NYS Assembly Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

NYS Assembly has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, legislative strategy, and staff management.

Dedicated to progressive action and reform, NYS Assembly strives to enhance the lives of all New Yorkers through impactful legislative initiatives and public engagement, solidifying its role as the 'People's House'.

Leadership Roles at NYS Assembly

  • Chief of Staff - Ornela Beshiri
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Operations & Strategy - Jimmy Guity
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Nicole Wright
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative - Liam Dowd
  • Assembly Member Reyes' Chief of Staff - Justin Westbrook-Lowery
  • Ornela Beshiri - Chief of Staff

    Ornela Beshiri, the Chief of Staff at NYS Assembly, directs the administrative and operational functions critical to the legislative body's effectiveness. Beshiri oversees internal operations, ensuring seamless coordination between departments and supporting the Assembly's mission of progressive action and reform. This leadership role involves managing staff, optimizing workflows, and implementing strategies that align with the Assembly's commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers. By facilitating communication and resource allocation, Beshiri ensures that legislative initiatives, including budget proposals for education, housing, and utility relief, are executed efficiently. The Chief of Staff's purview extends to maintaining the operational integrity of the 'People's House,' enabling productive public hearings and sessions for discussing and passing vital legislation. Ornela Beshiri's strategic oversight is fundamental to the Assembly's capacity to serve its constituents and drive policy forward.

    Jimmy Guity - Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Operations & Strategy

    Jimmy Guity, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Operations & Strategy at NYS Assembly, spearheads critical operational enhancements and strategic planning initiatives. Guity focuses on refining the internal processes and frameworks that support the Assembly's legislative agenda, ensuring alignment with its goals of progressive action and reform. This role involves analyzing operational efficiency, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategic roadmaps to advance the Assembly's objectives. By managing key operational projects, Jimmy Guity contributes directly to the effective delivery of services and policies aimed at benefiting New York residents, such as those concerning education, housing, and utility relief. The strategic direction provided by Guity is essential for the Assembly's function as the 'People's House,' supporting its engagement in public hearings and legislative sessions. Jimmy Guity's dual focus on operations and strategy fortifies the Assembly's capacity to enact meaningful change.

    Nicole Wright - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Nicole Wright, the Deputy Chief of Staff at NYS Assembly, provides essential support and strategic direction across various operational facets of the legislative body. Wright collaborates closely with the Chief of Staff to ensure the smooth execution of the Assembly's mandate for progressive action and reform. This position involves managing cross-departmental initiatives, facilitating communication, and implementing policies designed to enhance the lives of New Yorkers. Nicole Wright's contributions are vital to the Assembly's efforts in areas such as budget proposals for education, housing, and utility relief, ensuring these critical programs are developed and implemented effectively. As a key figure within the 'People's House,' Wright supports the organization of public hearings and legislative sessions, fostering an environment conducive to productive policy discussions. The leadership provided by Nicole Wright is integral to the Assembly's ongoing commitment to public service and legislative advancement.

    Liam Dowd - Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative

    Liam Dowd, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative at NYS Assembly, drives the strategic direction and execution of legislative affairs. Dowd oversees the development and advancement of key legislation, ensuring alignment with the Assembly's commitment to progressive action and reform. This role involves close collaboration with Assembly Members and staff to craft policy proposals that address critical issues facing New York residents, including education, housing, and utility relief. Liam Dowd's expertise in legislative processes is crucial for navigating the complexities of policy-making and ensuring the successful passage of impactful bills. As Director, Legislative, Dowd plays a pivotal part in the Assembly's function as the 'People's House,' supporting its engagement in public hearings and sessions. The legislative guidance from Liam Dowd is fundamental to the Assembly's mission of improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

    Justin Westbrook-Lowery - Assembly Member Reyes' Chief of Staff

    Justin Westbrook-Lowery, the Assembly Member Reyes' Chief of Staff at NYS Assembly, manages the operational and strategic priorities for Assembly Member Reyes. Westbrook-Lowery ensures that the office functions efficiently, supporting Assembly Member Reyes' legislative agenda and constituent services. This role involves coordinating staff efforts, overseeing office operations, and facilitating communication between the Assembly Member, constituents, and other legislative bodies. Justin Westbrook-Lowery's work directly contributes to advancing policies that aim to improve the lives of New Yorkers, particularly in areas championed by Assembly Member Reyes. By providing dedicated leadership within a specific office, Westbrook-Lowery enhances the Assembly's capacity to address community needs and drive legislative progress. The focused management by Justin Westbrook-Lowery is essential for the effective representation and legislative impact of Assembly Member Reyes.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NYS Assembly Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NYS Assembly?
    NYS Assembly is led by Ornela Beshiri (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Jimmy Guity (Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Operations & Strategy) and Nicole Wright (Deputy Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of NYS Assembly’s executive team?
    The executive team of NYS Assembly includes leaders such as Ornela Beshiri (Chief of Staff), Jimmy Guity (Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Operations & Strategy), Nicole Wright (Deputy Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NYS Assembly have?
    NYS Assembly has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NYS Assembly’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NYS Assembly includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Operations & Strategy, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, Legislative, Assembly Member Reyes' Chief of Staff.