June 26, 2025
Chair thanks outgoing members Linda Hull, Arelis Tavares, and Mark Stasko
New York State Workers' Compensation Board Chair Clarissa M. Rodriguez today announced the appointment of four new Board members who were nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the New York State Senate. The four new members of the Workers' Compensation Board are Gina Sillitti, Maria Matos, Peter De Jesús, Jr., and Robert Bergin.
- Gina Sillitti of Nassau County has over two decades of experience serving the residents of Long Island and New York State. Ms. Sillitti is a former member of the New York State Assembly and was first elected to public office in 2020. While in office, Ms. Sillitti effectively navigated the halls of Albany to advocate for her constituents and deliver millions in state funding to her district, including hurricane relief, sewer, and other large infrastructure projects. She also worked with local advocates to identify funding opportunities for arts and cultural organizations. Prior to elected office, Ms. Sillitti held various government leadership positions, through which she developed close relationships with countless advocacy groups and leaders from business and labor.
- Maria Matos of Albany County is an attorney with extensive experience working in the legal profession and in various leadership roles. Most recently, she was the Ethics Officer for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, where she also served as District Tax Attorney, litigating tax matters for the Office of Counsel. Before that, Ms. Matos held several prominent positions within the New York State Courts, including Chief Counsel to the New York State Appellate Division, First Department's Committee on Character and Fitness-the first Latina ever appointed to serve in the role. She began her legal career as an Assistant Attorney General for the New York State Attorney General's Office. Matos received her Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law and was admitted to practice law in the First Department. She is also admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, and the United States District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
- Peter De Jesús, Jr. of Erie County is a labor and public policy leader with a career grounded in advancing fairness, accountability, and equity for working people across New York State. He joins the Board from a career in health care and labor advocacy, having served as a Political Coordinator for 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, where he led political and legislative efforts throughout western New York. He mobilized health care workers, built broad-based coalitions, and delivered meaningful wins on workplace safety, health care access, and economic justice. Mr. De Jesús later served as President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, where he represented more than 140 affiliated unions and tens of thousands of workers across diverse industries. Under his leadership, the federation deepened its role in state and local policy, strengthened relationships with public and private sector leaders, and expanded its reach within historically underrepresented communities.
- Robert Bergin of Monroe County is an attorney with more than four decades of experience practicing law in government and corporate positions, as well as private practice. Most recently, Mr. Bergin served as Counsel for Intergovernmental Affairs for Monroe County, where he helped develop and advance the County's State and Federal advocacy programs during the COVID pandemic and post-pandemic periods. Before that, Mr. Bergin served as Counsel to the Democratic Minority in the New York Senate and, more recently, as Counsel to the former Assembly Majority leader. He also served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Rochester, and as an Assistant Counsel and Director of Public Affairs for Rochester Gas § Electric Corporation and New York State Electric and Gas Corporation. Prior to joining the utility companies, Mr. Bergin managed a private law practice, where he specialized in business development and trusts and estates. Mr. Bergin is a graduate of St. John Fisher College and Albany Law School, and is a member of the New York State and Monroe County Bar Associations.
The New York State Workers' Compensation Board comprises 12 Board members and the Chair. Board members review appeals, consider regulations, and perform other work as prescribed by the Chair.
"We are so pleased to welcome our newest Board members, each of whom has an impressive educational and professional background that will be invaluable in reviewing appeals and contributing to the ongoing integrity and improvement of the New York State workers' compensation system," said Chair Rodriguez. "I look forward to working with them to deliver on the Board's mission to protect the rights of employees and employers in our great state."
"On behalf of the Board, I'd also like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our outgoing Board members, Linda Hull, Arelis Tavares, and Mark Stasko," continued the Chair. "Their dedication and commitment to serving the people of New York is deeply commendable, and their work has positively touched the lives of so many. Thank you."