Power Lists
2024 Top 50 State Lobbyists
New York’s government relations leaders, ranked.
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Not much gets done in New York government without lobbyists having a say. Government relations professionals ensure a wide range of stakeholders have a voice in policymaking – and a chance to persuade public officials to advance, obstruct or adjust a policy proposal. City & State’s Top 50 State Lobbyists list highlights the best of the best in this business. This list ranks government relations firms in New York based solely on 2023 lobbying compensation, as reported to the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government and current as of mid-October. Organizations lobbying on their own behalf are omitted, and lobbying entities in the same corporate family in 2023 are combined. We also asked each firm to share its biggest accomplishment from the past year as well as a few key executives, industries and clients – which we identified from state filings for the few firms that didn’t respond.
While Brown & Weinraub retained its top spot and many of the other ranks were filled with familiar firms, there were some notable changes. Bolton-St. Johns moved into second place, while Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno broke into the Top 10. Manatt, Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates, Hollis Public Affairs and Catalyst Government Relations all raised their annual compensation by over a million dollars as they leapt up the rankings. And TLM Associates just made the cut, before merging with Elk Street Group in January – and the combined entity is poised to move up next year’s list.
We’re pleased to present the 2024 Top 50 State Lobbyists.
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1. Brown & Weinraub
Alex Betke, Partner
Carolyn Kerr, Partner
Michael Cassidy, Partner
Biggest achievement:
Brown & Weinraub’s co-founder and Partner David Weinraub announced three new partners to work alongside him in managing the firm’s growth. The new partners have added important metrics designed to increase our ability to achieve client objectives and hold each other accountable for outcomes. Our team successfully advocated for funding, regulatory and legislative proposals to support our clients across multiple industries. These accomplishments include supporting the health care workforce through legislation that modernizes the practice of physician assistant, advocating for the passage of legislation to require clear disclosures for AI manipulated political media and to protect local broadcasters and securing $12 million for renovations to Le Moyne College’s community-focused athletic facilities.
Key industries: Health, energy, technology, economic development, education, financial services
Notable clients: Healthcare Association of New York State, UnitedHealth Group, IBM, Google Cloud, New York State Broadcasters Association
Other key employees: Ken Zebrowski, Roberto Perez, Rebecca Lamorte
2. Bolton-St. Johns
Tom Connolly, Managing Partner
Giorgio DeRosa, Senior Partner
Emily Giske, Senior Partner
Partners: Mike Keogh, Juanita Scarlett, Patrick McHugh, Samara Daly, Teresa Gonzalez, Violet Moss, Anne Marie Anzalone, John Albert, Prisca Salazar-Rodriguez, Justin Berhaupt, Joseph DeRosa, Debra Feinberg, John D. McCarthy, Bill McCarthy Jr., Keyla Antigua
Biggest achievement:
BSJ is excited to be working with a diverse array of clients across many sectors to secure impactful wins across the city and state. We are especially proud of the growing portfolio of our Western New York office, whose portfolio is approaching $1 million in revenue and has solidified its position as a strategic ally for our clients by securing essential funding and advancing impactful policies. Our approach is grounded in strengthening the economic resilience of Western New York communities while driving success across diverse sectors. Additionally, BSJ secured $500,000 in funding in the state’s Aid to Localities budget for The New Jewish Home’s SkillSpring workforce development program, which helps train young people to be certified nursing assistants to address the chronic workforce shortage in senior care facilities.
Key industries: Health services, renewable energy and environment, affordable housing, human services, technology, arts and culture
Notable clients: Verizon, Live Nation, Lincoln Center, New York Immigration Coalition, National Fuel Gas, The New York Foundling
Other key employees: Michelle Nawar, Sarah Bangs, Brette McSweeney, Blaise DiBernardo, Robin Brown, Julie Jursik, Jose Rodriguez, Alex Anderson, Kat Achibar-Boyd, Lloyd Lesperance, Dave Siracuse
3. Kasirer
Suri Kasirer, President
Julie Greenberg, Executive Vice President
Jennifer Blum, Senior Vice President, Operations and Administration
Biggest achievement:
Kasirer, on behalf of real estate company Himmel & Meringoff, was actively engaged in the successful negotiation that resulted in the approval to build a 7.5-acre mixed-use development with significant housing and community benefits at 1601 Bronxdale Ave. The transformational project, which was part of the larger effort to rezone a 46-block swath in the Bronx’s Parkchester and Morris Park neighborhoods, includes 2,300 housing units, with over 25% designated as affordable housing, alongside 1 acre of open space and planned connectivity to the proposed Bronxdale Metro-North station.
Key industries: Affordable and supportive housing, technology, film and TV production, retail and hospitality, nonprofit
Notable clients: Lincoln Center, Verra Mobility, SL Green, Citymeals on Wheels, Motion Picture Association
Other key employees: Omar Alvarellos, Jennifer Rivera, Jovia Radix-Seaborough, Eldad Gothelf, Mike Braun, Marian Guerra, Bianca Almedina
4. Greenberg Traurig
Jane McLaughlin, Of Counsel
Deborah Stevens, Director
Robert Harding, Shareholder
Biggest achievement:
GT worked with the Real Estate Board of New York, the state Legislature and the governor to negotiate the housing package that was completed within the confines of the state budget. GT represented the city of Rochester and Mayor Malik Evans as legislative counsel, working with their state delegation to help secure funding and pass legislation necessary to address the needs of the city. GT secured additional funding for food pantries on behalf of a client, Catholic Charities. GT is proud of the successes we had for clients during a tough budget climate.
