is a globally recognized leader, whose experience, wisdom, reputation, and relationships will be a huge asset for all Medient stakeholders. It is with great pride and pleasure that we welcome him into the Medient family,” said Manu Kumaran, chairman of the board of Medient.

“As governor of New York State, I approved over $750 million in film tax credits. Film tax credits create strong returns for communities, and generate tremendous job creation,” stated Paterson. “I am committed to helping Charles, Manu, and the Medient team find the resources to make this beautiful dream come true.”

Paterson was the 55th governor of New York, from 2008-10. He was the first African-American governor of New York and also the second legally blind governor of any U.S. state after Bob C. Riley, who was governor of Arkansas for 11 days in January 1975. Since leaving office, Paterson has been a radio talk show host on station WOR in New York City.

After graduating from Hofstra Law School, Paterson worked in the district attorney’s office of Queens County, New York, and on the staff of Manhattan Borough President David Dinkins. In 1985, he was elected to the New York State Senate to a seat that was once held by his father, former New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson.

In 2003, he rose to the position of Senate minority leader. Paterson was selected as running mate by then-New York attorney general and Democratic Party gubernatorial nominee Eliot Spitzer in the 2006 New York gubernatorial election. Spitzer and Paterson were elected in November 2006 with 69 percent of the vote, and Paterson took office as lieutenant governor on Jan. 1, 2007.

Paterson was sworn in as governor of New York on March 17, 2008. On May 21, Paterson was named chair of the New York State Democratic Committee.