Albany 40 Under 40 alumni

Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Albany 40 Under 40 with a look back at some standouts from our earliest Albany 40 Under 40 classes.

The 2008 Albany 40 Under 40 reunion

The 2008 Albany 40 Under 40 reunion Sasha Maslov; submitted; Celeste Sloman; Sean Presley

Ten years ago, City & State’s predecessor, The Capitol, honored its first class of Albany Rising Stars. We asked all 40 of them everyone’s least favorite interview question: “Five years from now, what’s it going to say on your business card?”

Here’s a look at some of those early honorees, along with where they said they’re going … and where they really went.


Rich Azzopardi
Andrew Schwartz [then]; Submitted photo [now]
Rich Azzopardi

Then (2009): Director of communications, state Sen. Craig Johnson

In 5 years? “I am happy where I am and hope to remain director of communications for Senator Craig Johnson, or possibly Ambassador Craig Johnson.”

Now: Johnson lost the district to Jack Martins in 2010. That didn’t stop Azzopardi, who’s now Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s bulldog spokesman.


Nick Confessore
Andrew Schwartz [then]; Courtesy The New York Times [now]
Nicholas Confessore

Then (2009): Albany reporter, The New York Times

In 5 years? “Given the state of the newspaper business, I’d be delighted if it said the same thing as now.”

Now: He’s on the national desk, breaking stories you’ve probably read on Cambridge Analytica, Trump’s Cabinet and more.


Grace Meng
Andrew Schwartz [then]; Sasha Maslov [now]
Grace Meng

Then (2009): Assemblywoman

In 5 years? “Hopefully I’ll still be working in the state Legislature – unless I get a fortunate break, like Senator Gillibrand.”

Now: She got that break after all, as a member of New York’s congressional delegation.


Marc Molinaro
Andrew Schwartz [then]; Sean Pressley [now]
Marc Molinaro

Then (2009): Assemblyman

In 5 years? “Hopefully, ‘Employed.’”

Now: The Dutchess County executive is the GOP’s pick to challenge Andrew Cuomo – or Cynthia Nixon – for governor this year.


Jose Peralta
Andrew Schwartz [then]; Mike Groll [now]
Jose Peralta

Then (2010): State senator

In 5 years? “Mr. Borough President of Queens.”

Now: After joining the now-disbanded IDC, the state senator isn’t exactly Mr. Popularity in Queens, with some fellow borough lawmakers even endorsing his opponent, Jessica Ramos.


Melissa DeRosa
Andrew Schwartz [then]; Celeste Sloman [now]
Melissa DeRosa

Then (2010): New York state director, Organizing for America

In 5 years? “Hopefully, it still says, ‘Organizing For America, NY State Director.’”

Now: She left soon after for the state attorney general’s office. Now she’s secretary to the governor, and arguably the most powerful woman in New York.


Greg Ball in 2009
Andrew Schwartz/The Capitol
Greg Ball

Then (2009): Assemblyman

In 5 years? “Hopefully, U.S. House of Representatives. We’ll see in 2010.”

Now: Ball became a state senator, but then dropped out of politics altogether – after City & State reported he spent $23,000 in campaign cash on clothes.