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SUNY Government Relations

The State University of New York (SUNY) is the nation's largest comprehensive system of public higher education with 64 campuses, including research universities, 30 community colleges, three teaching hospitals, liberal arts colleges, colleges of technology, a law school, music and dance conservatories, museums and galleries, and a partnership with a federal laboratory. The SUNY Office of Government Relations serves as the leading voice for advocacy on behalf of our campus communities at the federal, state, and local level. Our office is responsible for the formulation of SUNY's legislative program, budget strategies, and policy issue development.

On the state level, we are deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and the New York State Legislature for their unwavering support of SUNY's mission which, in recent years, has resulted in historic state investment across all SUNY campuses.

On the federal level, we are grateful for our champions in New York's congressional delegation who work diligently to ensure the priorities of SUNY's students, faculty, and staff are represented.

Meet the Staff

Will Schwartz headshot
Will Schwartz
Vice Chancellor for Government Relations
Email Will

Maria Volpe-McDermott headshot
Maria Volpe-McDermott 
Director of Government Relations
Email Maria

Whitney Riggs headshot
Whitney Riggs
Director of Federal Relations
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sydney renwick
Sydney Renwick
Assistant Director of Government Relations
Email Sydney

Julie Harris headshot
Julie Harris
Project Manager and Special Assistant
Email Julie

Emily Van De Loo headshot
Emily Van De Loo
Government Relations Specialist
Email Emily

Abigale Fink headshot 2024
Abigale Fink
Executive Assistant
Email Abigale

The Office of Government Relations proudly advances the priorities of the State University of New York, guided by the four pillars established by Chancellor John B. King Jr. and the SUNY Board of Trustees: student success; research and scholarship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and economic development and upward mobility.

SUNY Chancellor King speaks at the New York State capitol with Governor Hochul and members of the SUNY government relations team.

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