ALBANY, NY – July 18, 2023 – Christopher A. Cernik, Government Law & Policy shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Albany office, was appointed by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie to the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation’s Board of Directors.
The Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation was established by statute in 1979 to manage the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza performing arts center, also referred to as “the Egg,” and to provide and develop programs for civic, governmental, performing arts, and other cultural and public events for the benefit of the citizens of the State. The “Egg” offers quality performances, accessible to all citizens of New York State, highlighting the unique and extraordinary artists from New York State, across the country, and around the globe.
Cernik focuses his practice on helping a wide range of clients navigate New York State Government. His clients range from some of the largest technology and telecommunications companies in the world to privately-held startups and not-for-profit entities. While the largest share of his practice is focused on the State Legislative Process, Cernik also advises clients on a wide array of regulatory matters with particular emphasis on technology, telecommunications, transportation, economic development, energy, and the State’s archaic and arcane alcoholic beverage control laws. Cernik serves as the Albany office’s point person on technology procurement and New York State Liquor Authority laws and regulations. Prior to entering the private sector, he served two New York State Assembly speakers as senior counsel and parliamentarian.
Cernik also serves as a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, Business Council of New York State, and as a board member of Opera Saratoga. He was inducted into the NYS Blues Hall of Fame (an American Heritage Organization) in 2013 for his nearly three decades of keyboard work with the “Out of Control Rhythm & Blues Band.”