Ibrahim Khan graduated from the University at Albany 13 years ago, but his new job as chief of staff for New York State Attorney General Letitia James brings him back to the Capital Region frequently. 

Khan, who earned a degree in political science, “had a pretty good sense” of what he wanted to do with his career. At UAlbany, the Long Island native served as managing editor of the Albany Student Press (ASP) and as Muslim Student Association president. “I knew I wanted to do something with words and ideas. I always thought I would go into either journalism or some sort of public service. 

“I benefited from the traditional classes I took, but I think what really helped me was meeting people from all over the world, learning to produce a newspaper on a deadline every week, and taking up leadership opportunities,” explained Khan, 34. 

UAlbany’s presence in the state capital, he added, made his initial foray into politics – as legislative director for Assemblyman Phil Ramos – possible. From there, Khan held various other roles in the political field; they ranged from working on Hillary Clinton’s 2007 presidential campaign to joining a political-consulting firm that manages high-profile political campaigns. Before joining the attorney general’s office, he served as chief of staff and deputy public advocate for five years for the New York City public advocate and campaign manager for James’ attorney-general campaign.

James tapped Khan for his new position when she took the helm of the AG’s office in January. Khan described his role as critical to “advancing the agenda of the attorney general with an eye towards ensuring that the rights of all New Yorkers are protected.”

He is excited about that mission: “There’s no question that my work today remains colored by the people I met and the opportunities I had at Albany. Given the tumultuous times we’re in, there’s a real need to have someone who’s a watchdog for New Yorkers’ rights, particularly civil rights. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Khan and his wife, Christine (Marrero) Khan, B.A.’06, reside in Queens. They met at UAlbany, where Christine received a degree in communication and media.