CDO's Previous Interns and Fellows

Griffin Galvin

Griffin Galvin, Chief Disability Office, Olmstead Intern

Griffin Galvin is public-service minded, passionate about crafting effective public policy, and committed to generating positive change in his community, state, and country. He is forever grateful for his time as the Office of the Chief Disability Officer's (OCDO) Olmstead Intern from June to December 2024, and hopes to continue fighting for disability rights in New York State (NYS) and beyond. During his time at the office, he initiated the development of the NYS Harnessing Olmstead Progress for Everyone (HOPE) Action Plan, assisted in the operations of the Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (MISCC), and coordinated and participated in events such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary Celebration and the Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Symposium.

Prior to his internship with the OCDO, Griffin participated in the 2023 NYS Undergraduate Session Assistants Program and achieved hands-on experience working in the legislative office of NYS Senator John W. Mannion. He then worked as a Legislative Intern for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in Washington, DC as a part of Rockefeller College's selective Semester in Washington Program in the spring of 2024. Griffin graduated from SUNY Albany with his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in May 2024 and with his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at SUNY Albany in December 2025.

Directly following his time with the OCDO, Griffin served as a Graduate Scholar in the 2025 NYS Assembly Graduate Internship Program, working in the office of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz during the 2025 Legislative Session. He currently serves as a Special Assistant to NYS Assemblymember Karen McMahon.


Alex Goth

Alex Goth headshot

Alex Goth joined the team as a Governor’s Summer Fellow in summer 2025, bringing policy and program management experience to his work with the Office of the Chief Disability Officer (OCDO) from his native Australia. He graduated with his Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2026, and prior to his Masters program, Alex worked in government and as a management consultant. At the latter, he helped establish the Australian branch of an advocacy and support group for employees with disability. His summer with the OCDO was his first time in the Capital District.


Andrew Jin

Headshot of Andrew Jin

Andrew Jin joined the Office of the Chief Disability Officer (OCDO) team as the Olmstead Policy and Communications Intern in summer 2025. Andrew brought a strong foundation in research, writing, and community engagement to his internship, along with past experience supporting initiatives focused on social equity and public service. He was excited to assist the OCDO with drafting the Olmstead Plan and to support inclusive communications. In May 2026, Andrew obtained a Bachelor of Arts from New York University majoring in Sociology and Anthropology, and has accepted a position with The Legal Aid Society.


Amy Kim

Headshot of Amy Kim

Amy Kim (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Cornell University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Global and Public Health Sciences with graduation expected in 2028. She is dedicated to understanding the intersection of disability rights, health equity, and government-based interventions. Amy ultimately seeks to amplify the voices of people with disabilities and challenge systemic inequalities through advocacy.

Amy served as a 2025 summer intern at the Office of Chief Disability Officer, providing assistance with policy-related work, supporting communication efforts, and engaging in other initiatives. She also contributed to the Olmstead Plan, specifically in the employment section. With a culmination of these experiences, she is motivated to be part of the change that dismantles barriers.

On campus, Amy is part of the Translator-Interpreter Program, volunteering as a Korean interpreter and translator in nearby Ithaca communities. She also advocates for accessibility at Cornell through the Disability Advocacy Union. Having played the violin for 10 years, Amy spends her time performing in senior citizen homes and teaching younger kids how to play.


Michael Becker

Michael Becker, Intern at CDO

Michael Becker served as the Olmstead Policy & Communications Intern for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. He supported the office's work on New York's Olmstead Plan, health equity for people with disabilities, accessible housing and multiple other projects focused on expanding opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities. Michael previously worked as an intern in the office of New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh. In May 2026, he completed his Masters in Public Administration (MPA) at the University at Albany, previously graduating from UAlbany with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Shortly after completing his MPA, Michael joined the team at the Office of the New York State Comptroller.


Alisha Supaneker

alisha supaneker

Alisha Supanekar (she/her) joined our Albany office as a Dukakis Governors' Summer Fellow for 2026. She is currently completing her Master in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Prior to her graduate studies, Alisha served as a Community Representative and Community Engagement Coordinator for the City of San Diego. She holds a B.A. in International Studies with a specialization in Political Science from UC San Diego. Prior to her summer fellowship, Alisha had never been to Albany; she appreciated discovering everything the city has to offer. Outside of work, Alisha enjoys hiking, pottery, and exploring local coffee shops.