Governance
Section 3, New York State Veterans’ Services Law: "The commission shall have power, and it shall be its duty, to assist the state director in the formulation of policies affecting veterans and in the coordination of all operations of state agencies relating to veterans' services."
Contact Information
518-474-6114
Purpose and Reports
To advise the Commissioner of New York State’s Department of Veterans’ Services about ways to best serve New York State's Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, and to improve the statewide coordination through which these services are provided.
Board Membership
The Veterans’ Services Commission assists the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services in the formulation of policies affecting veterans and in the coordination of all operations of State agencies relating to veterans’ services. The Commission is composed of 13 members, who must be veterans, appointed by the Governor, including 6 members appointed upon the recommendation of the Legislative Leaders. Members appointed without recommendation are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The Adjutant General serves as an ex-officio member.
Cheryl Dupris
917-526-2501
Kings County
WNYHeroes Inc.
Lynn Magistrale
Vice President
716-374-1129
Erie County
Orleans County Veterans Service Agency
Nancy Traxler
Director
585-590-0830
National Veterans for Defending Democracy
Diana Patton
Commander/Volunteer
716-330-0303
Erie County
Honor Flight Syracuse Board Member
(Director)
Onondaga County Executive Veterans Advisory Board Member
(Chair)
John Paddock
315-382-3284
Onondaga County
Nassau County Veterans Treatment Court
Mentor Coordinator
Ken Rosenblum
516-244-1965
Nassau County
Veterans Personal Action Center, Inc.
Founder/Executive Director
Tanya Nelson-Waller
845-313-3944
Current Board Members: Governor’s Seats
| Member | First Appointed | Last Appointed | Current Term Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
Current Board Members: Statutory and Ex-officio
| Member | Statutory Sponsor | Last Appointed | Current Term Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcelle L. Leis | Speaker of the Assembly | 1/23/2026 | 12/31/2026 |
Compensation
Members of the Veterans Services Commission serve on a volunteer basis. They can, however, receive reimbursement from the State for approved expenses incurred in the commission of their duties (e.g., approved travel costs).
No fiscal expenses have been incurred this fiscal year none are expected to be incurred in the next fiscal year.