The NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government elected Seymour James, Jr., Chair of the Commission and re-elected Vice Chair Ava Ayers on Thursday. Chair James and Vice Chair Ayers will serve two-year terms overseeing the Commission in its work to interpret, administer and enforce New York State’s ethics and lobbying laws.
“Over the past six months, under the leadership of Chair Austin and Vice Chair Ayers, the Commission has achieved a number of important milestones, including greatly advancing the process to review and assess the efficiency of the agency’s procedures and operations and the effectiveness and consistency of the laws and regulations it administers,” Executive Director Sanford Berland said. “Going forward, the agency will work closely with Chair James and Vice Chair Ayers to build on the tremendous progress already made by the Commission and staff. I look forward to continuing to partner with these dedicated and accomplished individuals.”
“I am honored that my fellow commissioners have entrusted me with this role and am excited to continue the work to increase transparency and build trust in the state’s commitment to effective ethics and lobbying oversight,” Chair James said. “I believe every New Yorker should have confidence in their government, and it is a privilege to lead the Commission in its work to build that confidence. I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners and staff to achieve that objective.”
“My Commission colleagues and I are deeply committed to the vision of a New York where all New Yorkers have faith that their government is acting in their best interest,” Vice Chair Ayers said. “I am eager to help shape the next chapter in ethics and lobbying education, guidance, and enforcement for the Commission.”
Chair Seymour W. James, Junior, is currently a partner at the law firm of Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea and LoTurco. Prior to joining the firm, he served as Attorney-in-Chief for The Legal Aid Society in New York City. Chair James currently serves on the Chief Judge’s Justice Task Force and the Executive Committee of the State Bar’s Criminal Justice Section. He is a past President of the New York State Bar Association and the Queens County Bar Association, and he previously served on the American Bar Association’s Board of Governors and in its House of Delegates.
The Commission first elected Commissioner Ayers as Vice Chair in September 2024. Vice Chair Ava Ayers graduated first in her class from Georgetown Law in 2005 and is currently an associate professor of law at Albany Law School, teaching courses on the law of government, administrative law, legal ethics, and civil procedure. Vice Chair Ayers previously served for five years as Director of the Government Law Center at Albany Law School and worked for nine years in the office of the New York Attorney General, where she was a Senior Assistant Solicitor General.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
