November 15, 2025, marks my fourth anniversary as Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services and member of Governor Hochul’s cabinet. As I look back, I remain inspired by everyone on #TeamOGS and amazed at all we’ve done together.
New York has faced increasingly complex challenges, as well as some of the most unprecedented emergencies that many of us have seen in our lifetimes. With the launch of our five-year Strategic Plan, OGS put forth a bold series of initiatives to address these challenges and improve government operations.
I am so proud of the progress set in motion, guided by our strategic plan, and what we’ve accomplished for our fellow New Yorkers. As we celebrate the 65th anniversary of OGS, I’m excited to highlight just a few of our achievements from the past four years.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are investing in our buildings and infrastructure so they can stand strong for future generations to enjoy. OGS is undertaking a once-in-a-lifetime rehabilitation of the New York State Capitol’s iconic Eastern Approach, and together with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we recently completed the 32-mile multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail offering additional recreational opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors to our great state. OGS is also maintaining and constructing vital state assets such as the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Field Maintenance Shop in Troy, and a warehouse on Green Island that consolidated four of our Capital Region warehouses into one that stores and distributes state inventory.
We are making our government work better for New Yorkers by incorporating data and sustainability into our operations. Whether it’s through our decarbonization of the Empire State Plaza and other large complexes managed by OGS or guiding the state’s transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2040, we are making sure state government is leading by example in its resiliency to climate change.
OGS is also making it easier to work with the state and seek out government services and programs. We founded the Office of Language Access, solidifying New York’s position as a national leader in removing language as a barrier to accessing government support. We also brought GOVBUY back to the Empire State Plaza and launched an online vendor feedback system. These platforms enable contract users to better leverage our public procurement offerings and share their experiences working with suppliers.
When it comes to energizing and revitalizing our spaces, such as the Empire State Plaza, OGS expanded its cultural programming to reflect our state’s diversity by adding Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Pride celebrations. To make the Plaza more inviting and welcoming, we are leading the “Reconnect the Empire State Plaza” project, as part of Governor Hochul’s $400-million Championing Albany’s Potential initiative.
It has been an honor of a lifetime to lead this agency, which continues to move with the times and address the pressing needs of our state and those we serve. It is with deep gratitude to Governor Hochul, our customers, and all 2,000+ OGS employees that I look forward to next year and beyond, no matter the challenge.
