Engaged Alumni: Philip Fields '90, '96 MA

Philip Fields '90, '96 MA, serves as Secretary to the Ways and Means Committee of the New York State Assembly. Fields earned a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in economics from UAlbany.
 

You’ve had a long and successful career working in government. What are some of the roles you’ve held?

I have served in the New York State Assembly since 1993, over 31 years. In August of 2023, I was appointed as the Secretary of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. The areas under my supervision are budgeting, bond financing, revenues, and economics. 

We do forecasting on the U.S. and New York State economies, examining many variables that help determine New York State economic conditions and estimate revenues for state budget negotiations. We use economic variables for forecasting many aspects of budgeting and policy. My staff includes economists and many other professionals from various disciplines. 

Prior to my appointment, I served as budget director, deputy fiscal director, and senior transportation analyst for the Ways and Means Committee. Before that, I was an analyst to the Real Property Taxation Committee and the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions. 

I’m also active in county government. I was elected to the Schenectady County Legislature and serve as that body’s deputy chair.  In addition, I chair both the County Legislature’s Rules Committee and Ways and Means Committee.
 

You’re also very engaged in the community, aren’t you?

Yes, I enjoy volunteering for several community and cultural organizations and groups, and I currently serve on a number of boards, including the New York State Deferred Compensation Board, Broadview Federal Credit Union Board, Capital Region Youth Tennis Foundation and the Board of Trustees for the Schenectady County Historical Society.
 

You clearly have a very strong commitment to public service. Where does that motivation come from?

I was born in Guyana and immigrated to the United States when I was a youngster with my parents and five brothers. We found people in the Capital Region to be very kind, generous and friendly. Their kindness had a major impact on our lives. I will never forget the extraordinary care and support people showed us — a family of eight — when we first settled in Albany County. 

I feel that support to this very day and for me it has been a guiding light in how I want to give back to the community where I reside in Schenectady. I believe the things you do for others will last a lifetime. Whatever you do, you should always try to work to make people's lives better.
 

Each year, dozens of UAlbany students intern at the New York State Legislature through either the Assembly or Senate internship programs. If you could offer one piece of practical advice to those students in order to help them get the most out of the experience, what would it be?

Anyone desiring to be an intern with the Legislature and Executive should come with an open mind to be able to be working in any area. Your ability to be able to undertake any responsibility is very important. Talent and discipline are best fostered when put to the test to solve a problem out of your field of study. 

In my life, I desired to learn everything because you never know where you may land. That mindset worked for me, and it continues to be my motto of advice.
 

You work in a very beautiful and historic building. Do you have a favorite spot in the NYS Capitol where you like to go to clear your head or catch your breath during the busy legislative session?

The Capitol building is like a museum. There are so many beautiful carvings, paintings, structures, and very distinctive representations for each body of government. 

I rejuvenate myself by walking the three different staircases because they have a different representation for the Senate and Assembly, and the Million Dollar Staircase winds its way to the top from different directions. Besides, few people walk up the stairs, but at various floors you can see many people taking pictures.