Leadership team

Amanda Hiller, Acting Tax Commissioner and General Counsel

Amanda Hiller began serving as Acting Tax Commissioner on April 23, 2021. She continues in her role as General Counsel, a position she has held since December 2012.

As Acting Commissioner, she directs the activities of more than 3,800 employees whose mission is to efficiently collect tax revenues in support of state services and programs while acting with integrity and fairness in the administration of tax laws. Toward that end, the department promulgates tax regulations; publishes forms, instructions, and guidance; engages in taxpayer outreach and education; processes tax returns; resolves filing errors and taxpayer protests; conducts audits; engages in civil and criminal enforcement activities; litigates tax disputes; and manages the state treasury.

As General Counsel, Amanda is responsible for legal policy and matters of law for the department. She oversees the Office of Counsel, which provides legal services including litigation, internal and external tax law advice, and the preparation and review of legislation.

Career background: Over a 35-year career in public service, Amanda has held senior positions in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of state government, as well as in the nonprofit sector.

Education: Amanda earned her law degree from Albany Law School and her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego.

Michael Shollar, Executive Deputy Commissioner

Michael Shollar was appointed Executive Deputy Commissioner on December 10, 2021.

He formerly served as Deputy Commissioner for Processing and Taxpayer Services, with responsibility for the Office of Processing Services, the Contact Center Division, and the Office of Real Property Tax Services. Mike joined the Tax Department in June 2015 as Special Counsel for Ethics, Risk, and Compliance, responsible for directing the Office of Risk Management. 

Career background: Mike's career in public service began as an Assistant District Attorney in the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office in Staten Island, New York, where he led organized crime investigations and handled numerous appellate matters.

Education: Mike earned his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree in linguistics from the University of Rochester. As a law student, he worked with the Legal Aid Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago during the real estate crisis, helping victims of mortgage fraud.

Richard Cletus, Deputy Commissioner for Systems Innovation

Richard Cletus was appointed to lead the Tax Department’s Systems Innovation Division in September 2022.

He oversees project teams dedicated to enhancing taxpayer experience and system efficiency by reimagining and modernizing critical systems. Richard formerly served as a New York State Portfolio Business Solutions Director and as a Business Solutions Director for the Tax Department. He continues to coordinate technology-driven advances for several state agencies. He earned several statewide awards for his work, including launching the eMPIRE system for the Tax Department.

Career background: Before joining New York State government, Richard worked for several technology consulting firms and startup companies, directing complex, multi-phase projects.   

Education: Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications engineering from Madras University, India. He taught information technology and project management as an adjunct professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Christopher Curtis, State Treasurer

Chris Curtis was appointed New York State Treasurer in May 2016, after serving as Deputy State Treasurer since August 2014. 

The Division of Treasury is responsible for releasing all state payments, managing a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio, and acting as the custodian for state public authorities focused on renewable energy, affordable housing, dormitory facilities, and financial services. Chris is a New York State Housing Finance Agency board member and the Chairperson Designee of the New York Secure Choice Savings Program Board.

Career background: Chris previously served as part of the debt management team at the New York State Division of Budget, overseeing a $57 billion debt portfolio. He began his career as a financial economist at the United States Department of the Treasury, where he worked on federal credit assistance programs.

Education: Chris earned a master's degree from the London School of Economics and a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Siena College.

Valerie DeBerry, Senior Advisor for Taxpayer Experience

Valerie DeBerry has served as Senior Advisor for Taxpayer Experience since June 2021.

In this position, she explores creative ways to provide user-friendly processes, communications, and guidance to New York State taxpayers. She previously worked in the Tax Department’s Office of Human Resources Management and served as Special Assistant to the Commissioner at the New York State Department of Civil Service.

Career background: Valerie gained executive experience in the private sector creating operational and strategic alignment between human resource departments and the operating units they support. She was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for First Niagara Bank and served as the Executive Director of Human Resources for the Buffalo Public Schools, where she developed and implemented human resource practices to support student achievement. She also has experience in manufacturing operations, insurance and financial services, and healthcare and information technology consulting from her years working at Proctor & Gamble, Cigna, Computer Task Group, Kaleida Health, and Graphic Controls.

Education: Valerie earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies at Barnard College of Columbia University.

Kristin Dence, Deputy Commissioner for Processing and Taxpayer Services

Kristin Dence was appointed to lead the Office of Processing and Taxpayer Services in December 2021.

