A trio of Southeast Queens assembly members have recently been appointed as chairs of critical committees, subcommittees, and task forces.
Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman was named Chair of the Higher Education Committee and Solid Waste Management Legislative Commission. Hyndman’s roles include work on expanding access to education and sustainable waste management across New York State.
Hyndman has served as an assembly member of District 29 since 2015 and presides over the neighborhoods of Laurelton, Rosedale, St. Albans, Addisleigh Park, Hollis, Springfield Gardens and Jamaica.
Hyndman’s background includes an extensive professional career spanning over fifteen years with the NYS Department of Education as a Senior Professional Conduct Investigator overseeing adult trade and vocational schools. During her tenure in office, Hyndman has advocated for educational opportunities for Queens residents through the redevelopment of JFK airport by supporting small business programs and access to stable paying jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. Hyndman notably penned landmark legislation of Juneteenth Day in New York State, and the holiday is now observed statewide.
Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson was appointed Chair of the Banking in Underserved Communities Subcommittee and the Food, Farm, and Nutrition Policy Task Force. His tasks include addressing food insecurity in marginalized communities and agricultural policy. The youngest Black assembly member in NYS history, the Rockaway native was elected for his first term in November 2020 to serve District 31. He represents parts of Arverne, Brookville, Far Rockaway, Hammels, Rosedale, South Ozone Park, South Richmond Hill, Springfield Gardens and JFK Airport.
Anderson’s directives include addressing food insecurity, disaster preparedness, housing, transportation, and healthcare planning in District 31.
Assembly Member Clyde Vanel was appointed chair of the Banks Committee and Internet and New Technology Subcommittee for the New York State Assembly. Vanel’s appointment includes oversight of financial innovation and technology.
Vanel has served as an assembly member for District 33 since 2016. Throughout his career, he has sponsored numerous landmark bills, including legislation to create a robotics, automation, and AI commission, license high-risk AI systems, and create a cryptocurrency and blockchain study task force. Vanel’s background includes being an entrepreneur, attorney, and pilot.
Vanel’s district includes the neighborhoods of Cambria Heights, St. Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Bellerose and parts of Floral Park.
Sen. James Sanders released a statement on Friday, Jan 10, praising his colleagues for their committee appointments.
“I am immensely proud of my colleagues for their well-deserved appointments,” said Sanders. “Clyde Vanel, Alicia Hyndman, and Khaleel Anderson exemplify what it means to be true public servants, working relentlessly to improve the lives of New Yorkers. I am confident their leadership will bring transformative change.”
