Steve Kimatian brings an impressive record as a successful business executive and enthusiastic community advocate to the 2009 campaign for Mayor of Syracuse.

From 1998 until earlier this year, Steve hosted “With Steve On Sunday”, on WSYR-TV, a weekly public affairs show.  The show focused on local issues, and included leaders and advocates for the community such as Syracuse Chamber of Commerce President Darlene Kerr, Upstate Medical University President Dr. David Smith, Salvation Army Executive Director Linda Wright, Syracuse Police Chief Gary Miguel, and the late Father Joseph Champlin.  In all, over 500 shows were broadcast.

Steve recently left his position as General Counsel to Newport Television, LLC, to concentrate on the campaign for Mayor.  Newport owns 56 television stations in 24 markets, including WSYR-TV NewsChannel 9, the ABC affiliate.

Prior to assuming his position with Newport, Steve held the position of Regional Vice President of Clear Channel Television, the San Antonio-based media giant which then owned WSYR-TV.  He was responsible for all operations of television stations in six Northeast markets, including revenue generation, budgeting, and on-air and interactive content.  The General Managers of all six stations reported directly to him.

Earlier, Steve spent almost a decade as Chief Executive Officer of television stations in Buffalo.  He came to Buffalo from Baltimore, where he was President of Maryland Public Television.  Before beginning his broadcast career, he was an attorney specializing in labor relations.

For fifteen years, Steve has given generously of his time and resources to the Syracuse community.  In addition to spearheading WSYR-TV’s outstanding corporate citizenship, he serves as Vice-Chairman of the Upstate Medical University Foundation, and as a Director of the Everson Museum.  He also chaired the Upstate Foundation during the Golisano Children’s Hospital $20 million fundraising drive, and is a member of the United Way Success by 6 Policy Council.

Steve has been honored by numerous organizations.  In 2003, he was presented the President’s Award for Distinguished Service by the Upstate Medical University.  Two years earlier, the Salvation Army honored him with their Community Team Spirit Award.  In 1983, he received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and he is a recipient of the Silver Medal Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Steve is a native of Long Island, and was educated in the New York City public schools.  He received a scholarship to attend Princeton University, where he earned an A.B. degree in English.  Later, he received a J.D. degree from Cornell Law School.

Steve and Janet Kimatian make their home on Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse.  Janet is the current Principal of Roberts PreK-8 School in the Strathmore neighborhood.  Their daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and James Eagen, live in Syracuse with their two young children.  Steve and Janet also have a son, Stephen, the interim chair of Pediatric Anesthesiology for the Anesthesiology Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.  He lives with his wife and three sons in Ohio.