She manages the Processing Division, the Contact Center Division, and the Office of Real Property Tax Services. The Processing Division handles more than 26 million returns across more than 40 tax types, the Contact Center Division processes 2.5 million calls annually, and the Office of Real Property Tax Services works with nearly 1,000 local governments to administer more than $50 billion in real property taxes annually. Before her appointment to Deputy Commissioner, Kristin served as Director of the Audit Division’s Income/Franchise Desk Audit Bureau managing operations, programs, and audit plan preparation and tracking, after serving as a Corporation Tax Auditor.

Career background: Before joining the Tax Department in 1994, Kristin worked as a corporate bookkeeper.

Education: Kristin, a Certified Public Account, earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting from Siena College and an associate degree in business administration from Hudson Valley Community College.

Darren Dopp, Director of External Affairs 

Darren Dopp has led the Tax Department’s External Affairs Division since January 2020.

He oversees the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, which is responsible for the Tax Department’s communications, community engagement, and legislative affairs work. Darren coordinates communications for department initiatives including financial education, free filing programs, and enhanced language access, as well as inter- and intra-governmental relations.

Career background: Darren has broad experience in the public and private sector. He most recently served as Senior Vice President for Communications at the Healthcare Association of New York State. Before that, he was a Communications Consultant representing non-profit organizations and public sector unions. He served as a top aide to two governors, an attorney general and a legislative leader in New York. He began his career as a correspondent for the Associated Press.

Education: Darren has a master’s degree in public affairs from American University in Washington, D.C. and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the State University of New York at Binghamton.

Peter Ellis, Deputy Commissioner for Tax Audits

Peter Ellis was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Tax Audits in March 2024.

He leads a division with nearly 1,000 employees who conduct 700,000 audits annually, covering personal income tax, franchise/corporation tax, sales and transaction taxes, and more than 20 miscellaneous tax laws.

Career background: Peter started his career at Tax and Finance in 1994 as a Tax Auditor in the Transaction and Transfer Tax Bureau. After being a Team Leader and Section Head, Peter held positions in the Audit Division’s Directors Office and the Special Investigations Division until he became a Program Manager in 2009 in the Transaction Field Audit Bureau. In 2018, he was promoted to Program Chief in the Income Franchise Desk Audit Bureau, and in 2020 he was promoted to Director of Transaction Tax Field Audit Bureau.

Education: Peter earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Karen Geduldig, Deputy Commissioner for Civil Enforcement

Karen Geduldig was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Civil Enforcement in January 2022.

She oversees enforcement of the State’s tax laws and collection of tax and child support liabilities through management of digital and file-based operations, and robust data analysis and support units.

Career background: Karen previously served as Associate Chief Information Officer at the State University of New York. Before that, she served as Executive Deputy Chief Information Officer and General Counsel at the New York State Office of Information Technology Services. She also held the positions of Director of the Office of Telecommunications at the New York State Department of Public Service, and Bureau Chief and Assistant Attorney General (litigation) at the New York State Attorney General’s Internet Bureau. Karen began her career as an associate attorney (litigation) at the international law firm of McDermott Will & Emery.

Education: Karen graduated with a law degree from Hofstra University School of Law and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and creative writing from The George Washington University. 

Lauren Grasso, Chief Risk Officer

Lauren Grasso was appointed Chief Risk Officer to lead the Office of Risk Management in January 2022.

The Office of Risk Management is committed to identifying and mitigating risks to reduce negative impact on the Department’s business objectives.

Career background: Before joining the Tax Department, Lauren served in the Executive Chamber, most recently as Director of Administrative Services, and before that as Assistant Counsel to the Governor and Chief Freedom of Information Law Officer. She also served as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York State Orange County District Attorney’s Office, working mainly in the Appeals and Special Litigation Bureau. In that role, she argued numerous cases before the Appellate Division, Second Department, and once before the Court of Appeals. Before attending law school, she worked as a research associate for a healthcare consulting and research firm in Washington, D.C., and in the office of then-Representative Benjamin L. Cardin (now U.S. Senator Cardin) of Maryland.

Education: Lauren earned a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2007 and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2002.

John Harford, Deputy Commissioner for Criminal Investigations

John Harford was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Criminal Investigations in November 2016.

John leads a division of about 200 employees -- including investigators, peace officers, auditors, attorneys, and paraprofessionals – who conduct criminal investigations to detect noncompliance and evasion of New York State tax laws. The division uses a regulatory and investigative approach aimed at increasing voluntary compliance and confidence in the fairness of the tax system.

