DSF: Tell us about yourself.
SC: I was born in Jersey City, NJ, grew up in Syracuse, NY, attended Catholic and public schools, including college, and now reside outside of Albany, NY working for the State of New York.
DSF: What made you go to Oswego State, and what was your major while there?
SC: I was a Political Science major at Oswego State. I chose Oswego after visiting the campus while I was in high school, and I thought the campus was amazing plus it was close enough to home, but also far enough away, which was perfect for me. Two years later, I applied there and was accepted. It would have been the only place I would have applied if it weren’t for my guidance counselor who advised me that I wasn’t allowed to do that, so I also applied and was accepted at SUNY – Cortland. But, my heart was at Oswego.
DSF: Tell us about your Delta Sig experience and what made you join the Theta Kappa Chapter?
SC: My sophomore year, a buddy of mine (who is also now a brother) mentioned Delta Sigma Phi was having a get-together at the house, so we went. We hit it off right away with the brothers. By the end of the night, we had decided that we were going to do it, and we managed to get another friend of ours to pledge and join the Fraternity. Everyone was great and I think we all had a great time.
DSF: Tell us about your experience in attending the Delta Sigma Phi Leadership Institute.
SC: The LI was the first time I had the chance to meet brothers from other chapters. It was amazing! The program was phenomenal; I learned a lot and really enjoyed myself, very glad I was able to do it.
DSF: Tell us about your career thus far.
SC: I am currently a Spokesperson for New York State Governor George E. Pataki. As a spokesperson, I manage a portfolio of issue areas that range from transportation, military, and gaming to economic development, Indian affairs, and homeland security.
I began my career in government by working in the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform as a Policy Analyst. I was a member of the Development Team which focused on improving the State’s business climate by reducing the burdensome regulations that hampered New York’s economic growth.
Later that year, I joined the Executive Chamber, where I served as one of Governor Pataki’s Advance Coordinators. In that capacity, I was responsible for on-the-ground communications, coordinating the Governor’s press events, and working with Federal, State, and local elected officials and dignitaries.
In 2003 I went on to work in the Governor’s Appointment’s Office where I was responsible for reviewing candidates for appointment by the Governor and served as the Governor’s representative in the Senate confirmation process for nominated candidates.
I joined the staff of the Republican National Convention in New York City in 2004, as the Deputy Director for Dignitary Transportation. In that role, I helped plan and establish a comprehensive transportation plan that supported the transport of members of the White House, Congress, U.S. Governors, the entertainment industry, and other high profile convention attendees. I then went on President George W. Bush’s successful re-election campaign. After the election, I rejoined the Governor’s staff as the Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs, where I was responsible for monitoring significant legislation under consideration and interacting with State legislators and other organizations in support of the Governor’s initiatives.
DSF: Tell us about your current position as a spokesperson for Governor Pataki. What is a typical day like?
SC: I manage a portfolio of issue areas that range from transportation, military, and gaming to economic development, Indian affairs, and homeland security. My responsibilities also include supervising and assisting my team of public information officers throughout the state with coordinating the Administration’s message on a variety of topics. In addition, my duties include handling press calls, preparing events and briefings for the Governor, and accompany him as traveling Press Secretary at press conferences around the State.
DSF: How difficult is it to balance the needs of New York City with the needs of the rest of the state?
SC: New York City, like the entire state of New York is a very unique and extremely diverse place. The diversity in the State is what makes it a great place to live and also a challenging place to govern, there are important issues in facing every area of
New York, and we work with State and local officials to effectively address them.
DSF: What are your goals for the future?
SC: It has been an enduring goal of mine to become the Mayor of my hometown of Syracuse, NY. There is a lot that is lacking there currently, and I figure it is better to do something rather than just talking about it.
DSF: What was one thing you learned in your Fraternity experience that you have
utilized the most in your post-graduate days?
SC: Organization. I didn’t realize it at the time, but through our efforts supporting charities and events on campus, fundraising, and building partnerships, we were essentially learning the basics of how to run and function in a business/organization. We ran a successful organization and obtained skills important to success after college.
DSF: Is there any advice you’d give to undergraduates to be successful?
SC: It will go quick, so live safely but have no regrets. If you are involved on campus and in the Fraternity, you will walk away with a richer experience than those who don’t take advantage of what their campus has to offer. Enjoy it while you’re there, because you can’t go back.
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