GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES NEW ADMINISTRATION APPOINTMENTS
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new administration appointments.
“As we work to make New York more affordable, more livable and safer, it’s critical to have a team of public servants who can deliver results,” Governor Hochul said. “These qualified, talented individuals will help us continue the fight for New York’s future, and will be important parts of our efforts to reach communities in every corner of the Empire State.”
Ivan Acosta has been appointed Deputy Chief of Staff. Ivan most recently worked in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget as Associate Director for the past six years. Prior to that role, he held key positions working on budget, legislation and constituent services in the New York City Mayor’s Office, the New York City Council, and with the New York State Legislature. He is a graduate of CUNY’s John Jay College.
Robert Calarco has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Long Island Intergovernmental Affairs. Robert was most recently Assistant Regional Director for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Region 1. Prior to that role, he served five terms as a Suffolk County Legislator, where he was Presiding Officer in his final term. Robert earned his master’s degree in public policy from Stony Brook University and his bachelor’s degree from Dowling College.
Shanna Cassidy has been appointed Assistant Secretary to the Governor. Shanna most recently served as Legislative Director for Senator Joseph Addabbo and Committee Director for the Senate Racing Gaming and Wagering Committee. Earlier, she worked on the staff of the Senate Aging Committee. Shanna has more than a decade of service in the State Legislature and Executive Branch.
Colleen Deacon has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Upstate Intergovernmental Affairs. Colleen most recently served as the Senior Director of Upstate Intergovernmental Affairs in the Executive Chamber, where she has worked since 2017. Prior to that role, she worked as the Regional Director for United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and as the Press Secretary for City of Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll. Colleen earned her degree in English and textual studies from Syracuse University.
Daniel Dornbaum has been appointed Assistant Secretary to the Governor. Daniel was most recently Director of Operations for the New York State Democratic Committee. Prior to that role, he served in the Executive Chamber as the Manhattan Regional Representative. Daniel earned his bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Baruch College.
Stevens Martinez has been appointed Deputy Director for Long Island Intergovernmental Affairs. Stevens most recently served as Nassau County Regional Representative in the Executive Chamber. Prior to that role, he worked in Government Affairs at NBCUniversal and in External Affairs for the Nassau County Comptroller. Stevens earned his bachelor’s degree in public policy and public service from Hofstra University.
Jacqueline Paredes has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs. Jacqueline most recently served as a senior legislative representative for the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), where she has worked for more than 16 years. Prior to that role, she worked at the New York State Democratic Committee and was a political consultant. Jackie earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY at Albany.
Shirley Paul has been appointed Assistant Counsel for Judiciary. Shirley most recently served in the Executive Chamber as Senior Advisor and Director of Constituency Affairs. Prior to that role, Shirley has worked as an attorney handling civil and criminal matters, a law clerk and as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the New York City Law Department. Shirley is a graduate of Delaware State University where she got her first taste of politics working for then-Senator Joseph R. Biden, earned a master’s degree from Brooklyn College and a J.D. from New York Law School.
Edgar Santana has been appointed as the Executive Deputy Secretary to the Governor. Edgar most recently served as Deputy Secretary to the Governor, and has also served the Executive Chamber as Director of Downstate Regional Affairs. Prior to that role, he served as Director of Political and Governmental Affairs for the Laborers Eastern Region Organizing Fund. Earlier in his career, Edgar ran the New York State Democratic Committee and was the Northeast Political Director for Hillary Clinton for President in 2008. Edgar received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an M.B.A. from Fordham University. He also received a Master of Science Management degree in public administration from Wilmington University, Wilson Graduate Center. Edgar is currently a part of the 2024 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars.
Jessica Scaperotti has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary for Cabinet Affairs. Jessica was most recently working in real estate development where she helped lead the communications and marketing efforts for Fairstead, Jamestown, Brown Harris Stevens, and Related Companies. Before working in the private sector, Jessica spent more than a decade in public service, managing the press offices for New York City’s health and education departments, and New York State’s Division of Criminal Justice Services. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University.
Angel Vasquez has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Downstate Intergovernmental Affairs. Angel most recently served as the Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs in the Executive Chamber. Prior to that role, Angel was the Deputy Political Director and Senior Policy Advisor at the United Federation of Teachers. He has also served as the Chief of Staff to New York State Senator Marisol Alcantara, and as a Policy Analyst for the New York State Senate Majority Conference. Angel earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
