Staff

Hon. Kevin Thomas, President/CEO

thomas@nyshcp.org
518.463.1118, ext. 809

Prior to this role, Kevin represented the 6th Senatorial District in the New York State Senate from 2019 to 2024, where he served as Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection. In this capacity, he spearheaded landmark initiatives to safeguard consumers from predatory practices, including lowering the statute of limitations on consumer debt and reducing judgment interest rates. Over his tenure, he collaborated across chambers and with the Governor to draft, debate, and pass more than 70 bills into law, legislation addressing consumer rights, housing, public safety, and economic justice.

Beyond his legislative service, Kevin has contributed his expertise to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, New York State Advisory Committee, co-chaired hearings on housing discrimination, and played a leading role on the LIPA Commission, exploring critical issues in public power models for Long Island. His earlier career as a Staff Attorney with the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Consumer Protection Unit further underscores his lifelong dedication to helping individuals navigate complex systems, advocating for fairness, and building stronger communities.

Kevin’s leadership, vision, and dedication to equity and justice will be instrumental as HCP continues to advance the mission of supporting and strengthening home care providers across New York State. We are confident his experience in governance, policy, and advocacy will bring new opportunities for growth and impact to our association.

Jaimie Allen, General Counsel and Chief of Staff

allen@nyshcp.org
518.463.1118, ext. 824

Jaimie joins HCP with experience in the legislative and regulatory operations in New York State.

Prior to joining HCP, Jaimie served as an Assistant Deputy Superintendent in the Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division, Civil Investigations Unit at the Department of Financial Services and Counsel to the NYS Senate Banking and Consumer Protection committees. In these roles, she gained significant experience in policymaking and government processes. Jaimie’s work on a wide range of policy issues has driven impactful change in New York State.

Laura Ehrich, Vice President of Operations

ehrich@nyshcp.org
518.463.1118, ext. 806

Laura leads HCP’s strategic communications, education, and engagement efforts, translating complex policy, operational, and industry developments into clear, actionable insights for members. Her work focuses on aligning communications, data, and programming to strengthen member value, support informed decision-making, and elevate HCP’s voice across the home care landscape.

A multilingual policy professional, Laura holds an MA in Social Policy from SUNY Empire State University. Her background in home care case management—and her experience serving Holocaust survivors seeking to age in the community—continues to shape her commitment to thoughtful, practical social policy. She brings that perspective to her work as a strategic communicator and advocate for home care agencies.

A self-described bibliophile and unapologetic defender of the Oxford comma, Laura is known for asking tough questions that spark new thinking. Originally from Rochester, she now calls Troy home, where she enjoys time with friends and family—and, whenever possible, being near the water.

Erin Rose Collins, Director of Advocacy & Member Engagement

ercollins@nyshcp.org
518.463.1118, ext. 810

Erin Rose Collins brings a strong track record in coalition building and policy development to HCP, with experience rooted in both legislative strategy and research-driven advocacy.

Prior to joining HCP, Erin Rose served as a Policy Director in the New York State Senate and as a Research Associate at the Public Employees Federation. Their work has contributed to high-impact legislative efforts recognized nationwide, including the Excluded Workers Fund, the Judith Kaye School Solutions Not Suspensions Act, End Qualified Immunity New York, and One Fair Wage New York.

Across these efforts, Erin Rose has worked at the intersection of policy and people bringing together stakeholders to build diverse partnerships which advance priority policy. A lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, Erin Rose’s early leadership in community organizing and project planning helped shape a career in public service.

Dena Collins, Director of Information Systems

collins@nyshcp.org
518.463.1118, ext. 815

Dena joined HCP in 1990, she has held many positions over the years with the Association.  Today, Dena directs and manages all aspects of HCP’s infrastructure, including the administration of the Association’s computer hardware, software, computer network and the HCP and foundation websites. She also maintains HCP’s database and manages relationships with external IT vendors.

Dena loves spending time with her husband, family, friends and dogs, Josie, Patches, and Rylee.  When she’s not relaxing at her camp in the Adirondacks, Dena loves to get away from it all. One of her favorite adventures was island-hopping for 10 days in the Caribbean with friends.