Kendra Rubin, VP of governmental affairs at the New York Credit Union Association, was recently named to the City & State’s annual Albany “40 Under 40” list. The annual list identifies 40 individuals under the age of 40 who are shaking up state politics and driven by a determination to truly improve state government.

Rubin, an attorney, graduated from Albany Law School in 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and rhetoric from the University at Albany. Prior to joining the Association, Rubin served in the New York Department of Health as deputy director of the Bureau of Program Counsel. She has also held various roles in the executive chamber under Gov. Andrew Cuomo, where she served as director of appointments, assistant counsel to the governor and special assistant to the governor for briefing.

“[State government] was a very formative time in my life,” Rubin told City & State. “I saw the budget process from start to finish. I saw the session from start to finish…When you’re in the trenches of state government at those wee hours of the morning, it really forges this relationship with your colleagues that you can’t get anywhere else.”

Currently, Rubin works on governmental affairs and lobbying in both Albany and Washington, D.C. for the Association.

“The opportunity to take an issue and unpack it fully has been really fascinating,” Rubin said to City & State.

To view the complete list of honorees, visit City & State’s website.