New York Senate Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

New York Senate has 9 executives leading key functions including legislative strategy, district operations, and administrative oversight.

Committed to public service, New York Senate advances legislative initiatives and policy development to improve the quality of life for residents across the state through rigorous governance and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at New York Senate

  • Chief of Staff - Steven Kosin
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Cheri Williams-Pugh
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kevin Knapp
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Liznel Aybar-Ventura
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & District Director - Victoria Doody
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Jacqueline Jenkins-Cox
  • Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Bill Weber - John Mulgrew
  • Senior Deputy Chief of Staff for NYS Senator James Sanders Junior - Elizabeth George
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Yamin Lau
  • Steven Kosin - Chief of Staff

    Steven Kosin, the Chief of Staff at New York Senate, directs high-level legislative operations and coordinates policy development across the organization. Managing the daily workflow of the office, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between legislative goals and constituent needs. This role involves supervising internal staff, facilitating communication with other government agencies, and managing complex political projects. By streamlining administrative processes, Kosin optimizes the efficiency of the legislative agenda. The Chief of Staff also monitors state-wide policy trends to provide actionable insights for the Senate leadership. Through careful resource allocation and strategic planning, Kosin maintains the operational integrity of the office. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with various stakeholders to advance the mission of the New York Senate. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the successful execution of legislative priorities while upholding the highest standards of public service and governmental accountability.

    Cheri Williams-Pugh - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Cheri Williams-Pugh, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York Senate, manages internal communications and oversees the implementation of legislative outreach programs. Focusing on the operational efficiency of the office, the Deputy Chief of Staff coordinates with various departments to ensure the timely delivery of public services. This role involves analyzing legislative data to support policy decisions and managing the flow of information between the Senate and the public. By fostering strong relationships with community leaders, Williams-Pugh enhances the visibility of the legislative agenda. The Deputy Chief of Staff also monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure compliance with state regulations. Through proactive problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the smooth functioning of the office. This leadership role supports the broader mission of the New York Senate by ensuring that all administrative tasks align with the strategic objectives of the organization.

    Kevin Knapp - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kevin Knapp, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York Senate, directs the development of legislative research and policy analysis to support the broader government mission. Overseeing the technical aspects of bill drafting and committee coordination, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all legislative proposals meet rigorous standards. This role involves collaborating with legal experts and policy advisors to refine the legislative agenda. By managing the research team, Knapp provides the necessary data to drive informed decision-making within the Senate. The Deputy Chief of Staff also monitors the impact of proposed legislation on state-wide operations. Through strategic oversight of the legislative process, Knapp facilitates the passage of critical bills. This leadership role requires deep knowledge of government procedures and a commitment to public policy excellence. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff strengthens the legislative capacity of the New York Senate through precise analysis and effective coordination.

    Liznel Aybar-Ventura - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Liznel Aybar-Ventura, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York Senate, manages external relations and coordinates public engagement strategies to support the legislative mission. Overseeing the interaction between the Senate and various advocacy groups, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that public concerns reach the appropriate legislative channels. This role involves organizing town halls and community forums to gather feedback on critical policy issues. By facilitating open dialogue, Aybar-Ventura builds trust between the government and the public. The Deputy Chief of Staff also monitors media coverage and public sentiment to adjust communication strategies accordingly. Through effective outreach, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the transparency of the legislative process. This leadership role requires strong interpersonal skills and a dedication to public service. Ultimately, Aybar-Ventura drives the community-focused initiatives of the New York Senate by ensuring that the voices of the public remain central to the legislative agenda.

    Victoria Doody - Deputy Chief of Staff & District Director

    Victoria Doody, the Deputy Chief of Staff & District Director at New York Senate, oversees regional operations and manages the delivery of constituent services across the district. Directing the local office staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff & District Director ensures that residents receive timely assistance with government-related issues. This role involves coordinating with local agencies to resolve complex constituent problems and managing the district-level budget. By maintaining a strong presence in the community, Doody identifies emerging needs and communicates these priorities to the Senate leadership. The Deputy Chief of Staff & District Director also monitors the effectiveness of local programs to ensure they meet the needs of the population. Through proactive management of district resources, Doody supports the overall mission of the New York Senate. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of local dynamics and a commitment to responsive governance that directly impacts the lives of the constituents.

