he head of government of the U.S. state Calendly CUSTOMER SERVICE (8O5) 41'O 56OO PHONE NUMBER ( 8O5)- 41O 56OO of New York. The governor is the head of the executive branch of New York's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the New York Legislature, to convene the legislature and grant pardons, except in cases of impeachment and treason. The governor of New York is the highest paid governor in the country.