Key industries: Real estate, health care, election and compliance law, liquor licensing, banking
Notable clients: Louis Vuitton, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Corning Inc., National Grid, BusPatrol, SL Green, Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association
Other key employees: Michael Murphy, Beth Garvey, Todd Kaminsky, Christopher Del Giudice, Jonathan Bing, Ellen Gustafson, Pam Madeiros, Quinn Caruthers, Lynelle Bosworth, Christopher Cernik, Joshua Oppenheimer, John Mascialino, Ed Wallace, Zackary Knaub, Jane Preston, Cat Crummey, Doreen Saia, Caroline Brancatella, Nicola Coleman, Elizabeth Sacco, Henry Greenberg, Eileen Hayes, Deirdre Carson, Dan Egers, Jay Segal, Nick Hockens, Allison Curreri, Michael Zoltan, Bari Love, Steve Russo, Tricia Asaro, Michael Berlin, Harold Iselin, Samir NeJame, Mark Furnish
5. Ostroff Associates
Rick Ostroff, President and CEO
Diana Ostroff, Chief Operating Officer
Biggest achievement:
This past legislative session, Ostroff Associates worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to extend drinks to-go for an additional five years. The authorization of drinks to-go was initially introduced as a lifeline to the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension of drinks to-go will provide continued support to restaurants across New York state in the coming years.
Key industries: Economic development, gambling and hospitality, energy and environment, financial services, health and human services, education
Notable clients: Walmart, FedEx, Buffalo Bills, Salesforce, Airbnb, Anheuser-Busch
Other key employees: Evan Sullivan, Andrew Kennedy, Anthony Rodolakis, Marc Hiller, Erin Waterhouse, Chantel Burnash, Jay Holland, Amy Kramer, Sarah Reginelli, Dan Fuller, Nick Morelle
6. Hinman Straub
Estibaliz Alonso, Director
Matthew Leonardo, Principal
Julie Marlette, Director
Biggest achievement:
We continue to expand our expertise and secure client successes while growing our team of professionals. In an ever-changing governmental landscape, we remain at the forefront of the latest trends, working with our clients to achieve successful outcomes using a customized, problem-solving approach to address their needs. Our commitment to advocacy extends beyond the confines of the legislative session, with significant results being achieved throughout the year. By maintaining a strong presence in the policy arena, we’ve successfully addressed year-round regulatory issues that impact our clients. Our continuous efforts have yielded benefits, notably in securing funding for crucial initiatives.
Key industries: Health care, education, corporate, energy, cannabis, labor, financial services, human services, gambling, transportation
Notable clients: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Black Cannabis Industry Association, Equifax, BOCES of New York State, University of Rochester
Other key employees: Sean Doolan, Benjamin Bodner, James Carr, Katy Coleman, Carla Downie, Heather Evans, Jonathan Graves, Caron O’Brien, Matthew O’Connor, David Previte, Wendy Saunders, Janet Silver, Brittany Vogel
7. Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno
Vito R. Pitta, Co-Managing Member
Robert Bishop, Founding Member
Jon Del Giorno, Founding Member
Vincent Pitta, Chair and Managing Member
Biggest achievement:
Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno played an integral role in the strategy for the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council to secure passage last month of the Safe Hotels Act, ensuring the licensing of city hotels and the safety of workers. Pitta Bishop also negotiated the expansion and multiyear contracts for Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, Appellate Advocates and the Center for Family Representation for additional resources to provide better wraparound legal services for their indigent clients. The firm also secured $13 million in capital funding for the Richmond University Medical Center for the construction of both surgical intensive care and maternal child units.
Key industries: Organized labor, nonprofit social services, real estate development, transportation, health care
Notable clients: AECOM, NorthPoint Development, HeartShare St. Vincent’s, Bally’s Corp., New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters
Other key employees: Tanjila Rahman, Tony Quesada, Ardian Tagani, Theresa Cosgrove, Andre Mozeak, Brian Krapf, Salvatore Cassano, Devyn Barram, Alexander Brown
8. Park Strategies
Joseph Rossi, Managing Director
Ryan Moses, Managing Director
Tom Wickham, Vice President
Biggest achievement:
In addition to our long-tenured government relations practice, we have focused on growing our complementary practice groups, strategic consulting, providing B2B consulting services and a growing association management practice. Each of the practice groups provides additional resources for existing and new clients in the industries that Park Strategies professionals practice. Within our government relations practice group, our local government consulting team had a series of successes on behalf of clients. Our cannabis practice group remains at the forefront of the industry, recently hosting a podcast identifying key considerations for cannabis businesses looking to transfer ownership in the current regulatory environment.
