Elizabeth Colombo Garvey

Beth draws upon her deep government experience having previously served in a number of high-level governmental positions, including as acting counsel to the New York State Governor, senior vice chancellor for Legal Affairs and general counsel at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Albany, and counsel to the State Senate majority.

In the Governor’s Office, Beth was responsible for all legislation and policy, from State of the State initiatives to crafting and negotiating the Executive Budget, to negotiating bills with the State Legislature of importance to the Governor. In addition to overseeing General Counsel and agency counsel staff, all regulatory and Executive Orders were also under her purview to advise the Governor.

While at SUNY, Beth managed all legal aspects of the SUNY operation, from Federal and State law compliance, labor and employment across SUNY’s 64 campuses, procurement matters, as well as litigation. She worked with outside regulators to manage inquiries from enforcement entities, in addition to assisting in responses to audits.

While serving as the Counsel to the New York State Senate Majority, Beth supervised the management of day-to-day operations on the Senate Chamber floor and was principally responsible for negotiations with other stakeholders in government on State Budget and significant legislative matters. She advised the Senate Majority Leader on Legislative Priorities and was responsible for achieving those priorities through the legislative session both in the Executive Budget and by passing more than 1,000 bills each session.

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Selected, City & State, “Women Power 100,” 2025
•Selected, City & State, “Albany Power 100,” 2016-2017, and 2020-2021
•Selected, City & State, “Power 100,” 2021
•Selected, City & State, “40 Under 40,” 2012