The StateWatch Team

Gilbert "Gil" Strizich - Legislative Coordinator / Capitol Reporter / Slave to the Traffic Light Gil joined StateWatch in the Summer of 2021. Most of his professional life has been spent in legal offices, bouncing between Paralegal and Legal Assistant positions. After becoming enamored with the functionality of StateWatch during earlier government work, he thought "why not work there?" He learned they were hiring. Things are working out... Gil earned his B.A. in International Relations from S.U.N.Y. Geneseo, and a Licenciatura from La Universidad de Las Américas-Puebla, through a dual-degree program. Currently, he is working towards an MPA at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, with a concentration on Public Economics and Finance. Gil enjoys playing music, writing, and occasionally pontificating to friends who will listen (crickets...). He also has a newfound hobby in antiquing. He regularly attends estate sale auctions looking for Mid- century modern pieces, and other unique designs. Cell: 518.238.8720 Email: gilbert.strizich@statewatch.com

Ryan "RJ" Navarro - Analytics Services Specialist / Capitol Reporter / Gamer Since 2018, Ryan has helped the StateWatch Team create and organize data. He has skimmed thousands of bills and familiarized himself with the complex legislative process. He also produces original content, reporting on both chambers. Each session, Ryan immerses himself in statutory references found in legislation. Data that used to take months to collect has been condensed into more manageable timeframes, thanks to Ryan. He credits this to countless hours behind a video game controller, which trained him to focus on a screen for hours on end without flinching. Ryan earned his B.A. in Public Policy and Management from the University at Albany. He concentrated in quantitative methods, incorporating knowledge from advanced statistical theories and math for economists. Recently, Ryan was also admitted to the M.P.A. program at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy. Cell: 518.522.9161 Email: rnavarro@statewatch.com

Shane King - Operations Manager / Capitol Reporter / Chief Stresser Shane began as an intern at StateWatch while working on his B.A. in English at the University at Albany. Shane has filled a number of different roles since joining StateWatch full-time in 2014, and is now an integral part of the Team's operations. During his time at StateWatch, Shane has developed a sound understanding of the legislative process and has extensive experience navigating the budget, from the Governor's introduction, across the jagged line of negotiations, to a three-way agreement. In his current role, Shane runs StateWatch's internship program, covers Senate and Assembly committee meetings and hearings, as well as Assembly session, and generally keeps the office in good working order. In his spare time, Shane resides and recreates at the northern end of Lake George. Cell: 518.796.9167 Email: shaneking@statewatch.com

Michael Poulopoulos - Director / Systems Guru / Capitol Reporter / Flak Jacket Mike joined StateWatch in 2005 as an intern. It was the last strech of the Pataki Administration. Since that time, he's helped shepherd the company through seemingly endless session nights, the last-minute rush of covering 3-way negotiations, summer sessions, sudden shifts in legislative and executive leadership, as well as shape product enhancements that benefit both the StateWatch Team and subscribers. And while he takes pride in his hard-won and thorough understanding of the legislative process and the personalized support he provides subscribers, the lesson he's most proud to showcase is that the company is nothing without a good team behind it. If Mike's not sending Email Alert updates at 2 a.m., or praying to finally hear the phrase "Sine Die" immediately followed by a gavel, it's because he's stealing time to be in the woods, running errands, or trying to make his growing family laugh. You can find two diplomas hanging in his office: a B.A. in English from Providence College, and an M.A. in English from the College of St. Rose. Cell: 518.301.3329 Email: mikep@statewatch.com