About
Omar Sterling McGill
Omar McGill is a proud Schenectady native, public servant, and community leader committed to putting people first and building a stronger city for every resident. Born and raised in Schenectady, Omar understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing local families, and he has dedicated his life to creating pathways for growth, stability, and success.
A graduate of The Albany Academy and Morehouse College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Omar developed a passion for service early on. While in Atlanta, he focused on academic enrichment and college readiness for urban youth, which led him to found Educating Progressive Influential Changers, Inc. (EPIC, Inc.), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through education, health awareness, and community engagement.
After returning home, Omar continued that mission—hosting programs to help students navigate the college process and organizing community initiatives that provided hundreds of young people with school supplies, health resources, and essential support. His work has always centered on investing in people and strengthening the foundation of the community.
Omar’s commitment to service led him to work in New York State government, where he gained firsthand experience in the legislative process. He served in the New York State Senate as a Journal Clerk and worked with Program and Counsel in the New York State Assembly, contributing to policy discussions and legislative efforts related to ridesharing expansion, minimum wage, and addressing the opioid crisis. This experience shaped his understanding of how government can work effectively to deliver real results for communities.
In 2022, Omar made history as the first African American elected to represent District 1 in the Schenectady County Legislature. In this role, he serves as Chair of the Workforce Development Committee and Vice-Chair of both the Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee and the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee. He has focused on expanding economic opportunity, supporting families, and improving quality of life across Schenectady.
Professionally, Omar serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications at The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, where he works to elevate higher education and expand access to opportunity across New York State.
Beyond his public service, Omar is a board member of the Schenectady County Boys & Girls Club and Schenectady Day Nursery, and a co-founder of a family-owned small business, Supreme Property Services, LLC.
Omar’s leadership is grounded in service, accountability, and results. He believes Schenectady’s future must be built with residents at the center—ensuring that progress reaches every neighborhood and every family.