Hochul appoints Blake G. Washington as budget director

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the appointment of Blake G. Washington as New York state budget director. Washington will begin his tenure this summer.

“During this critical period for our state's future, I’m looking forward to having Blake Washington on my team as we work to craft another budget that serves the needs of all New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “With years of public service and a deep knowledge of the budget process, Blake is the perfect leader to take the helm at the Division of the Budget. I’m grateful to my friend Bob Megna for his extraordinary work and sage advice this year, and look forward to seeing his continued leadership at the Rockefeller Institute of Government.”

Washington currently serves as secretary to the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee, where he advises the speaker and Assembly members on all budget and fiscal matters. Washington has worked for the Assembly Ways and Means Committee since 2002, previously serving as director of budget studies, deputy director of budget studies and as a legislative budget analyst.

Washington began his career as a probation officer with the Sullivan County Probation Department and earned both his master's and bachelor's degrees from UAlbany. He lives in the Capital Region with his wife and daughter.