Where are they now?: Katy Wallace Vescio -- 2006-07 Legislative Fellow

1. When did you participate in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program or Senate Fellowship?

September 2006 – May 2007

2. Which Senate office were you placed in during your internship?

Senator George Maziarz

3. Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your internship office placement.

I worked on a variety of policy issue areas, most specifically environmental issues concerning the Great Lakes. Over the course of my Fellowship I organized three separate hearings, focused on informing lawmakers about economic, environmental, social and other concerns faced by Great Lakes communities, industries and ecosystems. Day to day duties included meeting with constituents, drafting legislation memoranda, attending session, and other policy and research related tasks. 

4. Where are you working now? Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your current place of employment.

I am currently the Deputy Director for Government Relations at the New York State Association of Counties. NYSAC represents, educates and advocates on behalf of the 62 counties in New York State. I work on legislative issues in the areas of environmental conservation, agriculture and farming, public safety, economic development, and energy. Each year I prepare NYSAC’s advocacy platform and serve as the main point of contact for legislative and other government advocacy work with the State Legislature and state agencies.

I also act as NYSAC’s liaison to the Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA) program and coordinate NYSAC's Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Farming. Additionally, I plan workshop sessions for NYSAC’s conferences and other educational forums for our members. 

5. What did you learn from participating in the New York State Senate internship programs that you have been able to carry over to your new position?

The Senate Fellowship was an invaluable step in understanding the state legislative process and learning firsthand the procedural nuances of our state government. I found the Fellowship experience an extremely useful way to begin my post-graduate career, to understand the important role of both legislative leaders and advocacy groups, and to gain a broader understanding of several major policy issues in New York State.