Experience, Integrity & Results

Rick has been working in government and politics for over 40 years. He founded the firm in 1995 and since then has provided unparalleled leadership and expertise to clients throughout New York State and Washington, D.C.

In growing the firm to where it is today, Rick has carefully assembled a team of experienced and hardworking professionals at OA who exemplify the level of dedication, integrity and leadership it takes to achieve our client’s goals. This has led OA to develop into one of the premier government relations firms in New York State. For over 30 years, Rick has served our clients’ diverse interest in many areas including economic development, financial services and tax. In doing so Rick has maintained longstanding relations in all branches of government.

Before starting the firm, Rick was the Assistant for Legislative Affairs for Governor Mario Cuomo. Rick advised the Governor on legislation and was the liaison between the Governor’s office and the NYS Legislature. Prior to that, he served as Assistant for Regional Affairs advising the Governor on regional and local matters, and assisting local government officials in all areas of state government.

Rick also served as the Director of the Environmental Bond Act, and was the Legislative Coordinator for the New York State Consumer Protection Board. Rick began his career in state government as a senior legislative aide to Assemblyman Melvin Zimmer.

For the last 5 years, Rick has been named to City &State’s “Albany Power 100” list which recognizes the most influential players in New York State government and politics. In 2019, he was also recognized as one of City & State’s “50 Over Fifty: The Age Disruptors”. An award which honors leaders in government, business and media who have distinguished themselves by helping New York in civic affairs.

Rick served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter for six years and is currently the Corporate Co-Chair for the Albany Light the Night Walk, and is a member of the LLS National Philanthropy Committee. Locally, he serves on the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the UAlbany Athletics Board. Rick is also an avid supporter of Albany’s South End Children’s Café and their efforts to improve food security in the community.

Rick has a degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Albany.

Diana joined Ostroff Associates in 2011 and brings over 30 years of experience representing the private sector. Her background has led her to develop a broad range of knowledge and expertise on an extensive number of issues impacting a vast number of industries. She is a passionate advocate for her clients and brings energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, and integrity to each issue she works on.

Prior to joining Ostroff Associates, Diana served as Vice President of Advocacy and Communications for one of New York’s largest regional Chamber of Commerce, where she established and managed all State and Federal advocacy efforts. She served as Assistant Vice President of the Life Insurance Council of New York State, Inc. (LICONY), representing insurers that together provide the vast majority of life, disability, and long-term care insurance and annuity benefits in the state. She also served as Assistant State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Diana began her career as a lobbyist for The Business Council of New York State, Inc., where she managed all aspects of New York State legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing Consumer Products &Services, E-Commerce/Privacy issues, Contract Procurement, Financial Services, Contract Procurement, and Insurance for the clients of The Business Council.

Throughout her career, Diana has developed, coordinated and implemented affirmative and defensive policy positions and lobbying activities in response to legislative, regulatory and executive actions on behalf of some of the most well-respected corporations in the world. She has worked on a range of state and federal issues always with a goal on improving the business climate and enhancing the economic vitality of the state.

Diana has been named by City & State’s “Women Power 100” list every year since its inception in 2018, which recognizes women who are key influential figures in the world of New York politics and government. amNY and PoliticsNY has recognized Diana as a "Power Player in Public Relations and Lobbying" for each of the past two years. Diana has also received the Albany Business Review’s "Women Who Mean Business" award which recognizes her contributions on behalf of the business community and the Capital Region. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Siena College and sits on the Board of the Albany County Business Development Corporation’s Al Tech Loan Fund. 

Diana received her MBA from the College of Saint Rose and her Bachelor degree in Marketing Management from Siena College. She resides in Loudonville with her husband and two sons.

Evan joined Ostroff Associates with a wealth of legislative and political experience, spanning more than a decade at the highest echelons of State Government.

With over a decade of legislative and political experience in and around New York Government, Evan has established himself as a formidable figure in the field.

Before his tenure at OA, Evan was pivotal in his role as the Director of Legislation and Senior Advisor to the Independent Democratic Conference in the New York State Senate Majority Coalition. Holding a critical position on the senior staff, he was instrumental in shaping, advancing, and realizing legislative, policy, and budgetary priorities.

Throughout his career, Evan has been a key figure in drafting and negotiating significant legislation and budget proposals across a broad spectrum of issues,demonstrating his versatility and expertise in legislative matters.

In a prior capacity, he played a leading role in State budget negotiations, addressing critical concerns across many issue areas including Health, Mental Hygiene, Housing, and Education. This involvement not only showcased his ability to lead but also his commitment to impactful governance.

