Tanisha S. Edwards
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience in high-stakes budget negotiations, managing complex litigation teams, and implementing governance reforms for New York's largest public institutions. Proven leader in securing multi-billion dollar budgets while enhancing fiscal transparency and advising C-suite executives and boards on critical risk, compliance, and investment strategies. Recognized as a trusted negotiator who cultivates disciplined systems that drive measurable financial success and impactful policy outcomes. Committed to fostering collaboration and innovation to achieve organizational excellence in challenging environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker
New York City Council
01.2022 - Current
- Negotiated NYC’s $115B+ annual budget, securing record $8.3B reserves and advancing investments in culture, rental assistance, sanitation, pay equity, and library services.
- Redesigned budget structure to enhance transparency and oversight.
- Developed fiscal monitoring systems and standards for a 40+ member Finance team, boosting efficiency.
- Drove initiatives expanding EITC and delivered a $150 property-tax rebate for eligible homeowners.
General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer
New York State Insurance Fund
09.2019 - 01.2022
- Led legal operations for NYSIF (150,000+ policyholders; $2.2B+ premiums; $20B+ assets).
- Directed high-exposure litigation and appellate strategy statewide.
- Managed and developed a 90+ attorney team across eight regions; implemented quality standards and case management.
- Advised CEO and Board on risk mitigation, compliance, and investment policy reforms.
Assistant Counsel, Taxation & Financial Services
Office of the Governor of New York
05.2016 - 09.2019
- Directed legal strategy for state taxation and financial agencies; advanced statutory/regulatory amendments to support fiscal priorities.
- Led audit response, FOIL operations, and governance reforms; counseled leadership on legal and fiscal impacts.
Chief Counsel, Finance Division
New York City Council
06.2006 - 05.2016
- Principal legal adviser on budget, taxation, procurement, and municipal finance for 51 Council Members.
- Drafted 300+ legislative measures; led fiscal hearings and analyses.
- Supervised cost-benefit and fiscal impact teams, enhancing legislative review and accountability.
Legislative Counsel
Office of the New York City Comptroller
09.2004 - 06.2006
- Analyzed municipal finance and claims legislation; drafted comments and testimony for the Comptroller.
- Acted as legislative liaison to City Council and stakeholders; coordinated audit responses and policy recommendations.
Education
J.D. -
Rutgers University School of Law
Newark, NJ01.2004
B.A. - Psychology
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY01.1999
Skills
- Municipal & State Budgeting
- Strategic Budget Negotiation
- Legal & Regulatory Strategy
- Complex Litigation Management
- Governance & Compliance
- Investment Policy & Risk Oversight
- Team Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement
Accomplishments
- Negotiated multi-billion-dollar municipal budgets and secured record reserves while advancing targeted program investments.
- Built legal and fiscal infrastructure to increase transparency, standardize oversight, and accelerate decision cycles.
- Led teams through litigation, risk mitigation, and governance reforms to strengthen compliance and investment outcomes.
Certification
Bar Admission: New York State (2005); U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker
New York City Council
01.2022 - Current
General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer
New York State Insurance Fund
09.2019 - 01.2022
Assistant Counsel, Taxation & Financial Services
Office of the Governor of New York
05.2016 - 09.2019
Chief Counsel, Finance Division
New York City Council
06.2006 - 05.2016
Legislative Counsel
Office of the New York City Comptroller
09.2004 - 06.2006
J.D. -
Rutgers University School of Law
B.A. - Psychology
Syracuse University