Clyde Vanel

*Assembly Member, New York State Assembly District 33 *

Clyde Vanel is a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly representing the 33rd District in Queens, which includes Cambria Heights, St. Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Bellerose, and parts of Floral Park. He was elected on November 8, 2016, and continues to serve in this role.

Vanel was raised in Cambria Heights, New York, with nine siblings. He is an attorney, entrepreneur, private pilot, and community advocate. Beyond his legislative work, he founded and operates Vanel Law Firm, P.C., specializing in intellectual property law, business law, and wills and estate planning. He also operates TrademarkReady.com, an internet business providing trademark filing and protection services. Previously, he owned and operated Vanel on First, a restaurant and lounge in Lower Manhattan, for five years.

Vanel founded the New York Metro chapter of the Black Pilots of America, Inc., an organization that trains and exposes youth and community members to aviation careers. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and serves on the MIT AI Policy Forum, frequently presenting on artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and intellectual property.

Education

Vanel earned his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration and Associate of Applied Science in Aerospace Technology from Farmingdale State College, where he served as Student Government President. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach from 1992-1993. He earned his Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Science & Technology Law.

Political Experience

Vanel has served as the Assembly Member for the 33rd District since November 8, 2016. He currently chairs the Banks Committee and the Subcommittee on Internet and New Technology. He is a member of several committees including the Codes Committee, Children and Families Committee, Corporations Authorities and Commissions Committee, Oversight Analysis and Investigation Committee, and Racing and Wagering Committee.

He has sponsored numerous landmark bills focused on emerging technologies, including legislation to create a robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence commission; license high-risk AI systems; and establish a cryptocurrency and blockchain study task force. He is dedicated to closing the digital divide among marginalized communities and exposing the next generation to STEM careers.

Prior to his current role, Vanel served as Chief of Staff for New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. from 2014-2015.