Evan started his career in the Office of Senator David Carlucci, where he held various positions, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Healso served as the Committee Director for both the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and Social Services Committees in the Senate.

Throughall his roles, Evan has cultivated a deep understanding and insight into the legislative and budget processes at both the City and State levels.

His expertise has enabled him to guide clients through these complex landscapes with efficiency and efficacy. In recognition of his significant contributions and expertise, Evan has been honored as one of Albany’s “40 Under 40 Rising Stars” by City & State Magazine and recently named to the prestigious Upstate Power 100 List.

Evan graduated from Siena College with degrees in Political Science and Economics.

Andrew Kennedy joined Ostroff Associates in 2020 bringing nearly two decades of experience in government operations, economic development and organization management.  Prior to joining the firm, Andrew served as the President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth, a regional economic development organization in New York’s Capital Region since 2016.

Prior to his role at CEG, Andrew spent over 15 years in New York State government in progressively responsible positions including serving as the Deputy Director of State Operations for Governor Andrew M Cuomo, as well as working over a decade at the New York State Division of Budget and for the New York State Assembly where he developed a detailed understanding of New York’s fiscal and economic development policies and programs.

Andrew holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and a bachelor’s degree from Siena College in Political Science.

Prior to joining OA, Anthony served as the Unit Chief of the NYS Division of the Budget’s Economics and Revenue Unit (ERU). In this role, Anthony supervised a large team of economists and revenue analysts responsible for the Division’s economic and revenue forecasts, preparation of the Executive’s revenue and tax policy proposals as part the Executive Budget. Anthony worked closely with the Senate and Assembly in negotiating a diverse spectrum of tax policy initiatives, including proposals that would expand the State’s tax incentives for businesses as well as individuals, with the focus on economic development and revitalization, job growth, and tax simplification.

Prior to his role at the Budget Division, Anthony spent 19years with the New York State Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, serving for the last three years before his departure as Director of Tax and Economics, supervising a team responsible for the Assembly’s tax policy proposals with extensive interactions with Assembly leadership and members helping to identify and implement the Majority Conference’s policy priorities. Anthony also served as Director of the Assembly’s Tax Study Commission supervising, among other tax policy topics, analysis of the State’s tax incidence and examining proposals for tax reform.

In addition to State service, Anthony worked for a combined six years with PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Hospitality and Leisure practice as Research Manager, focusing on advising a variety of Wall Street Investment Banks, as well as large publicly-traded and private Hotel firms, on market growth and trends.

Anthony holds a Doctorate degree in Economics from the University at Albany and a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of Manchester in the U.K.

Marc joined Ostroff Associates in 2023 with extensive experience in all aspects of public procurement.

Prior to joining OA, Marc was the Supervising Attorney for Procurement in the NYS Office of General Services (OGS) Counsel’s Office for 7years. Marc has extensive knowledge of the entire procurement process from drafting solicitations, assessing vendor responsibility, reviewing award/non-award determinations, drafting and negotiating contracts, overseeing vendor debriefings, and addressing contract administration issues.

As Supervising Attorney, Marc supported OGS Procurement Services and the OGS Agency Procurement Office. Procurement Services is the State’s central procurement office overseeing a $29 billion portfolio comprised of 1500 commodity, services, and technology contracts used by 7600organizations (i.e., state agencies; public authorities; political subdivisions and local governments; SUNY/CUNY and school districts; and not-for-profit organizations).The Agency Procurement Office conducts procurements for OGS and hosted agencies such as the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, the NYS Board of Elections, and the State Liquor Authority.

In his role as Supervising Attorney, Marc served as Counsel to the State Procurement Council.

Prior to his tenure at OGS, Marc worked in Counsel’s Office at the NYS Office of Information Technology Services where he was Lead Counsel for various programs such as the Contracts and Procurements Office, Telephony/Network Infrastructure Delivery Services, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Broadband Program Office, and the Policy Office.

Marc began his government career as an Assistant Counsel at the NYS Legislative Bill Drafting Commission drafting legislation for 24members of the Legislature.

Prior to joining government, Marc worked in private practice engaged in all aspects of civil and criminal litigation.

Marc has a BA in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his Juris Doctorate from the Washington College of Law at American University.

Chantel Burnash joined Ostroff Associates in February 2018 with a strong background in state and local government. She brings a keen aptitude and substantial experience with her as Director of Operations.

