Albany, N.Y. – Ostroff Associates, New York State’s leading government relations firm, welcomes Erik Smith as Controller. Smith brings many years of fiscal management, internal controls, and governance experience to the firm, with a background that spans leadership roles across the public and not-for-profit sectors.

At Ostroff Associates, Smith will oversee the firm’s accounting and financial operations, helping ensure accuracy, accountability, compliance, and strong internal controls across the organization. He will manage key financial functions including budgeting, payroll, client billing, vendor payments, and financial reporting, while working closely with firm leadership to provide clear financial insights that support sound business decisions.

“We are excited to welcome Erik to Ostroff Associates,” said Diana Ostroff, Chief Operating Officer of Ostroff Associates. “His extensive financial leadership experience, steady judgment, and strong understanding of fiscal operations will be a tremendous asset to our firm. As Ostroff Associates continues to grow, Erik’s expertise will help strengthen our internal operations and support the high level of service our clients expect.”

Prior to joining Ostroff Associates, Smith served at the New York State Office of General Services, most recently as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer. In that role, he helped manage the agency’s expanding budget and served as a member of the leadership team during several complex challenges, including theCOVID-19 pandemic and the successful establishment of new agencies and commissions.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Ostroff Associates and contribute to a firm with such a strong reputation across New York State,” said Erik Smith. “I look forward to supporting the firm’s leadership, staff, and clients by helping ensure our financial operations remain efficient, accountable, and positioned for continued success.”

Smith also previously held senior financial leadership roles at the Albany Port District Commission and Capitalize Albany Corporation. At the Port, he helped strengthen internal controls, support major capital projects, negotiate long-term lease restructurings, and develop a financing plan that enabled the Port to grow by25%. He also directed the effort that led the Port to become the first Green Marine certified maritime facility in New York State.

At Capitalize Albany Corporation, Smith provided fiscal leadership over the organization’s loan and real estate portfolios and helped develop the financing plan for a $22million mixed-use development project in Albany’s Park South neighborhood, which served as a catalyst for $220 million in private investment. He also served as Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the City of Albany Industrial Development Agency and City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation.

Smith holds an MBA from the College of Saint Rose and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University at Albany.