On October 14, 2025, NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Freida D. Foster announced the appointment of Quinn Rapp-Ellis as General Counsel, effective immediately.
Quinn previously worked within the Board’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) for over six years, before joining the Executive Chamber in 2022 as Assistant Secretary for Labor and Workforce. At the Chamber, Quinn has been both a strong advocate and advisor for the Board, playing a critical role in key initiatives, including the recent legislative changes to improve injured workers’ access to care as part of Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted Budget.
Quinn first joined the Board through the Governor’s Excelsior Service Fellowship program, which brings highly talented recent graduates of law, graduate, and professional schools into policy and operational roles in New York State government.
While at the Board, Quinn has served as a Senior Attorney within OGC, working on a wide range of legislative and other initiatives, including the 2020 Expanded Provider Law and establishing precedent for permitting and reimbursing treatment with medical marijuana within the State workers’ compensation system. Quinn also served as the Board’s Director of NYS Paid Family Leave, helping the agency successfully implement and administer the program through its four-year phase-in in close coordination with more than 15 other New York State agencies. As part of this work, Quinn traveled the state giving presentations and had the opportunity to brief the UN Foreign Press about Paid Family Leave alongside then-Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
Quinn holds a Juris Doctor from New York Law School, a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology and Law from John Jay College, and a Bachelor of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Freida D. Foster said, “Quinn’s passion for public service, deep knowledge, and drive for positive change will be incredibly valuable in the role of General Counsel. We are fortunate to welcome her back.”
NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Executive Director, Steven Scotti said, “With her strong legal analytical skillset, political acumen, and proactive management style, Quinn is well positioned to provide legal leadership and continuity to the Board.”
The Chair and Executive Director also expressed thanks to Keith Longden, who has served as Acting General Counsel for the past six months. “Keith’s deep expertise in the law and his Board experience are huge assets to OGC and the Board overall, and we appreciate his insights and valuable contributions,” said Steven Scotti. “With Quinn’s appointment, Keith will resume his role as Deputy General Counsel and continue to play a critical role on the team.”