Patrick Wildes '16, Former Human Services Leader in NY Governor’s Office, to Lead Albany Law School’s Government Law Center

Albany Law School has announced that Patrick Wildes will serve as the new Director of Albany Law School’s Government Law Center (GLC). 

Before joining Albany Law School, Wildes, an attorney and career public servant, spent nearly five years in the New York State Governor's Office, most recently as Assistant Secretary for Human Services and Mental Hygiene. He is a member of the Albany Law School Class of 2016.

“We are thrilled to welcome Patrick Wildes as the new Director of Albany Law School’s Government Law Center,” said Cinnamon Carlarne, President and Dean of Albany Law School. “Patrick is a dynamic field leader who brings a depth of experience in government law, a deep and proven commitment to public service, and a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm to the position. As a proud Albany Law alumnus and committed public servant, Patrick understands and embraces the unique and essential role that the Government Law Center plays in the lives of our students, our community, our state, and beyond. Under his leadership, I am confident that the Government Law Center will thrive and continue to be a hub for learning, collaboration, and leadership on some of the most important issues of our time.” 

“It is an incredible honor to lead the Government Law Center. As a proud graduate of Albany Law School, longtime Capital Region resident, and passionate public servant, I know the critical role the GLC plays in government,” Wildes said. “I look forward to building upon the Government Law Center’s rich legacy by training the next generation of leaders in the public sector and cultivating important dialogue and analysis on some of the most pressing issues of our time.” 

The GLC was established in 1978 and serves as a bridge between government and academia, providing diverse services to government leaders, public officials, students and the community. For more than 40 years, the Government Law Center has been an essential source for the nonpartisan legal research and analysis that state and local governments need to better serve their communities. The GLC brings together a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers, students, scholars, and community partners, and prepares students for careers as skilled and leading attorneys in public service. 

“I am thrilled to congratulate Patrick Wildes on his appointment as the Director of the Government Law Center at Albany Law School. Having worked with Pat for many years together in the Governor’s office, I was always impressed by his integrity, commitment to public service, and compassion for others, particularly our disadvantaged neighbors,” said Jihoon Kim, CEO of InUnity Alliance. “Pat played a lead role in developing and implementing Governor Kathy Hochul's historic investments in the public mental health system, prioritized efforts to support New Yorkers living with substance use disorder, and worked with compassion and skill to serve New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pat was one of the finest public servants I have worked with over my government career. His leadership will undoubtedly enhance the Government Law Center’s impact on public service. Congratulations, Pat, on this well-deserved appointment!”

“I have had the pleasure of working with Pat Wildes for the last several years in his role as Assistant Secretary to Governor Hochul for Human Services and Mental Hygiene. In that capacity, Pat served with great distinction,” said Glenn Liebman, CEO of the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS). “His mix of intelligence, compassion and dedication made him an ideal public servant.  We were able to accomplish many wonderful initiatives during his tenure in that position. His decency and passion come through in everything he does. I think he will be an ideal leader for the Government Law Center at Albany Law School for many years to come.”

“Since his graduation from Albany Law School, Patrick Wildes has demonstrated his dedication to our institution by devoting significant time serving on the National Alumni Association and mentoring our students. “His ability to forge strong connections, coupled with his dedication to public service, will serve the Government Law Center and Albany Law School well. Pat is an intelligent, hard-working professional with a passion for policy and upholding the rule of law, as well as an unwavering compassion for the greater good,” said The Honorable Leslie E. Stein ’81, former Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals who served as GLC director for nearly three years. “I look forward to witnessing Pat's success in this leadership role, and I know he will be a significant asset to the Government Law Center and will continue to enhance the GLC’s impact upon our students and our community.”    

In his most recent role with the Governor’s Office, Wildes managed the operations of several state agencies, including the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. He played a critical role in the formulation and execution of the Governor’s human services policy agenda, and was a key player in the implementation of the Governor’s significant investments of over $1 billion into New York State's mental health system. Wildes also previously served as a FOIL Attorney in the Governor's Office, where he advised on risk and compliance matters.

Earlier in his career, he served in several legal roles at the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. In these capacities, he represented the state in legal proceedings and advised on investigations related to the protection of vulnerable New Yorkers.

Wildes holds a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Skidmore College. He is actively involved in the community, having served in AmeriCorps, on the law school's National Alumni Association Board, and as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.

Wildes follows The Honorable Leslie E. Stein ’81, who served as GLC director for nearly three years following her retirement as Associate Judge on the New York Court of Appeals. Judge Stein retired from the law school in June 2024.