Gail Schaffer

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Gail Shaffer is a former Secretary of State of New York. She served in the Cabinet of former Gov. Mario Cuomo.

A native of upstate New York, Shaffer worked in publishing before entering public life in the 1970s. She served as a town supervisor for two years and then was the Executive Director of the state Rural Affairs Council. The council was chaired by then Lieutenant Governor Cuomo. While serving as town supervisor, she was a member of her county's governing board. Shaffer then was elected to the State Assembly.

Shaffer resigned from the Assembly to become Secretary of State in 1983. She served as secretary until Cuomo left office in 1995. As secretary, Shaffer was the chairwoman of the Emergency Control Board for Yonkers. In 1986, Shaffer was considered a possible running mate for Cuomo for the office of lieutenant governor.

Preceded by Basil Paterson

Secretary of State of New York 1983 – 1995

Succeeded by Alexander Treadwell