Peter Drao
Milton,FL
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive experience at the New York State Senate Finance Committee, specializing in legislative analysis and budget negotiation. Instrumental in negotiating Workers’ Compensation Reform, resulting in over $400 million in cost savings. Demonstrates a strong ability to deliver strategic policy advice while maintaining effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Career aspirations include leveraging expertise to influence impactful policy at a broader level.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Secretary
New York State Senate Finance Committee
01.2019 - Current
- Responsible for briefing State Senators on all legislation reporting from the Senate Standing Committees on Labor and Civil Service
- Provide policy advice to State Senators and maintain ongoing communication with stakeholders
- Other responsibilities included the management and coordination of legislation referred to, and reporting from the Senate Finance Committee.
- Also responsible for overseeing the grant management process for the Republican Conference
Director of Budget Studies
NYS Senate Finance Committee
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Assisted in the overall direction and administration of the Finance Committee
- Responsible for overseeing budget negotiations and budget briefings for the following portfolios: Gaming, General Government, Health, Human Services, Insurance, Labor, Local Government, Mental Hygiene, Transportation
- Negotiated Workers’ Compensation Reform that reduced systemic costs by more than $400 million and resulted in a 4.5 percent reduction in premiums, effective April 1, 2017
- Also responsible for overseeing the development of the New York State Senate One House Budget Financial Plan, this involved providing policy advice to the Majority Leader, individual Senators and the Conference
- Responsible for 12 direct reports
Principal Analyst
New York State Senate Finance Committee
01.2011 - 12.2016
- Provided policy advice to the Secretary and State Senators on fiscal and policy matters related to labor, health insurance, local government, the Executive Department, the State Financial Plan, pensions, workers’ compensation and workforce development
- Conducted budget briefings on the same
- Served as the designated Senate staff liaison to the Legislative Audit Committee and as the Secretary’s staff liaison to the New York State Deferred Compensation Board, which had approximately $19 billion in assets
Legislative Director
Senator Martin J. Golden
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Responsible for implementing the legislative agenda of a State Senator, including drafting and negotiating legislation related to economic development, work force training and public protection
- Drafted legislation to privatize New York City Off Track Betting (OTB)
Senior Analyst
New York State Senate Finance Committee
01.2005 - 03.2009
- Areas of responsibility included coordinating the New York State Financial Plan, which was used to support the position of the Senate Republican Conference;
- Using financial models to develop and periodically refine a biannual forecast of Medicaid expenditures;
- And providing policy advice regarding health insurance and long-term care related issues
Analyst
New York State Senate Finance Committee
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Areas of responsibility included serving as an analyst on the health team and providing primary coverage for a number of agencies including homeland security, labor and state office for the aging
- Identified more than $2 billion in additional funds available to the state by revaluing stock accrued to New York from the Empire Blue Cross / Blue Shield conversion from a not-for-profit to a for-profit company
- Also conducted research on economic development initiatives to align venture capital funds with New York based growth oriented small to mid-sized businesses
Consultant
Strategic Advertising Service
02.2001 - 12.2002
- Worked with the former CEO of Preference Technologies
- Responsibilities included providing consulting services to Internet casinos in regard to marketing, customer retention, business plan development, strategic planning and capitalization
Executive Vice President and Director of Operations
Preference Technologies
12.1998 - 02.2001
- Served on Senior Product Committee with the President, Director of Product, Director of Marketing, and Director of Engineering
- Organized and deployed the assets that were purchased from a private company prior to going public by reverse merger in February 1999
- Researched and wrote the company business plan, which was incorporated into a Private Placement Memorandum used to raise seven million dollars
- Supervised five to seven direct reports and 35 indirect reports
- Developed performance management plans and wrote reviews for direct reports
- Oversaw the following departments: facilities, human resources, fulfillment and administrative services
Unit Manager
Household Credit Services (HSBC)
10.1995 - 02.1998
- Unit Manager responsible for leading the team tasked with running three Davox dialers that delivered calls to 300 collectors
- Wrote performance reviews, made hiring decisions and allocated raises
- Previous role was as a supervisor responsible for 11 call center employees tasked with analyzing private label credit applications and making lending decisions of up to $20,000
- Completed Household Credit Services Leadership 2000 Program in December 1997
Education
Master of Accounting - Professional Accountancy
University of Albany
12.1999
Master of Public Administration -
University of Albany, Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy
12.1993
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
SUNY Plattsburgh
05.1990
Skills
- Legislative Analysis
- Policy Advice & Development
- Strategic Grant Administration
- Skilled in Budget Negotiation
- Effective Stakeholder Communication
- Financial Analysis Reporting
Affiliations
- Amateur writer of science fiction
- Supporter and advocate for veterans issues, motorcycles and the shooting sports
- Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast
Accomplishments
- Candidate for Town Council for the Town of New Scotland, NY in 2021 and 2023
Certification
- Certified Public Accountant, North Dakota (Certificate #5189)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Deputy Secretary
New York State Senate Finance Committee
01.2019 - Current
Director of Budget Studies
NYS Senate Finance Committee
01.2017 - 01.2019
Principal Analyst
New York State Senate Finance Committee
01.2011 - 12.2016
Legislative Director
Senator Martin J. Golden
01.2010 - 12.2010
Senior Analyst
New York State Senate Finance Committee
01.2005 - 03.2009
Analyst
New York State Senate Finance Committee
01.2003 - 01.2005
Consultant
Strategic Advertising Service
02.2001 - 12.2002
Executive Vice President and Director of Operations
Preference Technologies
12.1998 - 02.2001
Unit Manager
Household Credit Services (HSBC)
10.1995 - 02.1998
Master of Accounting - Professional Accountancy
University of Albany
Master of Public Administration -
University of Albany, Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
SUNY Plattsburgh
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