Publisher's Section
The 2025 Who’s Who in Government Relations
Notable figures influencing policy and spending in New York.
City & State presents 2025's Who's Who in Government Relations. Capital Health Consulting LLC; Montefiore Einstein; Anika Nahar
Want to pass a bill? Get government funding? Shape industry rules? There are plenty of experts who can help with that in New York. Engaging with elected and appointed officials to influence policymaking and spending decisions is an integral component of the legislative, budget writing and regulatory processes. The government relations sector encompasses a wide range of professionals and practitioners, whether they’re employed by big lobbying firms or law firms, smaller and more specialized boutique outfits, or on the staffs of companies or other organizations with an interest in the acts of government. City & State’s annual Who’s Who in Government Relations, researched and written in partnership with journalist Aaron Short, highlights many of the key figures you need to know in New York – because of what they know, who they know and how they get things done for their clients.
Alam, Mohammed
Mohammed Alam switched firms last year, joining Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt after a stint at Hodgson Russ. The University at Buffalo School of Law alum is part of his firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice and represents clients in construction, the financial sector and the fast-growing cannabis industry as well as educational institutions and governmental entities. Alam is also a vice chair of the state Democratic Party and cast a vote for Kamala Harris as a New York elector in the 2024 presidential election.
Alteri, Lisa
Lisa Alteri founded Capital Health Consulting in 2017 to fill a need in Albany for a health care-focused government relations firm run by people with clinical experience. Alteri, who was a registered nurse, brings a wealth of experience, having also held government roles overseeing nursing homes and state health systems as well as serving on state government advisory committees. As a lobbyist, she has shaped the Medicare and Medicaid portions of the state budget and advanced legislation benefiting vulnerable populations. In January, Alteri’s firm formed a strategic partnership with the law firm Abrams Fensterman.
Anderson, Caitlin
Caitlin Anderson joined the Albany-based lobbying firm Harter Secrest & Emery in January 2022 after counseling clients on coronavirus pandemic executive orders and rapidly changing COVID-19 guidance at Bond, Schoeneck & King. The William & Mary Law School alum now puts together legislative plans, advocates to alter legislation and meets with legislators and the governor’s team on behalf of a wide range of clients. In March, Anderson was appointed to the board of directors for the Empire Justice Center, a legal nonprofit that provides affordable legal services to clients outside of New York City.
Barcenes, Giovanni
After two years of working in City Hall for a deputy mayor, Giovanni Barcenes joined City Year New York in 2022 to help young New Yorkers succeed academically after high school and become more civically engaged. As the education nonprofit’s top government relations liaison, Barcenes helped secure $77 million for New York City community schools to ensure their students received programming and emotional support outside the classroom. In August 2023, the NYU alum and lifelong New Yorker was appointed a commissioner to the New York City Civic Engagement Commission, which promotes civic participation and the strengthening of local democracy.
Barnes, Amoy
For the past seven years, Amoy Barnes helped manage the New York City Department of Education’s Staten Island staff and assist borough nonprofits, universities and businesses in advancing students’ careers. In December, the former City Council candidate and Baruch College alum was promoted to become the department’s top intergovernmental leader, ensuring that other agencies keep the interests of the city’s nearly 1 million public school children at the forefront. Barnes is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, the New York City Black Women’s Political Club and the National Council of Negro Women.
Benoit, