Rick Ostroff

Rick Ostroff has worked in New York State government, advocacy, and politics for more than 40 years. He founded Ostroff Associates in 1995, and under his leadership, the firm has grown into one of the most trusted government relations and advocacy firms in the state, consistently ranked among the state's top five lobbying firms. Ostroff has represented clients across economic development, real estate, financial services, entertainment, and tax policy, building and maintaining strong relationships across every branch of government. He has extensive experience navigating and resolving some of the most complex issues New York State has faced. Business and government leaders alike rely on his expertise, strategic insight, and ability to deliver results.

That relationship-driven approach was forged during his time with the administration of Governor Mario Cuomo. Nominators credit him with helping shape some of the state's most consequential outcomes since, including the creation of New York's film tax credit program and, pro bono, securing funding for cancer research benefiting 9/11 first responders. More recently, he has supported the development of the Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium, and as an Albany native and business owner in the city for more than 30 years, he has been a steady advocate for the CAP Initiative and the city's broader investment and revitalization.

Ostroff's recognition includes spots on City & State's Albany Power 100 and amNY and PoliticsNY's Power Players in Public Relations and Lobbying list; in 2025, he and COO Diana Ostroff were named to the Albany Business Review's Power 50 Duos list. He chaired the Board of Directors for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter for six years and currently serves on the UAlbany Athletics Board and supports Albany's South End Children's Café in its work on food security. "What has always distinguished Rick is his ability to bring people together," one nominator, a senior New York State official who has worked with him for more than 30 years, wrote. "Regardless of political affiliation, geographic region, or differing viewpoints, Rick earns trust because he listens, understands the issues, and focuses on finding solutions."