Key industries: Insurance and financial services, health care, transportation, local government, cannabis
Notable clients: State Farm Insurance, Indivior, Iroquois Healthcare Association, Leafly, Capital District Transportation Authority
Other key employees: Michael Wilton, John Jay Bove, Megan Osika, Fred Hiffa, Bill McGahay, Kevin Bronner, Tom Buchan, Nick Barrella, Greg Serio, Dave Poleto, Chris D’Amato, Lisa Marrello
9. MirRam Group
Catherine Torres, Partner
John Emrick, Partner
Luz Miranda-Crespo, Partner and Chief Financial Officer
Biggest achievement:
The MirRam Group’s biggest achievement this year has been advancing clients’ key priorities through targeted budget, legislative and advocacy efforts, leveraging deep community ties and a robust network in New York City and state politics. We championed critical health care, labor and real estate initiatives, securing essential funding and regulatory successes that align with our clients’ missions. From coalition-building to navigating complex regulations, we ensured client objectives moved from concept to impactful, real-world results, reinforcing our reputation as a premier advocate in New York’s policy landscape.
Key industries: Health care, housing, arts and culture, technology
Notable clients: Greater New York Hospital Association, New York Apartment Association, Public Theater, Charter Communications, Hispanic Federation
Other key employees: Dana Carotenuto, Matthew R. Smalls, Stephanie Arroyo, Pedro Carrillo, Ana Chireno, Rhay Guillen, David Osorno
10. Mercury Public Affairs
Charlie King, Partner
Jan Feuerstadt, Partner
Jake Dilemani, Partner
Biggest achievement:
Mercury has continued to advocate for health care in underserved communities, fighting for health equity and combating social determinants of health. We continue to help Amtrak with its portfolio of capital projects in the New York metropolitan region, with a particular focus on the Gateway Program. Mercury is working with the tech industry and consumer advocates to join forces on commonsense legislative proposals that respect consumer protection.
Key industries: Health care, climate and energy, real estate, fintech and technology, cannabis
Notable clients: Diageo, Wynn Resorts, Montefiore, Amtrak, WellNow Urgent Care
Other key employees: Jonathan Greenspun, Patrick McCarthy, Lisa Reid, Gregory Smiley, Deanne Braveman, Alex Gleason, Edu Hermelyn, Racquel Saddler, Wesley Clayton
11. Constantinople & Vallone Consulting
Anthony Constantinople, Partner
Perry Vallone, Partner
Jordan Press, Partner
Biggest achievement:
Throughout 2023, our firm has continued to expand and strengthen our relationships across numerous sectors. We played a key role in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s housing package passed by the state Legislature this year, which led to the passage of legislation to create 71,000 new homes for New Yorkers – a milestone we’re proud to have contributed to. Above all, we grew our team by bringing in new talent and promoting existing members. We are also excited to have promoted our very own Jordan Press to partner, all of which has improved our ability to execute strategy, implement new ideas and promote meaningful legislation.
Key industries: Renewable energy, technology and telecommunications, affordable housing and land use, nonprofits and budgetary clients, transportation
Notable clients: Waste Management, T-Mobile, TD Bank, Walgreens, Electrify America, YAI
Other key employees: Peter Vallone Sr., Tony Constantinople, Andrea Reres, Carol Swift, Steve Williams, Lauren George, Yanni Trittas, Antoinette Wilson, Jonathan Reyes, Bernadette DeVito, Maricela Cano, Amiyah Young, Mackenzie Bouise
12. Cozen O’Connor and Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
Rose Christ, Co-Chair, New York Practice
Katie Schwab, Co-Chair, New York Practice
Stuart Shorenstein, Managing Director and Co-Founder, New York Practice
Biggest achievement:
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ New York Practice experienced remarkable growth this year, adding two senior lobbyists and nearly two dozen new clients across New York City and Albany. Key successes include securing over $60 million in New York City discretionary funding for nonprofit clients, blocking three controversial state bills for financial services clients and leading transformative Uniform Land Use Review Procedures and development rights transactions. These efforts are paving the way for over 1,000 new housing units, as well as cultural and health care facilities.
Key industries: Real estate and affordable housing, arts and culture, education, trade associations, nonprofit services
Notable clients: Apollo Theater, Pratt Institute, NYC BID Association, Zillow, Cypress Creek Renewables
Other key employees: Kenneth Fisher, Vivien Krieger, Rachel Scall, Jamie Ansorge, Ashley Thompson DiNardo, Meenakshi Srinivasan, Katrell Lewis, Zakariah Malik, Maura Avington, Tobi Tega
13. The Parkside Group
Katie Gordon, Vice President
Jake Herring, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel
Stephanie Olcese, Vice President
Biggest achievement:
We had a number of major victories this year, including securing the first-ever state funding to help the National September 11th Memorial & Museum present the annual Tribute in Light remembrance and passing a new law that conforms state labor law with a first-ever collective bargaining agreement between Major League Baseball and minor league ballplayers. The new law allows minor league players to be paid over the course of the year rather than just during the season and gives ballplayers access to team facilities year-round to help achieve their dreams of playing in the big leagues.
Key industries: Technology and telecommunications, sports, entertainment and gambling, energy and environment, nonprofits, labor
Notable clients: AT&T, Major League Baseball, Microsoft, National September 11th Memorial & Museum, UFCW Local 1500
Other key employees: Kalima Johnson, Dan Katz, Ben Kern, Katie O’Leary, Paul Thomas
14. Manatt
Jim Walsh, Partner
Tracy Fay Raleigh, Senior Adviser
Gregory Pratt, Adviser
Biggest achievement:
We continue to help our clients secure significant funds from New York based on the principle that our clients’ priorities serve a vital public need and advance the interests of our government partners, from health care to energy to education to public safety. Our greatest achievement is seeing the tremendous accomplishments by our clients to put those funds to use and to make a difference in millions of peoples’ lives. We are also proud of our work with our policymakers to improve legislation, regulations and guidance to ensure the public policy that is advanced is smart, fair and achievable.
Key industries: Health care, public employee labor, higher education, procurement, energy
Notable clients: Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Solar Energy Industries Association, New York University, Coalition of New York State Public Health Plans, New York City Police Benevolent Association
Other key employees: Meghan McNamara, Cassie Prugh, Tony Fiori, Hailey Davis, Michael Paulsen, Laura Manley Ladopoulos, Caroline Morelli
15. Davidoff Hutcher & Citron
Steve Malito, Partner and New York State Government Relations Practice Chair
Nick Antenucci, Senior Counsel, Economic Development & Tax Incentives, Government Relations
Nicole Weingartner, Director, State Government Affairs
Biggest achievement:
We drafted and lobbied for legislation that passed both houses of the state Legislature and was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. This legislation will dramatically increase the salaries of auto techs across the state, making this vital occupation more attractive for young people in New York.
Key industries: Health care, media and entertainment, nonprofits, technology, unions
Notable clients: IUJAT, Accenture, Metropolitan Package Store Association, Warner Bros. Discovery, Brooklyn Hospital Center
Other key employees: Zack Fink, John B. Kiernan, Bianca Rajpersaud, Melissa Chapman-Samad, Charles Capetanakis, Nicholas Terzulli, Sean Crowley, Louis Coletti
16. Albany Strategic Advisors
Jill Behrmann, Vice President
Justin Birzon, Vice President
Kara Grippen, Vice President
Biggest achievement:
Working on behalf of a coalition of public and private higher education institutions and tech leaders, ASA helped create and implement the coalition’s advocacy strategy to support Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Empire AI proposal in the 2024-25 state budget, securing $275 million in state funding which will leverage $125 million in additional private funding to create a state-of-the-art AI computing center at the University at Buffalo. The center will promote responsible AI research and advancement for the public good and unlock opportunities for industry and workforce development while providing access to grant funding and cutting-edge research.
Key industries: Technology, energy and telecommunications, health care, gambling, emergency management
Notable clients: Delta Air Lines, ArchCare, TechNet, Genting New York, Vornado Realty Trust, Firefighters Association of the State of New York
Other key employees: Allison Lee, Mike O’Leary, Dan Cain, Samantha Merry, Andrew Marocco, Michela Wilson
17. Dickinson & Avella
Eglantina Haxhillari, Senior Vice President, Government Relations
Mike Avella Jr., Senior Vice President, Government Relations
Biggest achievement:
We’re happy to say we had many successes this last year, but one that stands out is our ability to secure additional, much-needed money for security for nonpublic schools. Our staff worked tirelessly on this issue, and with the support of the governor and state Legislature, our firm was able to achieve unprecedented success in this area.
Key industries: Pharmaceutical and health care issues, technology, voting and elections, education, labor, sports and entertainment
Notable clients: New York Yankees, New York Mets, Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, Carvana, Novartis
18. Capalino
Jeanne Mullgrav, Managing Director
Mark Thompson, Executive Vice President
Matt Green, Principal
Biggest achievement:
Capalino worked with Undue Medical Debt – a nonprofit focused on eliminating medical debt in the U.S. by using donations to purchase and forgive debt – by auditing its external relations, reviewing communication strategies and stakeholder engagement. Our analysis included assessing messaging, website and social media presence, and provided a roadmap to improve visibility, increase donations and enhance partnerships with government and other organizations. Capalino secured funds for Undue Medical Debt, including $18 million in city funding to assist 500,000 New Yorkers facing $2 billion in medical debt and the organization’s achievement of eliminating over $8 billion in medical debt for nearly 5 million people.
Key industries: Budget, legislative and public affairs, community and civic mobilization, permitting and approvals, government contracts and procurement, real estate entitlements
Notable clients: Grand St. Settlement, Entertainment Community Fund, Friedland Properties and The Chapman Group, Fair Futures
Other key employees: James Capalino, Emil Lissauer, Brooke Schafran, Brian Cook, Karina Jimenez, Keith Tubbs, Azmi Zahed-Atkins, Aileen Monahan
19. Cordo & Co. LLC
Nora Boyle, Vice President
Amy Agars, Vice President of Operations
Alison Rimkunas, Assistant Counsel
Biggest achievement:
Cordo & Co.’s biggest accomplishments this year include successful passage of legislation on behalf of the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters, ensuring trades now have online access to certified payroll records – a critical step in combating wage theft in the construction industry. Additionally, we helped secure increased rates for hospitals and nursing homes, along with vital support funding for the state’s most distressed hospitals, furthering our commitment to improving health care access and financial stability in New York. These victories reflect our dedication to driving meaningful policy changes that protect workers and strengthen essential services across the state.
