State of New York - Empire State Development Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

State of New York - Empire State Development has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and convention center development.

Driven by innovation, State of New York - Empire State Development focuses on advancing New York's economy through strategic investments in technology and life sciences, fostering job creation and economic growth across the state.

Leadership Roles at State of New York - Empire State Development

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Howard Zemsky
  • Chief Operating Officer & Executive & Deputy Commissioner - Kevin Younis
  • President, Convention Center Development Corporate - Rebecca Pellegrini
  • Chief of Staff - Noah Rayman
  • Howard Zemsky - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Howard Zemsky, the President & Chief Executive Officer at State of New York - Empire State Development, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization. Zemsky guides the company's investment focus on information technology, life sciences, and clean energy sectors, aligning these initiatives with the broader economic development goals of New York. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with emerging technology companies and ensuring capital is deployed effectively to stimulate innovation and job growth. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees all departmental functions, ensuring cohesive strategy implementation across the organization. By driving strategic vision, Howard Zemsky ensures State of New York - Empire State Development remains at the forefront of economic advancement, supporting the state's competitive position in key technological and scientific fields.

    Kevin Younis - Chief Operating Officer & Executive & Deputy Commissioner

    Kevin Younis, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive & Deputy Commissioner at State of New York - Empire State Development, oversees the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the effective implementation of the company's economic development programs. Younis manages the operational infrastructure supporting investments in information technology, life sciences, and clean energy, driving efficiency and scalability across all initiatives. This role involves optimizing resource allocation and enhancing operational processes to maximize the impact of venture capital and private equity investments. The Chief Operating Officer & Executive & Deputy Commissioner works closely with other executives to align operational strategies with the company's mission of fostering technological advancement and job creation. By directing operational excellence, Kevin Younis ensures State of New York - Empire State Development effectively supports the growth of key industries throughout New York.

    Rebecca Pellegrini - President, Convention Center Development Corporate

    Rebecca Pellegrini, the President, Convention Center Development Corporate at State of New York - Empire State Development, leads the strategic development and execution of major convention center projects. Pellegrini directs all aspects of these large-scale initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company's broader economic development objectives and New York's growth strategy. This leadership position involves managing complex project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relations to deliver state-of-the-art facilities. The President, Convention Center Development Corporate oversees the planning, financing, and construction phases, driving forward projects that enhance New York's capacity for large-scale events and tourism. By spearheading these critical developments, Rebecca Pellegrini significantly contributes to the state's infrastructure and economic vitality, attracting business and fostering job opportunities.

    Noah Rayman - Chief of Staff

    Noah Rayman, the Chief of Staff at State of New York - Empire State Development, manages critical internal operations and strategic initiatives supporting the executive leadership. Rayman ensures seamless coordination between different departments, facilitating the efficient execution of the company's investment strategies in information technology, life sciences, and clean energy. This position involves streamlining communication channels and optimizing workflow processes to enhance organizational effectiveness. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in translating high-level objectives into actionable plans, closely collaborating with the President & Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders. By maintaining operational integrity and driving key projects, Noah Rayman directly contributes to the successful deployment of capital and the achievement of economic development targets across New York.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding State of New York - Empire State Development Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads State of New York - Empire State Development?
    State of New York - Empire State Development is led by Howard Zemsky (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kevin Younis (Chief Operating Officer & Executive & Deputy Commissioner) and Rebecca Pellegrini (President, Convention Center Development Corporate).
    Who is part of State of New York - Empire State Development’s executive team?
    The executive team of State of New York - Empire State Development includes leaders such as Howard Zemsky (President & Chief Executive Officer), Kevin Younis (Chief Operating Officer & Executive & Deputy Commissioner), Rebecca Pellegrini (President, Convention Center Development Corporate) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does State of New York - Empire State Development have?
    State of New York - Empire State Development has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in State of New York - Empire State Development’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of State of New York - Empire State Development includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Executive & Deputy Commissioner, President, Convention Center Development Corporate, Chief of Staff.