11 Facts About Melissa DeRosa

Melissa DeRosa served as Secretary to the former Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, from 2017 until 2021.

Melissa DeRosa is the daughter of Giorgio DeRosa, a lobbyist who is a senior partner at Bolton-St Johns, an Albany-based lobbying firm.

Melissa DeRosa then attended Cornell University, graduating in 2004 from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Melissa DeRosa then worked as a lobbyist for Bolton-St Johns.

In 2011, Melissa DeRosa became Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

In 2020, Melissa DeRosa was appointed to serve on the transition committee to then President-Elect Joe Biden, serving as senior advisor to Steve Ricchetti, the White House's incoming counselor and helping to assist the incoming administration's COVID response.

In 2017, Melissa DeRosa was promoted to Secretary to the Governor of New York, and became Cuomo's top aide and one of his closest advisers.

Melissa DeRosa helped steer bills through the legislature, including the $15 minimum wage, paid family leave and expanded insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization.

The New York Times reported state officials said Melissa DeRosa contacted the New York Health Commissioner to request rapid testing for her father after he was exposed to someone with COVID-19, and the decision to grant access to rapid testing was made by health officials due to Melissa DeRosa's close contact with the governor.

An attorney for Melissa DeRosa said she acted after obtaining advice from legal counsel.

Melissa DeRosa resigned as Secretary to the Governor on August 8,2021.