Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new administration appointments.
"I am proud to welcome these exceptional public servants to my Administration - a group of individuals who are talented, highly-qualified and reflect the diversity that makes New York State strong," Governor Hochul said. "I'm confident these individuals will have an extraordinary impact on our work to make New York State more affordable, more livable and safer."
Maria Fernandez has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Education. Most recently, Maria served as an Advisory Consultant for Employment Practices Solutions and is an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School in their L.L.M. Compliance Program. Prior to that role, she was Vice President, Head of Ethics and Compliance for Direct Energy. Maria also worked at International Business Machines (IBM) for 20+ years in various legal and compliance leadership positions. Maria received her Bachelor's in Psychology from Lehman College, City University of New York, and her Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law School. She is admitted to the bars of the States of New York and California and also the United States Supreme Court.
Bonnie Lockwood has been appointed Regional Director of Western New York. Bonnie returns to public service from a two-year retirement, after most recently serving as Special Projects Director for Representative Brian Higgins. Prior to joining the Representative's staff, Bonnie served in multiple capacities with the City of Buffalo including as South District Councilmember, Federal/State Funding Coordinator for Strategic Planning and Housing and Neighborhood Specialist in the Office of Community Development. Bonnie has also worked to support her community by serving as a board member for the Buffalo Science Museum and Goodwill Industries as well as memberships with Gerard Place, the Homeless Alliance of Western New York and South Buffalo Community Table Get Together. Bonnie earned a Bachelor's from Medaille College and an Associate of Applied Science from Trocaire College.
Albert Pulido has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Finance and Technology. Previously, Albert served as the Director of Citywide Operations for the New York City Mayor's Office, where he was responsible for overseeing the City's technology portfolio, as well as overseeing citywide payroll, records management, procurement, and real estate operations. He oversaw the implementation of numerous initiatives aimed at modernizing the City's technical infrastructure and expanding access to high-speed internet. Albert holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Cornell University and a Master's degree in Fiction Writing from the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa. He is a first generation Peruvian-American and the proud father of two boys.
Elizabeth Rule has been appointed Deputy Secretary for First Nations. Elizabeth is an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and an Assistant Professor specializing in Native American Studies at American University. Prior to joining American University, Elizabeth directed George Washington University's Center for Indigenous Politics and Policy. She received her Bachelor's from Yale University, and her Master's and PhD from Brown University.
Angel Vasquez has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs. Most recently, Angel served as Deputy Political Director and Senior Policy Advisor at the United Federation of Teachers. Prior to that role, he served as the Chief of Staff to New York State Senator Marisol Alcantara and as an Education Policy Analyst for the New York State Senate Majority Conference. Angel earned his Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and a Master's of Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.