Stephen Mann is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his exemplary high school career, his career achievements in government and his service to his community.
While in high school Steve excelled both in academics and athleticism. He was a member of Honor Society for three years, served on Student Council for all four years, and was treasurer his junior year. He won the DAR award and attended Boys’ State. He was editor of his class yearbook in 1989 and served on the Capital Projects Planning Board as a senior. He was on the Rams’ football team for four years, receiving the Key Club award the first two. He was also in the Computer and Math Clubs. He served on the city’s Youth Bureau Board of Directors his junior and senior year and was a finalist for Youth of the Year his freshmen and sophomore years. In his graduating year, he was Rensselaer’s Youth of the Year. Following high school, Steve earned his BA in Political Science and American History from SUNY Albany. His career in poly-sci began as the Public Affairs Coordinator for NYS Assemblyman Ron Canestrari from 1993-99. In ’99 he became the regional representative for US Senator Charles Schumer which he held until 2009. From then until now he has been the Deputy State Director for Sen. Schumer. Some of the highlights of his career have been as the lead for the fight to appropriate benefits for Line of Duty Deaths (LODD). He championed this fight with the Justice Department through Schumer’s office, resulting from the personal tragedy of the death of his friend and fellow firefighter, Mike Falkouski in 2005. Steve also has been at the forefront of Schumer’s efforts over the past 15 yrs to ensure that Henry Johnson (an Albany native) be awarded the Medal of Honor for WWI. Another important project Steve has been instrumental in having effected change for is for rail improvements for the Capital District, including the building of the 4th track at the Rensselaer Station and a fight to reclaim funds for the reconstruction of the Schenectady Station, the Livingston Ave bridge, and other upgrades. In addition to his career serving the citizens of NYS, Steve has done much volunteering for the city of Rensselaer. In ’94 he was part of the Planning Commission. He oversaw the city’s 10 parks and recreation program, including the reconstruction of Coyne Field. He’s been on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club and been an interior firefighter with Engine #4 from 1989 to present, serving as Lieutenant for 3 yrs, and Captain for 8 yrs. In 2005 he was named Assistant Fire Chief and served until 2010. In 1999 he also served on the North Greenbush Youth Board. Steve is the son of former RCSD Faculty member and 2012 Hall of Fame inductee, Ernie Mann ’65 and the late Janice Erlich Mann ’67. He lives in Rensselaer with his wife, the former Meg Carey ’89 and their two children. He was nominated by his family friend and former teacher, 2012 Hall of Fame Inductee, James Cochran ’66.