Dedicated to advancing equality and inclusion across New York State, I currently serve as the Senior Director of New York State's Hate and Bias Prevention Unit. Previously I served as the statewide Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs for Governor Kathy Hochul. In my career, I have been instrumental in securing every major legislative victory and expanding funding opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community in NYS for the past decade, from pivotal moments like the Marriage Equality Act to the passage of Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), implementing the Gender Recognition Act (GRA), and the largest increase in LGBTQ+ funding in NYS history. My expertise spans government relations, community engagement, and effective advocacy, underpinned by a commitment to driving impactful change with passion, tenacity, and creativity.Previously, I held key roles including Director of External Relations at the NYS Division of Human Rights and Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Prior to my state government tenure, I leveraged my private sector marketing skills to champion the Marriage Equality Act in New York State. Selected as an Empire Fellow following the completion of my MPA from Baruch's Executive MPA program, I bring a comprehensive understanding of public policy and administration to my leadership roles.Known for my strategic vision and resourcefulness, I excel in maximizing limited budgets and securing diverse funding sources. Starting from grassroots activism, I have effectively utilized all my skills from marketing, social media, and traditional communications to amplify organizational missions and engage broad audiences. My career is distinguished by proactive partnership building and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.I invite you to connect and discover more about my experience in government, external affairs, public relations, cause marketing, and community mobilization. Let's explore opportunities to drive positive impacts together.Email: ronzacchi@gmail.comSpecialties: Government Relations, Community Organizing & Outreach, Partnerships, Marketing, Campaigns, Volunteer Recruitment & Management, Public Relations, Lobbying, Program Direction, Grassroots Mobilization, Fundraising, Communications (Traditional, Digital, Social), Group Presentations.