Key industries: Health care, labor, gambling, alcoholic beverages
Notable clients: 1199SEIU, Resorts World New York, New York State Beer Wholesalers Association
Other key employees: John Cordo, Adam Richardson, Steve Harris, Adrian Shufelt
20. Shenker Russo & Clark
Douglas Clark, Co-Managing Partner and Government Affairs Practice Leader
Theresa Russo, Co-Managing Partner, CEO and Alcohol Beverage Licensing and Hospitality Law Practice Leader
Biggest achievement:
While the firm had many significant achievements this past legislative session, we are proud of how our two main practice areas – government affairs and liquor licensing – worked together to accomplish a number of liquor law legislative issues by having a number of liquor license-related bills passed, including allowing movie theaters to apply for liquor licenses, and several tied house matters. We also had a number of successful outcomes for clients in our practice area strengths, such as banking and financial services, automobile dealers’ issues, clean energy, insurance, cannabis licensing, labor, state funding and health care.
Key industries: Banking and financial services, automobile dealers, energy, labor, hospitality, alcohol licensing, cannabis licensing laws
Notable clients: New York Bankers Association, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, New York State Pipe Trades Association, Center for Disability Services
Other key employees: Michael C. Trunzo, Jill T. Sandhaas, Ed Draves, Richard Lauricella, Philip Bolen, Erin Hammond, Ryan Horstmyer, Mike Relyea, Maston Sansom, Mia Wolfe, Matthew Lauricella, Rachel Beamish, Sherley Mangroo, Ashley Worobey, Jessica Gammons, Jessica Calarco
21. CMW Strategies
Michael Woloz, Founder and Managing Partner
Danna DeBlasio, Partner
Biggest achievement:
CMW had many outstanding achievements over the past year, from securing over $148 million in the New York City budget for our nonprofit clients – including full restoration of and millions in increased funding for the Cultural Institutions Group – to passing legislation in Albany that codified strict measures against organized retail theft that hurt minority small businesses. We are incredibly proud to stand as the fastest-growing lobbying firm in New York, according to the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.
Key industries: Arts and culture, nonprofits, technology, real estate, transportation
Notable clients: Accenture, Verizon, Hotel Association of New York City, The Legal Aid Society, American Museum of Natural History
Other key employees: Regina Poreda Ryan, Skip Piscitelli, Kathy Cudahy, John Sanchez, Evelyn Pope, Caroline Engel, Jasmine Short, Anu Otgonbayar
22. Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates
Patrick B. Jenkins, President
Jennifer Richardson, Senior Vice President
Cory Loomis, Legislative Director
Biggest achievement:
We have a lot to be proud of, but having the Grieving Families Act pass the Legislature once again holds a special place for us. We love everyone in our family, not just the ones who work.
Key industries: Gambling, real estate, education, technology, nonprofits
Notable clients: Genting New York, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Real Estate Board of New York, Bank Street College of Education, Google
Other key employees: Dwayne Andrews, Bharati Kemraj, David Tanis
23. O’Donnell & Associates
Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner
Jim Moore, Vice President and Policy Director
Kara Hughes, Senior Adviser
Biggest achievement:
OD&A is proud to have delivered results for our clients across New York! Last year’s wins included securing New York’s place at the center of conversations on artificial intelligence as well as record funding for critical infrastructure upgrades for upstate transit and utility authorities. Our success continued with significant policy progress, including implementing labor protections on renewable energy projects and enacting critical support for New York’s health care safety net. OD&A also provided essential capital and programming funds to arts and cultural institutions across the state, ensuring the growth and viability of New York’s tourism industry.
Key industries: Economic development, fintech, energy, health care, transportation
Notable clients: North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, M&T Bank, AIDS Health Foundation, Trillium Health, Regional Transit Service
Other key employees: Alec Lewis, Marc Cohen
24. Geto & de Milly
Ethan Geto, Principal
Michele de Milly, Principal
Biggest achievement:
Our sports practice had a thrilling year, winning approval for New York City’s first professional soccer stadium, NYCFC’s new home in Queens, in addition to 2,500 units of much-needed affordable housing; and leading the successful effort to secure a location and stadium approvals that brought the global 2024 Cricket World Cup to Nassau County this summer, an event watched by millions of fans around the world. Our nonprofit advocacy team also fought hard along with dedicated public officials to secure millions of dollars to preserve the city’s critical and effective community-based mental health clubhouses.
Key industries: Real estate, life sciences, professional sports, hospitality, education, entertainment and the arts, nonprofits
Notable clients: Rockrose Development, Taconic Partners, Playwrights Horizons, The Brodsky Organization, Seaport Entertainment Group, PepsiCo, MI New York, New Alternatives for Children, Sportime Clubs, John McEnroe Tennis Academy
Other key employees: Daniel White, Maya Kremen, Julie Hendricks-Atkins, Mark Benoit, Christopher Johnson, Laura Dolan
25. Statewide Public Affairs
Christopher Duryea, Managing Partner
Wayne Lair Jr., Partner
Biggest achievement:
2024 marked another year of success and growth. We launched our Innovation & Emerging Technologies practice, co-chaired by Statewide’s Wayne Lair and John Olsen, allowing our clients to leverage our expertise as technology policy continues to evolve. We are also thrilled to announce the addition of Kelly MacMillan, a veteran of Albany and Hudson Valley politics who will be leading our new Westchester office, and Gillian Hamilton, who brings her substantial Albany experience to our policy and social media teams.