Career background: John brings more than two decades of experience leading criminal prosecutions and investigations. He has worked for the New York State Police, the New York State Office of the Attorney General, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, and in the private sector. He also supervised attorneys at the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics to ensure compliance with the New York State Public Officers Law and the Lobby Act. He advised the investigations and enforcement unit, and assisted with legislative, regulatory, and litigation issues.

Education: John earned his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1993 and graduated cum laude from Rutgers University in May 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science.

Brian Hickey, Deputy Inspector General for Internal Affairs 

Brian Hickey was appointed Director of the Office of Internal Affairs in July 2017.

Brian oversees an office of about 12 employees, including computer forensic analysts, criminal investigators, and support staff. The Office of Internal Affairs helps ensure that Tax Department employees meet the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and efficiency. Brian also oversees investigations of alleged criminal conduct by employees and threats to employees, as well as incidents of identity theft and phishing schemes, contract fraud, and other acts that interfere with Tax employees’ ability to carry out their responsibilities.

Career background: Before joining the Tax Department, Brian worked in federal law enforcement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of the Inspector General, as Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations in Washington, D.C., and Special Agent in charge of the Northeastern Region. Brian’s award-winning work included leading investigations that uncovered civil and criminal fraud and abuse in programs and operations.

Education: Brian earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Old Westbury, attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and completed American University's Key Executive Leadership Certificate Programs.

Christopher Meislahn, Taxpayer Rights Advocate

Christopher Meislahn was appointed Taxpayer Rights Advocate in September 2022.

He oversees the Office of the Taxpayer Rights Advocate, which has about seven employees. The Office of the Taxpayer Rights Advocate helps taxpayers who have been unable to resolve tax problems through the department’s standard channels. The office also identifies opportunities to improve procedures and recommends legislative and regulatory reform to enhance tax administration and ensure compliance with the New York State Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights.

Career background: Chris formerly served as director of the Office of the Taxpayer Rights Advocate. He began his career with the Tax Department as an auditor, handling cases ranging from sales tax to the highway use tax. He then worked with regional offices on audit selection, case management, and legal updates for transaction taxes.

Education: Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Sage College of Albany.

Eric Mostert, First Fiscal Officer for Budget and Management Analysis 

Eric Mostert was appointed Chief Financial Officer in May 2011, and for two years simultaneously served as the Acting New York State Treasurer.

He oversees the Tax Department's $465 million budget and the Operations Support Bureau’s 100 employees, whose work includes accounting services, procurement, large-scale printing and mailing, office moves and building maintenance, and management analysis and project services. In May 2019, the State Academy for Public Administration honored Eric with its Public Service Individual Excellence Award.

Career background: Before his appointment as Chief Financial Officer, Eric served as the Tax Department’s Budget Director. He joined the department in 2005 as the Assistant Director of Budget and Accounting Services after working at the New York State Division of Budget, where he rose from Public Management Intern to Associate Budget Examiner. He also worked in the New York State Legislature and the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations.

Education: Eric earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the State University at Albany and a bachelor’s degree from Plattsburgh State University.

Jennifer Murphy, Director of the Bureau of Conciliation and Mediation Services 

Jennifer Murphy was appointed Director of the Bureau of Conciliation and Mediation Services in August 2019.

She manages a team of more than 40 employees who work to resolve taxpayer disputes in an informal setting. The bureau was created by the New York State Legislature to promote increased fairness, efficiency, and accessibility for taxpayers. The bureau’s conferees meet with taxpayers, their representatives, and Tax Department advocates to achieve resolutions in cases involving all tax types.

Career background: Before joining the Bureau of Conciliation and Mediation Services, Jennifer served as an attorney in the Tax Department's Office of Council for nearly 20 years.

Education: Jennifer earned her law degree cum laude from Albany Law School and a bachelor’s degree cum laude in political science from Siena College.

Michael Ostermann, Director of Internal Audit and Quality Control

Michael Ostermann was appointed Director of the Bureau of Internal Audit and Quality Control in May 2023 after serving as Assistant Director of the bureau.

He oversees the bureau's efforts to objectively examine, review, appraise, and recommend improvements to the department’s operations.

Career background: Before joining the Tax Department, Michael worked for more than 22 years in the internal audit units at the former New York State Division of Parole and Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, where he rose from Staff Auditor to Deputy Director. Before joining New York State government, he worked in General Electric's Government Accounting and Corporate Contract Accounting divisions. He also served for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Education: Michael earned a bachelor of arts degree from the State University at Albany.