NYSERDA Announces New Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

April 29, 2026

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the addition of two new executive leadership team members at its April Board meeting. Pending approval of these Board actions by the Governor's Office, Emily A. Jamieson will be appointed Chief Financial Officer and Internal Control Officer and Kathleen M. O'Brien-NeJame will be appointed General Counsel and Secretary to the Authority.

In her role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Internal Control Officer, Ms. Jamieson will spearhead NYSERDA's financial operations to advance the Authority's mission and financial blueprint in a fiscally responsible manner. As General Counsel and Secretary, Ms. O'Brien-NeJame will be responsible for the overall direction and supervision of all legal matters concerning the Authority, as well as managing all matters related to meetings of the Authority's Board of Directors. As Officers of the Authority, Ms. Jamieson and Ms. O'Brien-NeJame will help formulate and implement strategy and policy to address the State's most pressing energy concerns.

"As individuals who have served the people of New York State for many years, Ms. Jamieson and Ms. O'Brien-NeJame have a proven track record of leadership in tackling challenging issues facing our state and delivering real results for New Yorkers," said Charles Bell, NYSERDA Board Acting Chair. "On behalf of the Board, I extend a warm welcome and look forward to working with each of them as we continue to advance New York's clean energy transition with a focus on transparency, accountability and affordability."

"Ms. Jamieson and Ms. O'Brien-NeJame are outstanding leaders who will strengthen NYSERDA's position at a critical time," said Doreen M. Harris, NYSERDA President and CEO. "Ms. Jamieson's financial expertise and Ms. O'Brien-NeJame's legal leadership will help ensure that the Authority continues to deliver on its mission with rigor, integrity and impact."

Emily Jamieson
Ms. Jamieson will be responsible for NYSERDA's budgeting, financial reporting and analysis, accounting operations, treasury management, utility conduit bond financing, residential/small commercial financing solutions, and internal controls. In addition, she will oversee NYSERDA's Financing Solutions, Information Security, and Risk and Controls teams.

"I am delighted to continue my career in public service at NYSERDA, which has been a dependable and reputable resource for New Yorkers for decades," Emily A. Jamieson said. "Sound financial stewardship has always been part of the Authority's blueprint for moving our State closer to a reliable, clean energy future and I'm proud to join in their mission to make our communities more sustainable for generations to come."

Prior to joining NYSERDA, Ms. Jamieson served as CFO for the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) which assists communities throughout New York State undertake vital water quality infrastructure projects affordably by providing access to low-cost capital, grants and expert technical assistance. Ms. Jamieson's work as CFO supported EFC's mission to advance new financing strategies that would maximize funding for communities, aid in compliance with Federal and State requirements, and promote green infrastructure practices.

From 2012 to 2023, Ms. Jamieson held several notable positions at the New York State Division of Budget (DOB) including Assistant Chief Budget Examiner in the Mental Hygiene Unit. In this role, she oversaw the budgets for five agencies totaling $5 billion.

For Ms. Jamieson's headshot, visit NYSERDA's website.

Kathleen O'Brien-NeJame
As NYSERDA's Chief Counsel, Ms. O'Brien-NeJame will be responsible for all legal matters concerning the Authority, including advice and counsel on laws, rules, and regulations governing clean energy development and operations. As Secretary to the Authority, Ms. O'Brien-NeJame will coordinate and manage all matters related to meetings of the Authority's Board of Directors and communications with Board Members related to such matters, and have the power to certify all documents, instruments and records of the Authority as necessary.

"I am honored to join NYSERDA at this pivotal time as the Authority continues its work to move energy markets and help ensure a reliable energy system for all New Yorkers," said Kathleen M. O'Brien-NeJame. "NYSERDA is a revered leader in the energy sector, and I look forward to working alongside such an accomplished group of professionals and contributing my expertise as we navigate the ever-evolving energy landscape together."

Ms. O'Brien-NeJame has over 23 years of government and management experience. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Counsel for the Office of the New York State Comptroller. In this role, Ms. O'Brien-NeJame managed all operations of the Division of Legal Services which included more than 60 staff members across eight bureaus encompassing ethics, legislation, budget and policy, State audit and litigation, State finance, municipal law and finance, the retirement system, and the common retirement fund. She also provided strategic legal and management counsel to executive leadership on complex and evolving fiscal and legal matters affecting the State.

For Ms. O'Brien-NeJame's headshot, visit NYSERDA's website.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York's energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA's programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter , Facebook , YouTube , or Instagram .