USLege · Best in Government Affairs · New York
New York · 2026
Association Advocates of the Year
7 New York honorees named Association Advocates of the Year in 2026, selected by their peers.
Recognizes someone who leads government affairs for a trade, professional, or statewide business association and does it with clarity, credibility, and results.
The 2026 honorees are selected and listed below. Nominations closed on June 26, 2026, and every honoree was chosen entirely by peer nomination and advisory board review. There is never a cost to nominate or be featured.
The Honor
What every winner receives.
A feature profile on the 2026 Best in Government Affairs webpage
A custom award badge and digital toolkit to share the win
Exclusive promotion to the USLege network of 12,000+ policy professionals and media partners
Notification as part of a public recognition campaign, with selections based on the strength and volume of nominations
2026 Honorees
The 2026 Association Advocates of the Year.
These are the 7 New York honorees named Association Advocates of the Year in the 2026 USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards. Select any honoree to read their full profile, or see the full 47-honoree slate.
Catherine Chen
Chief Executive Officer Asian American Federation
Kei Williams
Executive Director NEW Pride Agenda
Matt Nelligan
President & CEO, Syndicate Strategies (association manager for New Yorkers for Affordable Energy) New Yorkers for Affordable Energy (NYAE)
Jessica Klos Shapiro
Senior Director of Policy and Community Education Early Care & Learning Council
Ashley Stuart
Vice President of Government Affairs New York Health Plan Association
Caroline Bobick
Deputy Director of Governmental and External Relations New York State School Boards AssociationQuestions
About Association Advocates of the Year in New York.
Who are the top association leaders in New York?
The 2026 New York Association Advocates of the Year honorees are listed on this page, chosen through peer nomination and reviewed by the New York advisory board. Select any honoree to read their profile.
When are the 2026 New York Association Advocates of the Year honorees recognized?
The 2026 honorees are selected and published on this page. Nominations closed on June 26, 2026, and every honoree is recognized on stage at Lark Hall in Albany on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
How are winners selected?
Winners are chosen entirely through peer nominations. Final selections are based on the strength and volume of nominations received. There is no cost to nominate or be featured.
Every Category
Explore the other New York categories.
The 2026 USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards will recognize New York honorees across eight categories.