Video State Budget

Conversation with NYS Director of Operations and Infrastructure Kathryn Garcia

A CBC Event

May 03, 2023

Kathryn Garcia serves as Director of State Operations and Infrastructure, where she oversees over 70 state agencies and authorities, including the MTA and Port Authority. 

Kathryn has over 14 years of government experience delivering services that New Yorkers rely on every day. Previously, she served as the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Sanitation, where she led its 9,700 uniformed and civilian employees through nearly 15 feet of snow, expanded environmental programs from e-waste collection to the largest curbside organics program, and implemented innovative technology solutions to manage both its personnel and fleet. At the same time, she served as the City's Lead Czar, developing a plan to eliminate childhood elevated blood lead levels. During the winter of 2019, she also stepped in as the interim Chair of the New York City Housing Authority.

During the pandemic, Kathryn Garcia served as the COVID-19 Food Czar, delivering over 1 million meals a day to hungry New Yorkers. Previously, she served as Chief Operating Officer at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, where she was responsible for the operation of the City's water supply, water and sewer system, wastewater treatment plants, and served as Incident Commander during Hurricane Sandy.

She earned her B.A. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.