To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Department of Political Science & International Relations and the Women’s and Gender Studies Program will host Commissioner Diane X. Burman of the New York State Public Service Commission. The Commission regulates the state’s electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water utilities and oversees the cable industry. Bipartisan by law since 1970, the Commission consists of up to five members, each appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. Commissioner Burman’s term runs through February 2024.

Immediately prior to starting with the Commission, Commissioner Burman was with the New York State Senate since 2009 having last served as the Chief Counsel to the New York State Senate Republican Conference. Commissioner Burman has held a number of other legal and management positions with various organizations, including Executive Director of the New York State PTA, Assistant Executive Director of the Albany Jewish Community Center, and Director of Pro Bono Affairs for the New York State Bar Association.

Commissioner Burman was a Founding Board member of the Greater Albany Chapter of the Women’s Energy Network and was selected to be a part of the USAID and NARUC Women Global Development and Prosperity Initiative. Commissioner Burman was the 2020 recipient of the NARUC International Terry Barnich Award. It is through her experience participating in international energy programs that Commissioner Burman solidified her passion for embracing diversity, gender inclusion, and addressing energy poverty.