Andrew Rein has been chosen to be the next president of New York's Citizens Budget Commission.
Rein will replace current president Carol Kellermann, the CBC said Wednesday. Kellerman announced in April that she would step down after 10 years of service. She will work with Rein and the CBC staff to ensure a successful transition over the next few months. Rein will officially takeover as president in January 2019
Rein has spent the past 25 years working in public finance and service delivery, both in and outside of government. Most recently, he served as a principal at Transformation Strategies, a Maryland-based consulting firm.
Rein has consulted with CBC on various projects, including overseeing CBC's recent special committee on federal tax reform, which analyzed the impact of the new tax law on New York State.
"Having cut my research, policy, and communications teeth at CBC early in my career, I am energized to return to my roots as the organization's next president," said Rein. "I look forward to working more closely with the incredibly talented team at CBC to creatively enhance its core activities and improve and deepen its impact."
As previously announced, Walter Harris will succeed Edward Skyler as Chair of CBC in January as well.
"We are thrilled to have Andrew join us as the next president of CBC," said Skyler. "His background as a public policy expert, experience in managing government operations on local and federal levels and his deep knowledge of the economic and fiscal environment facing New York make him the ideal person to take CBC forward. He will play an integral role in our mission to hold New York City and State government officials accountable for spending taxpayers' dollars wisely and effectively."
Rein has held numerous positions inside and outside government including Senior Vice President at EmblemHealth and NYU Lutheran, Associate Director for Policy at the Centers for Disease Control, and Chief Operating Officer/Executive Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
He also served as Senior Policy Advisor to the NYC Schools Chancellor and Associate Director of the NYC Independent Budget Office. He began his professional career as Associate Research Director at CBC where he served from 1993-99 and has resumed playing an active role in CBC research and policy development as a consultant over the last two years.
Rein holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Tufts University and a Master's in Public Policy from the Milano School at the New School.
"Andrew's work at so many different levels of government and in a variety of areas, from finance, to health care, to education gives him an extraordinary breadth of experience that will serve CBC well," said CBC President Carol Kellermann. "I look forward to passing the baton and know he will bring his fresh perspective and energy to the job."
The CBC will recognize the contributions that Kellerman has made over the past 10 years at its annual dinner on Feb. 28. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will be honored with the CBC Medal for High Civic Service. Business and philanthropic leader Stanley Shuman will receive the Felix Rohatyn Award.