Before joining the firm, Chantel worked at Capitalize Albany Corporation. She provided support services for the President, as well as managed the administrative duties of three Boards. Prior to that, Chantel worked at a government affairs firm for nine years, where she acted as a point-of-contact for communication between lobbyists, clients, legislators, and government agencies. She also spent several years working under Governor George E. Pataki’s administration as an Appointments Officer in his Appointments office at the State Capitol and as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner at Empire State Development Corporation. Chantel earned her Master of Business Administration from The Sage Colleges and a bachelor’s degree from The College of Saint Rose.

Erin joined Ostroff Associates in January of 2002 with a background in change management and organizational effectiveness. Having spent her first nine years with the company as a lobbyist, Erin now primarily focuses on required ethics and financial disclosures for the company and its clients.

Erin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology from The College of Saint Rose, and earned a Masters inIndustrial/Organizational Psychology with honors from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Amy Kramer joins Ostroff with over 20 years of experience in government, corporate and association management, focusing on technology, financial services, and community investment.

Previous to joining Ostroff Associates, Kramer was President-AT&T New York, where she led the company’s external and public affairs as well as regulatory and legislative agendas, strategic communications, sponsorship and foundation activities within the state of New York. In holding the top state legislative affairs position in New York State for 12 years, Kramer was responsible for developing strategies and plans for achieving AT&T’s legislative and community investment objectives, and led outreach to key elected officials and policymakers in the state to disseminate the company’s perspective on a range of issues. In addition, Kramer ensured that AT&T’s New York customers and public officials were always afforded the best possible service and partnership in the telecommunications and technology industries.

Prior to AT&T, Kramer was vice president, government affairs, at the Credit Union Association of New York, where for ten years she directed the organization’s political and grassroots programs, and led the association achieve its legislative goals in New York and Washington, DC. In1999, Kramer won a New York State Senate Graduate Fellowship, and served as a fellow and later as Legislative Coordinator.

Dan Fuller joined Ostroff Associates in 2022, bringing over two decades of experience in legislative and public policy roles at both state and federal levels. His distinguished career is marked by successful advocacy and legislative campaigns benefiting nonprofit and education associations nationwide.

Notably, Dan served as Deputy Secretary of Education for Governors Hochul and Cuomo, overseeing the executive chamber's education portfolio. His work encompassed diverse areas, from pre-K-12 funding and teacher training to early childhood education, education technology, and school safety. In higher education, he played a pivotal role in initiatives like the Excelsior Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Program, advancing college access programs. His portfolio included vital institutions such as the State University of New York, the City University of New York, the Higher Education Services Corporation, and the NYS Education Department, addressing a broad spectrum of education-related issues.

Dan's expertise extends beyond education, as he has also worked on economic development, financial services, science and technology, health, mental health, information technology, construction, facilities, environmental, and agriculture-related matters.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dan actively contributed to the State's Covid Taskforce, collaborating closely with state and local leaders on various aspects of the pandemic response from March 2020 through September2022. His responsibilities included school closures and reopenings, ensuring food distribution, facilitating technology access for students and educators, and supporting childcare options. He also played a pivotal role in developing guidelines, dashboards, and metrics for schools and colleges. Additionally, Dan was appointed Director of the Reimagine Education Advisory Council, which guided the reopening of schools from stakeholders across K-12, higher education, and community organizations.

Prior to his role as Deputy Secretary for Education, Dan served as Assistant Secretary for Higher Education and Education Policy Advisor in the Executive Chamber. He held leadership positions at Communities in Schools and the National School Boards Association. He started his career in the New York State Legislature, later working for the NYS School Boards Association and CUNY.

Dan has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Jay joined Ostroff Associates in 2018 with extensive experience guiding lobbying efforts and leading political campaigns.

Before joining the firm, Jay worked as a contract lobbyist for an Albany, NY based consulting firm. There he served clients in a wide range of industries from small business associations to global corporations with a continued track record of successfully branding and winning legislative issues within the legislature and the public.

Jay brings a diverse political skillset to aid our clients in their advocacy efforts. He understands the crossroads of governance and media and can help clients with both their lobbying and public relations needs.

Jay is the former Government Affairs Director for The NYS Restaurant Association where he led all advocacy operations for a 2,000 member trade association at the local, state, and federal levels. In this capacity, he successfully lobbied New York State Executive, Agencies and Legislature, as well as local governments including New York City Mayor, Agencies, and City Council.

Prior to that, Jay worked at the New York State Assembly, Department of Communication and Information Systems as Regional Communications Coordinator, where he developed and executed an annual communications plan for Members of the Assembly. He also has extensive campaign field experience in management and communications for hopeful political candidates.

