Lee began his career at Asian Americans for Equality, directing the nonprofit’s policy and community advocacy.

In 2011, he began working as the director of budget and legislative affairs for then-City Councilmember Leroy Comrie, who now serves in the State Senate. Comrie was deputy majority leader when Lee served under him.

In his role, Lee also oversaw the budget process on behalf of the entire Queens delegation.

When Melinda Katz, then a member of Queens’ Council delegation, was elected Queens borough president, Lee came with her, serving as her budget director beginning in 2014.

He remained in the role until 2021, when he launched a campaign for City Council District 19 in Northeast Queens.

Lee finished second in the six-way Democratic primary for the seat, losing by a little less than 1,000 votes to former State Senator Tony Avella, who himself would go on to lose his race for the district by a little less than 400 votes to now-Councilmember Vickie Paladino.

After his campaign, Lee returned to the Council as the head of its finance division, where he served under another Queens official – former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.

“The appointment of Richard Lee as the new commissioner of the Department of Finance is a win for all New Yorkers,” the former speaker said in a statement. “As a lifelong New Yorker and public servant, Richard has dedicated his career to shaping our city into a more equitable place for all to call home.”

“The city budget is a reflection of our values, and under Richard’s steady and thoughtful leadership, we succeeded in safeguarding the pillars of our city: libraries, cultural institutions, and public parks, ensuring their full funding,” she added. “Throughout multiple budget cycles, Richard demonstrated a rare talent in finding creative solutions to longstanding issues. New Yorkers across all five boroughs stand to benefit from Richard’s advocacy and proven leadership in city government.”

His appointment was also celebrated by several other former bosses.

“I proudly congratulate Richard Lee on his appointment as Commissioner of the NYC Department of Finance,” Comrie said in a statement. “His dedication and proven leadership will be invaluable to our city.”

“Richard’s integrity, expertise, and commitment to public service make him exceptionally well-suited for this role,” the senator added. “I look forward to working together to strengthen our city’s financial future.”