ALBANY, NY, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) — Great work in government affairs usually happens behind the scenes. Not this time. Capitol Confidential Pro, powered by USLege and supported by Times Union, today announced the 46 winners of the 2026 Best in Government Affairs Awards for New York — standout professionals shaping policy across the Empire State, honored across seven categories and selected entirely by their peers.
The inaugural New York program is peer-nominated and reviewed by an advisory board of respected New York leaders. Nominations were submitted by peers across the state — colleagues, clients, and counterparts who see this work up close — and the strongest nominations pointed to specific impact: bills moved, coalitions built, crises navigated, and careers that have shaped how New York works. From veterans whose names are synonymous with Albany excellence to early-career operators already three steps ahead, the honorees reflect the full spectrum of government affairs talent in New York.
The recognition landed with the honorees. “I am so excited and honored to be a part of USLege’s inaugural class for these awards,” said one 2026 winner. “I’m thrilled about this, and knowing it came from peers means a lot,” said another.
Winners were selected following an open, no-cost nomination period and review by the 2026 New York advisory board: Kenneth Zebrowski (Brown & Weinraub), Lisa Hofflich (Bolton-St. Johns), David Carlucci (Carlucci Consulting), and observed by Brendan Lyons (Times Union). There was no cost to nominate or to be featured — this is peer recognition, not pay-to-play.
The 2026 honorees will be celebrated in person at Lark Hall in Albany this September, where each winner will be recognized on stage among peers, colleagues, and New York’s government affairs community. In keeping with the spirit of public service the awards honor, the evening will also give back: Capitol Confidential Pro, Powered by USLege, will match guest donations to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, turning the celebration into direct support for New Yorkers facing hunger.
The 2026 Best in Government Affairs — New York Honorees
Association Advocates of the Year
- Therese Daly, United Way of New York State
- Catherine Chen, Asian American Federation of New York
- Kei Williams, New Pride Agenda
- Matt Nelligan, New Yorkers for Affordable Energy
- Jessica Klos Shapiro, Early Care and Learning Council
- Ashley Stuart, New York Health Plan Association
- Caroline Bobick, NYS School Boards Association
Longtime Legends in Government Affairs
- Perry Ochacher, Willett Public Affairs
- Bill Ferris, AARP New York
- Rick Ostroff, Ostroff Associates
- Christine Rutigliano, Roffe Group
- Robert Megna, Rockefeller Institute of Government
- Patricia Reilly, Patricia Reilly Consulting
- Ross Frommer, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year
- Katie Hohman, Plummer, Wigger & Hohman
- Cheryl Kraus, Farrell Fritz
- Emily Whalen, Brown & Weinraub
- Joshua Oppenheimer, Greenberg Traurig
- Karin Spencer, Spencer Strategic Solutions
- Jay Holland, Statewide Public Affairs
- Evan Sullivan, Ostroff Associates
Powerhouse Lobbyists of the Year
- Carol Ann Lemon, Malkin & Ross
- Diana Ostroff, Ostroff Associates
- Jessica Schafroth, Malkin & Ross
- Jack O’Donnell, O’Donnell & Associates
- Evan Stavisky, The Parkside Group
- Alyssa Lovelace, Hill, Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth
- Vincent Rossetti, Rossetti Government Relations
Rising Stars of the Year
- Caiti Anderson, Harter Secrest & Emery
- Laura Manley Ladopoulos, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
- Jerry Hyppolite, Housing Solutions of NY
- Hunter Petro, Carlucci Consulting
- Sam Hartstein, Kol Yisroel
- Jasmine Wali, Elevating Action for Family Justice Fund
Strategic Communicators of the Year
- Adam Morey, J Strategies
- Nick Berkowitz, Open New York
- Joe Bonilla, Relentless Awareness
- Geoff Redick, Freelance
- Jaden Jules, DoorDash
Top Staffers of the Year
- Alana Sivin, New York State Assembly Speaker’s Office
- Godfre Bayalama, NYS Department of Financial Services
- Evan Schneider, Office of Senator Jamaal Bailey
- Mark Kissinger, Office of Assemblymember Amy Paulin
- Mary-Anne Dandles, New York State Assembly
- Darci Lindgren, Office of Assemblymember Charles Lavine
- Shalyn Ranellone, Office of Assemblymember John T. McDonald III
About USLege
USLege is an AI-powered legislative tracking platform transforming how government affairs professionals track, analyze, and act on policy at the local, state, and federal levels across the U.S. Built for the fragmented and fast-moving world of government relations, USLege unifies legislative CRM, live government video, and real-time bill tracking, powered by a customizable AI agent that delivers instant alerts, stakeholder-specific insights, and tailored content that matters.
About Capitol Confidential Pro
Capitol Confidential Pro is New York’s dedicated legislative intelligence service, powered by USLege’s AI-native platform and produced in partnership with the Times Union. Built for government affairs and policy professionals, it delivers faster, clearer visibility into the New York State Legislature — the bills, committees, hearings, and decisions shaping state policy — so the people who move New York can stay ahead of what matters.
About Best in Government Affairs Awards
The Best in Government Affairs Awards are a peer-nominated, peer-reviewed recognition program celebrating the professionals who shape state policy. Winners are put forward by their peers and selected through review by an advisory board of respected New York leaders. The program is free at every step — no cost to nominate, no cost to be featured, and no advertising or sponsorship dollars involved. It is peer recognition, not pay-to-play.
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SOURCE: USLege