    Jacqueline Jenkins-Cox - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Jacqueline Jenkins-Cox, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York Senate, directs the administrative operations and human resources functions to support the legislative staff. Overseeing the recruitment, training, and retention of personnel, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the office maintains a high-performing team. This role involves managing internal policies and procedures to promote a productive work environment. By streamlining administrative workflows, Jenkins-Cox increases the overall efficiency of the Senate office. The Deputy Chief of Staff also monitors compliance with state labor laws and organizational standards. Through strategic management of human capital, Jenkins-Cox ensures that the office has the necessary talent to execute the legislative agenda. This leadership role requires a focus on organizational development and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the mission of the New York Senate by providing the foundational support necessary for successful governance.

    John Mulgrew - Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Bill Weber

    John Mulgrew, the Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Bill Weber at New York Senate, directs the legislative and political strategy for the office of Senator Weber. Overseeing the development of policy initiatives, the Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Bill Weber ensures that the Senator's priorities align with the needs of the district. This role involves managing the legislative calendar, coordinating with committee staff, and preparing the Senator for floor debates. By analyzing the impact of proposed legislation, Mulgrew provides the strategic guidance necessary for effective representation. The Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Bill Weber also monitors the political landscape to identify opportunities for legislative advancement. Through careful coordination of the Senator's agenda, Mulgrew ensures that the office remains responsive to constituent concerns. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the legislative process and a commitment to advancing the specific goals of the Senator within the New York Senate.

    Elizabeth George - Senior Deputy Chief of Staff for NYS Senator James Sanders Junior

    Elizabeth George, the Senior Deputy Chief of Staff for NYS Senator James Sanders Junior at New York Senate, manages the complex legislative portfolio and strategic operations for the office of Senator Sanders. Overseeing the policy research team, the Senior Deputy Chief of Staff for NYS Senator James Sanders Junior ensures that all legislative proposals are thoroughly vetted and aligned with the Senator's long-term goals. This role involves coordinating with external stakeholders and other legislative offices to build support for key initiatives. By managing the flow of information and prioritizing legislative tasks, George ensures that the office operates at peak efficiency. The Senior Deputy Chief of Staff for NYS Senator James Sanders Junior also monitors the progress of bills through the committee process. Through strategic oversight, George facilitates the successful passage of legislation that benefits the district. This leadership role requires a high level of expertise in government affairs and a dedication to the mission of the New York Senate.

    Yamin Lau - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Yamin Lau, the Deputy Chief of Staff at New York Senate, directs the fiscal oversight and budget management functions to ensure the responsible use of public funds. Overseeing the financial planning process, the Deputy Chief of Staff monitors expenditures and ensures compliance with state budgetary guidelines. This role involves analyzing the fiscal impact of proposed legislation and providing recommendations to the Senate leadership. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Lau ensures that the office operates within its allocated resources. The Deputy Chief of Staff also coordinates with the finance department to prepare accurate reports for legislative review. Through strategic management of the budget, Lau supports the long-term sustainability of the office's operations. This leadership role requires a strong background in financial analysis and a commitment to fiscal transparency. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff strengthens the operational foundation of the New York Senate by ensuring that all financial activities support the core mission of the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New York Senate Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads New York Senate?
    New York Senate is led by Steven Kosin (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Cheri Williams-Pugh (Deputy Chief of Staff) and Kevin Knapp (Deputy Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of New York Senate’s executive team?
    The executive team of New York Senate includes leaders such as Steven Kosin (Chief of Staff), Cheri Williams-Pugh (Deputy Chief of Staff), Kevin Knapp (Deputy Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does New York Senate have?
    New York Senate has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in New York Senate’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of New York Senate includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff & District Director.