Jay graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science, and a Minor in English.

Nicholas joined Ostroff Associates in 2018 with substantial experience in numerous facets of government, the legislative process and grassroots campaigns in New York State.

Before joining the firm, Nicholas worked at Ways & Means NY, a lobbying firm based in Albany. As a legislative analyst and registered lobbyist, he communicated with transportation, health care, and higher education clients, among others, to track all legislation concerning a variety of issues. In this position, Nicholas also successfully monitored and reported on all developments regarding procurement issues for clients.

Prior to joining Ways & Means NY, Nicholas worked for the Monroe County Democratic Committee spearheading local campaigns where he organized volunteers, produced mailers, and personally advocated for multiple candidates.

Nicholas graduated from SUNY Albany with a B.S. in Political Science.

Sarah Reginelli is a dedicated and experienced leader in revitalization and urban development who is joining Ostroff Associates after 20 years in the public and nonprofit sectors. She most recently served as Vice President of Development at Cass Hill Development Companies – a fully-integrated commercial real estate firm producing dynamic projects throughout the Capital Region.

Prior to Cass Hill, Sarah served as President of Capitalize Albany Corporation and CEO of the City of Albany Industrial Development Agency and Capital Resource Corporation, leading the city’s economic development efforts through transformational real estate development, targeted business assistance, and strategic planning. During her more than decade-long tenure, Capitalize Albany attracted and assisted more than $1 billion in investment, secured more than $40 million in grant funding, and led diverse, groundbreaking projects. Sarah began serving the Capital Region while working for the Albany Planning Department where she specialized in neighborhood revitalization, plan development and implementation, and community engagement.

Sarah is active in the community, serving on the boards of numerous organizations. She has been recognized by the Neighborhood Resource Center as an Outstanding Public Official, named MARCOM’s Communicator of the Year, and was selected by the Albany Business Review as a member of the inaugural Power 50, named among their Community of Champions, and included among their 40-Under-40.

She earned a master’s degree in urban geography from the University of Miami, and bachelor’s degrees in public relations and geography from Syracuse University. As a transplant to the Capital Region, she is delighted to have made a home in the City of Albany with her husband and two children.

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Casey Fenton joined Ostroff Associates in January of 2020 after working for the New York State Senate. She currently manages a range of legislative and regulatory business issues on behalf of clients in spaces including technology, economic development, and entertainment. With her extensive experience in legislative analysis and research, and thorough understanding of the legislative and budget processes, she is a strong advocate on behalf of her clients.

Casey joined Ostroff Associates as a Legislative Analyst, where she provided research and analytical support for all clients and lobbying teams. Soon after she joined the firm, the COVID-19 pandemic started, and her role became crucial to interpreting the changing rules and regulations, and keeping clients informed on how those policies impacted their business operations.

It was through this work that Casey gained in-depth knowledge of the economic and policy challenges facing New York businesses, a background that influences the detailed oriented service she now provides clients in the role of Vice President.

In addition to her lobbying work, Casey manages and mentors OA’s team of legislative analysts. As a former analyst for the firm, her experience has shaped this integral role, that provides Ostroff Associates with a unique support system.

Prior to joining Ostroff Associates, Casey served as a Legislative Aide in the New York State Senate where she provided bill analysis for committee agendas, as well as extensive legal research to support bill proposals.

Casey graduated summa cum laude from the University of Albany with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Communications.

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Casey Marvell joined Ostroff Associates in January of 2021 with experience in lobbying and public policy analysis.

Before joining Ostroff Associates, Casey worked in the environmental advocacy space and for the State Senate. As a Government Relations Analyst at the Adirondack Council, he maintained relationships with key government officials and staff in order to advance the organization’s influence and mission. Through lobbying, coalition-building, and grassroots advocacy initiatives, Casey has been successful in securing the passage of significant legislation and important budget items. In addition to lobbying, he brings significant experience advising in the areas of energy, climate change, and land use management.

Through his experience, Casey brings a deep understanding of New York State government. Most recently, Casey has taken the lead at Ostroff Associates on matters related to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and has a thorough understanding of the Act’s legislative and regulatory requirements.

Casey holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in political science from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany.

Emily joined Ostroff Associates in January of 2021 with experience in legislative analysis and an understanding of New York State Government from her years working for the New York State Assembly.

Prior to joining Ostroff Associates, Emily served as an Analyst for the Local Government Committee and Racing and Wagering Committee for the Assembly Majority Program and Counsel Office. During her tenure with the Assembly Emily also served as a Committee Assistant for several Assembly Committees. Through this experience, she gained vast knowledge of policy issues and of the legislative and budget process.