Key industries: Energy and environment, health care, construction and economic development, technology and innovation, financial services
Notable clients: Comcast, IBM, New York State Restaurant Association, Volkswagen Group, The Home Depot
Other key employees: Jim Quent, Kevin Banes, Charlie Diamond, Carrie Harring, Brian Quiara, John Olsen, Ty Mills
26. McBride Consulting & Business Development Group
Robert McBride, President and CEO
Tom Cilmi, Vice President, Local Governments Practice
Bridget Fleming, Vice President, Economic Development and Land Use
Biggest achievement:
The diversity in background is what makes McBride Consulting special, and we are honored to be engaged with companies that have a purpose to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers. We advance projects like Propel NY, which is working to create the transmission solutions to unlock the promise of renewables. We are proud to work with many responsible developers, including Georgica Green Ventures to create attainable housing options. Through a successful public-private partnership, McBride Consulting developed the privatization of Nassau County’s transportation operations and orchestrated with Transdev the realignment of services into what is now the Nassau Inter-County Express system.
Key industries: Renewable energy and transmission solutions, attainable and supportive housing, waste management, cannabis, health care
Notable clients: Propel NY, Eversource, Transdev, Culligan, Conifer Realty
27. The Wright Group NY
Terri Richardson, Senior Vice President, City Government Relations
Zack Rubin, Associate Vice President, City and State Government Relations
Biggest achievement:
In the past year, The Wright Group has worked to ground and actualize its values-based approach to government relations. Believing deeply that collaborative advocacy and strategic partnership development can create impactful policy campaigns, TWG led many efforts to amplify the systemic challenges facing the human services sector in New York City. Working alongside partners on coordinated advocacy and communications, they raised awareness of the city’s contracting process and needed reforms. Additionally, TWG successfully supported new funding allocations for several clients by creating alignment with emerging city policy regarding the mental health needs of New Yorkers.
Key industries: Arts and cultural community, education and children’s issues, housing rights, human and legal services
Notable clients: Bronx Museum of the Arts, NAMI-NYC, Figure Skating in Harlem, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corp., The Skatepark Project
Other key employees: Larisa Wick, Kristin Ruggles, Emily Contillo, Cleveland Stair, Patricia Pulvirenti, Nancy Montanez, Kayele Spencer
28. Hollis Public Affairs
Brian W. Simon, Founder and Managing Partner
Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Partner
Andy Manshel, Senior Adviser
Biggest achievement:
Hollis Public Affairs is privileged to serve a uniquely diverse portfolio of clients, from cutting-edge technology innovators to global transportation and infrastructure leaders to community-focused nonprofits. This year, we celebrated the protection and expansion of critical funding and resources for the nonprofits we serve, ensuring their continuity and growth. In addition, we successfully coordinated forward-looking policy discussions and briefings with elected officials and state agencies on emerging topics, including artificial intelligence, consumer privacy and stewardship of data, laying the groundwork for exciting initiatives.
Key industries: Technology, aviation, infrastructure, health care, nonprofits
Notable clients: Queens Future LLC, Success Academy Charter Schools, JFK Millennium Partners, Meta, YWCA Brooklyn
Other key employees: Janee Markowicz, Tara Gitter, Tara Kulkarni, Jeremiah Williams, Iza Choudrey, Jada Abdullah
29. The Roffe Group of Robinson+Cole
Andrew Roffe, President
Christine Rutigliano, Managing Director
Key industries: Health care, energy, technology, insurance, cannabis
Notable clients: Constellation Energy Corp., Xerox, NewYork-Presbyterian, Apple, Starbucks
30. TBA
Tonio Burgos, Founder and CEO
Kristen Walsh, New York State President
Biggest achievement:
Helping to navigate clients though challenging regulatory environments while facing supply chain and rising inflation costs.
Key industries: Transportation infrastructure, health care, renewable energy, real estate and development, hospitality, travel and leisure
Notable clients: Greater New York Hospital Association, Wynn Resorts Development, PSEG, AECOM, Acreage Holdings
31. Malkin & Ross
Christine Tramontano, Chief of Staff
Jessica Schafroth, Vice President of Government Affairs
Biggest achievement:
M&R assisted its clients in the passage of the Climate Change Superfund Act, which holds polluters responsible for their role in climate change; the restoration of more than $100 million in domestic violence prevention funding; passage of the New York State Fashion Workers Act, which regulates model management companies and creates basic labor protections for models; and the passage of bills that increase access to affordable child care for struggling families by streamlining the application process, decoupling child care hours from parents’ work hours and allowing families who make less than minimum wage to qualify for child care assistance.
Key industries: Expanding access to high-quality mental and physical health care, criminal justice reform, addressing sexual and gender-based violence and harassment, environmental justice, worker justice issues and enhancing protections for our most vulnerable populations
Notable clients: Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Coalition for the Homeless Inc., Drug Policy Alliance, Make the Road New York Inc., New York State Nurses Association, Safe Horizon Inc., New Pride Agenda
Other key employees: Arthur Malkin, Amanda Cavanaugh, Carol Ann Lemon, Cylas Martell-Crawford, Stacie Orell, Chloe Pierce, Brendan Principato, Brandon Reed, Andrea Smyth
32. Fontas Advisors
George Fontas, Founder and CEO
Key industries: Real estate, nonprofits, tech, education, transportation
Notable clients: The Floating Hospital, LeFrak, Homeowners for an Affordable New York, Dentons, New York City Children’s Theater
33. Catalyst Government Relations
Chris Bombardier, President
Kate Knight, Managing Director
Scott Wexler, Managing Director
Key industries: Health care, gambling, economic development, financial services
Notable clients: Honeywell, Grubhub, Churchill Downs, Equifax, Silverstein Properties
Other key employee: Felicia Harris
34. Moonshot Strategies
Jenny Sedlis, Co-Founder and Co-CEO
Jason Ortiz, Co-Founder and Co-CEO
Biggest achievement:
Worked with Apollo Global Management, the Office of the New York City Comptroller, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and owners of the Venetian Hotel to negotiate a labor agreement – the first in 20 years – that secured the New York City pension funds’ multimillion-dollar investment in the company.
