Dick Ravitch

For more than three decades, Richard Ravitch has been typecast.

Governor after governor has unexpectedly—at least from Mr. Ravitch’s perspective—called on the wealthy developer, lawyer and investor to play the role of the public servant tasked with saving government organizations gone broke.

He chaired the Urban Development Corporation starting in 1975; was called to help resolve New York City’s fiscal crisis later that year; and became chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1979—all were sinking ships that Mr. Ravitch rescued, fixed or patched. Those who have worked with him say he is blunt, bright and well versed in methods of finance, and he has earned a reputation for being highly effective in pushing through reforms.  read more »