She began her work in politics with various positions on political campaigns in New York and along the East Coast.

Emily is a Capital District native and a graduate from the State University of New York at Oswego with a B.A. in Political Science.

Prior to joining Ostroff Associates, Conor served as a Writer and Event Coordinator for the New York State Senate Majority. In his role as a Writer, he oversaw the Senate’s brochure program where he was responsible for researching and developing brochures on a wide range of topics.

Before joining the New York State Senate, Conor worked as an aide in the Governor’s Office of Correspondence. In this position, he worked collaboratively with state agencies to address and alleviate concerns from citizens around the state.

Conor graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a BA in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations.

Spiro joined Ostroff Associates in 2023 with in-depth experience in the legislative and regulatory operations in New York State.

Before joining Ostroff Associates, Spiro served as the Analyst for the Racing and Wagering Committee for the Assembly Majority Program and Counsel Office. In this role, he gained significant experience in policymaking and the innerworkings of New York’s budgetary processes. Spiro began his career as a legislative intern for Senator Jim Gaughran and also served as a campaign intern for Senator Michelle Hinchey.

Spiro graduated from McGill University with a B.A. in Political Science, and a minor concentration in History.

Prior to joining Ostroff Associates, Michael worked as a Project Coordinator for the New York State Department of Labor’s Intergovernmental Affairs Division. In his role as a Project Coordinator, he conducted legislative research on labor issues and served as a liaison between the Department and the New York State Legislature.

Before working at the Department of Labor, Michael worked as a Constituent Services intern in the Albany office of Congressman Paul Tonko. Prior to that, he worked in Washington D.C. as a Legislative Analysis intern for Williams & Jensen, a D.C. based lobbying firm.

Michael graduated from Hamilton College with a BA in Government with minors in Statistics and Hispanic Studies. He is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Government Affairs and Advocacy at Albany Law School.

Before joining Ostroff Associates, Max interned for U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (NY-20). In this role, he managed communications between constituents and Congressional staff, drafted official commendations, and performed research for outreach and grants programs in the district. 

Prior to his work in Congressman Tonko's office, he worked as a research intern at the Center for Law and Policy Solutions where he and colleagues published and presented findings on Universal Pre-K policies across the country. 

Max graduated from State University of New York at Albany with a BA in political science with a concentration in American politics and a minor in economics. 

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Patti joined Ostroff Associates in 2009 bringing over 20years of experience supporting executive level management.

Prior to joining the firm, she worked for KeyBank, where she provided professional administrative support to senior executives. Her vast responsibilities at Ostroff Associates include overseeing the daily operations of the firm, including contract administration, invoicing, human resources, benefits management, and maintenance of the overall building.

Josie Huba joined Ostroff Associates in 2023 with over 20 years’ experience as a professional Executive Assistant.

Prior to joining the firm, Josie served as Executive Assistant in a number of New York State government offices, including the State Senate and Assembly. She has also worked at a top government affairs firm where she assisted clients and lobbyists on a wide range of legislative issues. She is experienced in bill tracking, analyzing legislation, and preparing memorandums on diverse areas of public policy.

In her private life, Josie enjoys spending time with her significant other, Steve, three adult children – Kayla, Karleigh and Branden -and her two grandchildren – Shane and Maelena.

Maddy has served as an Executive Assistant for over 30years.

Before joining Ostroff Associates, Maddy worked at Shenker Russo & Clark and Wilson Elser as an Executive Assistant to multiple attorneys and lobbyists. Maddy also previously worked at Community Health Plan where she served in several departments including Medical Records, Behavioral Health, Quality Assurance, Communications, and Administration.

Maddy is active volunteer in Albany County’s Adopt-a-Family program, and enjoys cooking, crafting and spending time with her large family. She is a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School.

Antonette Lewis joined Ostroff Associates in November 2020with a background in sales, hospitality and most recently, state and local government. She is an effective and dedicated self-starter with a strong work ethic and a drive to continuously learn and advance.

Before joining the firm, Antonette worked as an Administrative Assistant for the New York State Senate Majority Counsel where she was primarily responsible for providing administrative support for the Assistant Deputy Director and his team.

Collaborative working and team dynamics are second nature to her, having interacted with people of different skills, backgrounds, and disciplines throughout her professional and personal life.

Antonette offers her unique set of skills with respect to administrative development, team dynamics, decision making, and problem solving, while striving to make lasting and meaningful contributions to her organization.