Katrell Lewis

Principal, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Recent Publication:

Katrell Lewis on Lobbying & Political Inspiration, Amsterdam News DNC Interview

Katrell Lewis shares his journey with Amsterdam News, from a Brooklyn upbringing to becoming a state lobbyist and public policy strategist.

Katrell advocates on behalf of the firm's clients in Albany and New York, and serves as a strategic adviser to our land use clients. He is a highly regarded public policy strategist, with a proven track record of building consensus with legislators and government agencies, having spent his early career successfully paving the way for affordable housing for New Yorkers.

Most recently, Katrell served as vice president of government and community partnerships at Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County. During his tenure at Habitat for Humanity, Katrell helped to create hundreds of affordable homeownership units and affordable LGBTQ senior housing, successfully advanced bipartisan state legislation to reform the state’s affordable homeownership program, and advocated for the addition of $400 million in affordable homeownership funding for NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal. As a result of his leadership, Crain’s New York Business honored Katrell with their annual 40 under 40 recognition in 2022.  

Katrell also brings experience in community fundraising, helping to secure funding from donors, corporate sponsors, and government partners for community organizations, including the Harlem YMCA and the Brooklyn United Marching Band. Katrell also served as a government relations fellow for the William J. Clinton Foundation (Clinton Global Initiative).

Katrell earned his M.P.A. at The City University of New York, Baruch College Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, and his B.A. in political science at The City University of New York, College of Staten Island. He speaks American Sign Language. In recognition of his professional accomplishments, Katrell has been named a Crain’s New York Business 40 Under Forty 2022 and a City & State Albany 40 Under Forty 2023.

News

Public Strategies Secures Historic Funding for Pro Bono Client: CUNY BMI

May 31, 2023

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies secured $500,000 in the NYS Budget for its pro bono client, the City University of New York Black Male Initiative.

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies adds Habitat for Humanity Vice President Katrell Lewis to its New York Practice

January 23, 2023

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies adds Katrell Lewis, formerly vp of government and community partnerships for Habitat for Humanity - New York City & Westchester County, to its New York office.

Publications

Katrell Lewis on Lobbying & Political Inspiration, Amsterdam News DNC Interview

August 29, 2024

Katrell Lewis shares his journey with Amsterdam News, from a Brooklyn upbringing to becoming a state lobbyist and public policy strategist.

NYS Legislative Session Concludes [Alert]

June 12, 2024

Katie Schwab, Rose Christ, Stuart Shorenstein, James Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis discuss the accomplishments of the state session, including legislation and budget items.

New York State Passes FY25 Budget [Alert]

April 22, 2024

This weekend, New York state lawmakers passed the $237B FY25 state budget, reflecting an increase of $8B from FY24.

FY25 New York State Budget Update [Alert]

April 16, 2024

On April 15, New York Governor Hochul announced the parameters of a 2025 state budget. Rose Christ, Katie Schwab, James Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis review the highlights of the announced $237B budget.

NYS FY25 Budget Alert: Assembly and Senate Release One-House Budgets [Alert]

March 12, 2024

Katie Schwab, Rose Christ, Jamie Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis discuss the New York State Assembly and Senate's recently released one-house budgets for Fiscal Year 2025.

New York Assembly Passes Bill to Ban Non-Competes [Alert]

June 22, 2023

On June 20, 2023, the New York State Assembly passed S3100A (Ryan)/A1278B (Joyner) on non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants.

Education

  • Baruch College The City University of New York, M.P.A., 2023
  • College of Staten Island – City University of New York, B.A., 2012

Awards & Honors

Albany 40 Under 40, City & State New York, 2023

40 Under 40, Crain’s New York Business, 2022