Key industries: Labor, real estate, gambling, financial services, nonprofit advocacy
Notable clients: Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, Apollo Global Management, Uber, Genting, 32BJ SEIU
Other key employees: Kelly Taylor, John Tritt, Louis Cholden-Brown
35. Featherstonhaugh, Clyne & McCardle
Jonathan McCardle, Partner
David Fleming Jr., Chief Operating Officer
Biggest achievement:
Featherstonhaugh, Clyne & McCardle is proud of our generations of service in delivering tangible results for all of our clients. The firm’s achievements in the last year, for all the industries and organizations we represent, have a tremendous impact on their operations and the communities they serve. FCM’s focus has always been in delivering results and to let those successes speak for themselves.
Key industries: Health care, construction and engineering, financial services, death care, gambling, racing and wagering
Notable clients: CVS Health, General Contractors Association of New York, Goldman Sachs, New York State Association of Cemeteries, Robin Hood Foundation
Other key employees: James D. Featherstonhaugh, Elizabeth K. Clyne, Stephen D. Morgan
36. Tress Capitol Advisors
Kristen Murphy, Managing Director
Daniel Leinung, Counsel and Senior Lobbyist
Biggest achievement:
We worked with clients and partners to enact HIV testing reform; increased patient access to prevention and treatment for HIV/AIDS; additional capital and operational funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers; prevented cuts to civil legal services; helped pass legislation to enhance education and awareness on screening for drug-induced movement disorders; successfully secured inclusion of the Reproductive Freedom Equity Fund as well as an additional $1 million for the program; and passed legislation to remove the statutory funding cap for the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program.
Key industries: Home care, community health centers, human and legal service providers, biotechnology, children’s summer camps
Notable clients: New York State Camp Directors Association, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, VIP Community Services, PhRMA, Aizer Health Center
Other key employees: Tracy Tress, Laura Darman, Michelle Walsh
37. Yoswein New York
Joni Yoswein, Founder and CEO
Jamie Van Bramer, President
Jeffrey Denman, Vice President
Biggest achievement:
This past year saw YNY assisting with the continued (and highly anticipated) expansion of Wegmans across the metropolitan region; securing New York City funding for innovative public education programs like Outward Bound and millions in state discretionary capital grants for library branches in the Brooklyn Public Library system; numerous legislative victories in Albany for our still-recovering restaurant industry (New York City Hospitality Alliance); ongoing coalition building for New York’s safety net hospitals (SUNY Downstate Medical Center and Maimonides); and the passage of key state legislation to support harness horsemen and agriculture across New York (Standardbred Owners Association of New York).
Key industries: Real estate development, technology and entrepreneurship, educational and cultural nonprofits, trade organizations, health care
Notable clients: Wegmans Food Markets, Amazon, New York City Hospitality Alliance, Brooklyn Public Library, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Other key employee: Kate Cucco
38. Cojo Strategies
Corey Johnson, Founder
Key industries: Health care, real estate, tech, transportation, higher education
Notable clients: Brooklyn Nets, Salesforce, Vornado Realty Trust, Central Park Conservancy, B-Cubed Holdings
39. Masiello Martucci & Associates
Anthony Masiello, President
Vic Martucci, Managing Partner
Key industries: Health care, higher education, transportation, nonprofits, municipal government
Notable clients: Kaleida Health/Erie County Medical Center, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, D’Youville University, Rosina Food Products
Other key employees: Connie Martucci, Allie Castilloux
40. Empire Strategic Planning
Nick Spano, President
John Spano, Senior Adviser
Maureen Kronau, Vice President
Biggest achievement:
This year, Empire Strategic Planning demonstrated the power of personalized service and unwavering commitment. Whether it’s a routine inquiry or a time-sensitive matter, when you call, you’ll always connect directly with one of our three dedicated team members. Most recently, by working with members of the Legislature, we successfully secured $500,000 for the Westchester Parks Foundation and obtained crucial funding for law enforcement safety equipment. Our hands-on approach, combined with an extensive network, ensures that all clients receive focused attention and impactful results, no matter the scale of their needs.
