Blake Washington tapped to be NYS budget director

Blake Washington was appointed Thursday to be New York’s budget director.

Washington, 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, was chosen for the post by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

He has worked for the committee since 2002, previously serving as director of budget studies, deputy director of budget studies and as a legislative budget analyst.

Washington will start his new position 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 in a statement.

Washington began his career as a probation officer with Sullivan County and earned both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the State University of New York at Albany. He lives in the Capital region with his wife and daughter.

“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,” Hochul said.

In January, Robert Mujica Jr., the former state budget director, started work as the Puerto Rico Oversight Board’s executive director.

Robert Megna was named budget director to serve through the 2023 legislative session and help with the search for a permanent director.

“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,” Hochul said.