The Aspen Institute

Featuring New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, in conversation with Elliot Gerson, executive vice president of Policy Programs and International Partners at the Aspen Institute, on the historic investments Gov. Hochul has made in her state. Additional speaker(s) to be announced.
Paepcke Auditorium, doors at 5:30 pm

While attendance at the events is free and open to everyone, registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.

Parking
Parking is very limited. Please carpool, walk, bike, or ride RFTA. 

Kathy Hochul is the 57th and first female Governor of New York State. She began her career in public service on her local Town Board, before serving as Erie County Clerk and as a Member of Congress for New York’s 26th Congressional District. As Lieutenant Governor, she chaired the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils, and served as co-chair of the State’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force, Women’s Suffrage Commission, and Child Care Availability Task Force. Since being sworn into office in 2021, Governor Hochul has led by establishing a bold vision for New York’s future. Governor Hochul has spearheaded comprehensive policies and initiatives to help New Yorkers and their families, while building an economy that is stronger and more inclusive than before. Governor Hochul is making historic investments in the people, places, and things to make that happen – from healthcare workers, small businesses, and working families to infrastructure, education, and workforce development. And in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s reckless decisions to strip away abortion rights and strike down common sense gun regulations, Governor Hochul led the charge in Albany to protect reproductive health care and strengthen gun safety laws, ensuring New York continues to stand as a beacon of hope and freedom for the rest of the nation. Governor Hochul was born and raised in Western New York. She and her husband, Bill Hochul, are the proud parents of two children and one granddaughter.

Elliot Gerson is an executive vice president at the Aspen Institute, responsible for policy programs, public programs, and relations with its international partners. The Institute’s over 30 policy programs provide neutral venues to undertake nonpartisan analysis, foster candid dialogue, advocate new policy, and promote best practices. Public programs, including the Aspen Ideas Festival, Aspen Words, and Socrates Seminars open the institute’s doors to broader audiences. Gerson also administers U.S. Rhodes Scholarships. He previously practiced law, was a U.S. Supreme Court clerk, held executive positions in state and federal government and on a presidential campaign. Additionally, Gerson was president of health care and education startups and led national insurance and health care companies. 

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