Key industries: Health care and hospitals, nonprofits serving people with disabilities, affordable housing development, law enforcement and emergency services, statewide trade organizations
Notable clients: Sunshine Children’s Home and Rehabilitation Center, Greater New York Hospital Association, New York Propane Gas Association, National Association of Wine Retailers, Legal Aid Society of Westchester County
41. State & Broadway
Jacqueline S.L. Williams, Founding Partner
Lawrence E. Scherer, Founding Partner
Biggest achievement:
State & Broadway takes pride in leading the charge for the Empire State Film Production and Post-Production Tax Credit Program, sparking New York’s second “Golden Age” of film. We championed legislation implementing automatic enrollment in the New York City Board of Education Retirement System, ensuring that future school workers won’t discover they never accrued a pension. S&B is proud of our extensive work on bills to reduce drowning incidents, the top cause of death for children ages 1-4. We’re working on AI issues to protect workers, consumers and the public. And we’ve launched the HCRA Revenue Reform Coalition, uniting stakeholders whose health benefit funds are collectively taxed millions.
Key industries: Film and television industry, cannabis, gambling, fintech, domestic workers
Notable clients: IATSE Local 52, Writers Guild of America East, New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, Small Business Finance Association, Medicare Rights Center
42. Whiteman Osterman & Hanna
Richard Leckerling, Coordinating Partner, Governmental Relations Practice Group
Kate Herlihy, Partner
John Czajka, Partner
Key industries: Health care, education, insurance, finance
Notable clients: American Express, Amazon, Quest Diagnostics, Pearson, Hertz
Other key employee: Kevin Quinn
43. Patricia Lynch Associates
Patricia Lynch, Founder
Key industries: Health care, real estate, renewable energy, education, nonprofits
Notable clients: Nuvance Health, The Walt Disney Co., Phipps Houses, Extell Development, The Business Council of Westchester
44. Plummer & Wigger
Daniel Plummer, Partner
Key industries: Energy, media, transportation, finance, food
Notable clients: NBCUniversal, Railroads of New York, National Grid, Millennium Pipeline, New York State Funeral Directors Association, New York Transco
45. Reid, McNally & Savage
Robert Reid, Partner
Shauneen McNally, Partner
Marcy Savage, Partner
Key industries: Health care providers, public health, tech, finance, transit
Notable clients: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Community Pharmacy Association of New York State, New York State Association of Health Care Providers, New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, New York State Society of Anesthesiologists
Other key employees: Kayla Bogdanowicz, Elizabeth Reid
46. Harter Secrest & Emery
Amy Kellogg, Partner and Practice Group Leader
John Jennings, Partner
Caitlin Anderson, Associate
Biggest achievement:
Helping our clients accomplish their legislative priorities by passing several significant pieces of legislation was our biggest accomplishment this past year. We work with clients across a variety of industries, including the health care and transportation sectors, the alcoholic beverage sector, the life sciences sector and the energy and telecommunications sector. Our clients have varied and diverse needs, so we work with each one to develop a personalized and unique legislative strategy to ensure they secure the best possible outcome, whether it be the passage or defeat of legislation or securing government funding.
Key industries: Energy and telecommunications, health care, higher education, life sciences, transportation
Notable clients: Amalgamated Transit Union Legislative Conference Board, American Nurses Association – New York, GSK, New York State Association of County Health Officials, New York State Brewers Association
Other key employee: Bethany Latham
47. Allied Government Affairs
Jeff Klein, Founder
Key industries: Real estate, gambling, health care, energy, construction
Notable clients: New York Apartment Association, Bally’s, Riverspring Living Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Rise Light & Power, Grubhub
Other key employee: Michelle Dolgow
48. Capitol Strategies Group
Christopher Cotrona, Partner and Owner
Robert Burdick, Partner and Owner
Anthony Grego, Partner
Key industries: Tech, information technology, telecommunications
Notable clients: Amazon, Carahsoft, SHI International, Workday, Verizon
49. Hodes & Landy
Ginger Landy, Principal and Owner
Michele O’Connor, Director of Licensing and Senior Legislative Associate
Olivia Marfleet, Senior Legislative Associate
Biggest achievement:
In 2023, Hodes & Landy proudly achieved numerous legislative and regulatory goals on behalf of our clients. Our “Gold Standard” team executed multipronged, effective strategies to advance client priorities in the areas of behavioral health and substance use disorder, health care, pharmaceutical distribution and environmental policy. Notably, the firm worked toward securing stakeholder support, engaging advocates and achieving legislative passage of policies to expand access and eliminate barriers to medical treatments and medications.
Key industries: Health care and Medicaid, behavior health and substance use disorder, long-term care and licensure policy, environment, higher education
Notable clients: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Indivior, Healthcare Distribution Alliance, Shatterproof, Metropolitan College of New York
Other key employees: Esteban Maccera, Lorie Massad
50. Elk Street Group
Andrea DeBow, Partner
Diane Frazier, Partner
James McMahon, Partner
Biggest achievement:
After merging with TLM Associates, the Elk Street Group has continued to represent their clients in Albany and New York City with a focus on housing, health care and economic development. In the past year, working with many affordable housing clients, they supported historic changes for New York City development and housing law improvements. ESG also continued its focus on health care and nursing home regulatory agendas that would fully fund services and program changes.
Key industries: Banking, housing, health care, economic development, transportation
Notable clients: Bank of America, Community Preservation Corp., Enterprise Community Partners, New York Providers Alliance, Monadnock Development, United New York Ambulance Network, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center
Other key employees: Maureen Frazier, Thomas McMahon, Sharada Polavarapu, Pablo Zangerle
Correction: This post has been updated with the correct ranking for Albany Strategic Advisors. The firm is No. 16, not No. 17.
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