Brian grew up in rural upstate New York, living in Root in Montgomery County while attending school in Sharon Springs in Schoharie County, the current home of TV's Fabulous Beekman Boys, where his mother taught.
While an undergraduate at the University at Albany, Cechnicki began working as a legislative aide clerk to then-Assemblyman Paul Tonko. During this time, he was elected town supervisor of Root in Montgomery County, becoming the youngest elected supervisor in the county's history at the age of 21. He would go on to serve two terms.
Since his time in public office, Brian has served the State of New York with a focus on education finance issues through the Division of Budget, Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and most recently the State Education Department
He now lives in Duanesburg, New York, with his wife and two sons.