Melissa DeRosa was once widely considered the most powerful unelected official in New York State. As the former Secretary to the Governor under Andrew Cuomo, she played a pivotal role in steering the state through its darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, her rapid ascent to political stardom was matched by a dramatic exit amid intense scrutiny and scandal.
This article dives deep into her biography, her career trajectory, the controversies that defined her tenure, and answers the burning question: Where is Melissa DeRosa today?
Who Is Melissa DeRosa? A Brief Biography
Born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Albany and Saratoga Springs, Melissa DeRosa seemed destined for a life in politics. Her father, Giorgio DeRosa, is a powerful lobbyist in Albany, giving her early exposure to the inner workings of state government.
She attended the Albany Academy for Girls before earning her bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 2004. She later obtained a Master of Public Administration from the same institution. Her education provided a strong foundation for the high-stakes world of political strategy and public relations.
Melissa DeRosa age is currently estimated to be in her early 40s (born around 1982/1983), placing her squarely in the prime of her career despite her departure from public office.
Career Trajectory: From Lobbyist to Top Aide
Before becoming a household name in New York politics, DeRosa built an impressive resume. Her early career included stints working for the New York State AFL-CIO and as a campaigner for Barack Obama’s Organizing for America.
Joining the Cuomo Administration
DeRosa joined the Cuomo administration in 2013 as Communications Director. Her sharp instincts and fierce loyalty allowed her to climb the ranks quickly. By 2017, she was appointed Secretary to the Governor, becoming the first woman to ever hold this prestigious title.
In this role, she was instrumental in passing key legislation, including:
- The $15 minimum wage hike.
- The nation’s most comprehensive paid family leave policy.
- Tuition-free college at public universities for middle-class families (Excelsior Scholarship).
The COVID-19 Pandemic Leadership
DeRosa’s profile skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a constant presence at Governor Cuomo’s daily briefings, often fielding complex questions about logistics, data, and healthcare policy. For many New Yorkers, she became a symbol of competence during a time of chaos.
The Controversies: Nursing Homes and Harassment Allegations
Despite her successes, DeRosa’s tenure was marred by significant controversies that ultimately led to her resignation.
The Nursing Home Data Scandal
Perhaps the most damaging blow to her reputation was the revelation regarding nursing home deaths. Reports emerged that the Cuomo administration, under DeRosa’s guidance, had undercounted COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.
In a private call with Democratic lawmakers, DeRosa admitted that the administration “froze” when asked for data by federal prosecutors, fearing it would be “used against us.” This admission sparked outrage and accusations of a cover-up.
The Sexual Harassment Investigation
The Melissa DeRosa Cuomo relationship was strictly professional, but highly scrutinized. As Cuomo’s top enforcer, DeRosa was accused in a report by Attorney General Letitia James of helping to retaliate against one of the women who accused the governor of sexual harassment. The report alleged she spearheaded efforts to discredit Lindsey Boylan, the first accuser, by leaking her confidential personnel files.
DeRosa resigned on August 8, 2021, issuing a statement that holding her position had been “the greatest honor of my life,” but acknowledging that the past two years had been emotionally and mentally trying.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
DeRosa’s personal life has often been a topic of public interest, specifically regarding her marital status.
Is Melissa DeRosa Married?
Currently, it appears that she is single. Melissa DeRosa ex husband is Matthew Wing, a former press secretary for Governor Cuomo who later took a high-level communications role at Uber. The couple married in 2016 in a ceremony that was well-attended by New York’s political elite. However, according to her memoir, the marriage struggled under the intense pressure of her job and eventually ended.
People often search for ” Melissa DeRosa husband ” or ” Melissa DeRosa children ,” but public records indicate she does not have children. Her memoir, What’s Left Unsaid, touches on personal struggles, including infertility, which adds a layer of vulnerability to her public persona as a tough-as-nails political operative.
Melissa DeRosa Net Worth
While exact figures are private, Melissa DeRosa net worth is a subject of speculation. As Secretary to the Governor, she was one of the highest-paid employees in the state government, earning a salary north of $200,000 annually. Since leaving office, her income sources likely include book sales from her memoir and potential consulting work, though concrete figures are not publicly available.
Where Is Melissa DeRosa Today?
Since her resignation in 2021, DeRosa has not disappeared from the public eye. So, where is Melissa DeRosa today?
She has rebranded herself as an author and political commentator. In late 2023, she released her memoir, What’s Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis. The book serves as both a defense of her actions and a critique of the political enemies she believes orchestrated the Cuomo administration’s downfall.
She has been active in media interviews, defending the former governor’s legacy and offering her perspective on the #MeToo movement’s intersection with politics. While she currently holds no public office, her deep connections and strategic mind mean a return to the political arena—perhaps as a consultant or strategist—is never out of the question.
Conclusion
Melissa DeRosa remains a complex figure in New York history. To her supporters, she was a tireless public servant who broke glass ceilings and managed a historic crisis. To her critics, she was an enabler of a toxic administration who prioritized political optics over transparency. Regardless of how history judges her, her influence on New York State policy is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Melissa DeRosa doing now?
After resigning in 2021, Melissa DeRosa released a memoir titled What’s Left Unsaid in 2023. She actively promotes the book and appears in media interviews as a political commentator. She is currently a private citizen and does not hold public office.
2. Was Melissa DeRosa fired?
No, she was not fired. Melissa DeRosa resigned from her position as Secretary to the Governor on August 8, 2021, shortly after the New York Attorney General released a report detailing sexual harassment allegations against Andrew Cuomo.
3. Is Melissa DeRosa related to Andrew Cuomo?
No, they are not related. The Melissa DeRosa Cuomo relationship was professional; she served as his top aide and Secretary to the Governor. They worked closely together for many years, but there is no familial connection.
4. Who is Melissa DeRosa’s father?
Her father is Giorgio DeRosa, a prominent and influential lobbyist in Albany. He is a senior partner at the lobbying firm Bolton-St. Johns.
5. Did Melissa DeRosa write a book?
Yes. In October 2023, she published What’s Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis. The book details her time in the Cuomo administration, the COVID-19 response, and her perspective on the scandals that ended their tenure.
