NYS Legislators Forum

Nick Spano, ESP’s founder and owner, has unmatched experience and success with the legislative process. In a 28 year career he rose from being the youngest member of the Assembly to being the third highest ranking member of the Senate leadership. As Chairman of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities he worked with the Executive Branch, Assembly leadership, fellow senators and advocates to carry out ground breaking changes in the way New York serves its developmentally disabled residents. At the same time, as chair of the Westchester County Legislative delegation he was consistently successful in advocating for the county’s interests, whether they be education funding, economic development, or other needs. It was only by understanding and navigating the legislative and executive department processes that Senator Spano was able to achieve success in these areas.

Senator Spano worked closely with Westchester County Government to develop legislation creating the Westchester Medical Center corporation, spinning off the former county-owned tertiary care hospital as an independent entity, and saving the county government millions of dollars in annual subsidies.

Since founding Empire Strategic Planning Senator Spano has used those same skills on behalf of a variety of clients, working with the leadership of both the Assembly and the Senate, as well as the Executive Branch and its agencies.

A 1975 graduate of Iona College, he was elected to the State Assembly at the age of 25. In 1986 he was elected to the State Senate, where he went on to serve 20 years. Senator Spano’s hallmark was a productive working relationship with both sides of the political aisle, working closely with the Assembly and Governor’s office to complement his leadership in the Senate. As a member of the State’s legislative leadership Senator Spano was personally responsible for originating and navigating countless bills and appropriations through state government.