"Rodney has a longstanding and impressive career in government, both on the local and national levels," Governor Cuomo said. "His experience makes him particularly suited for this appointment. He will be a great addition to my administration as we work with elected officials from across the state towards a better New York."

Capel's father, Jim, was a longtime aide to Rep. Charlie Rangel, and the younger Capel served as the executive director of the State Democratic Party and worked as an aide to Council Speaker Christine Quinn. He has flirted with running for office himself a few times, taking a look at taking on State Senator Bill Perkins last year and looking to run for that same seat when it was vacated by David Paterson in 2006.

His most recent job was with Mercury Public Affairs.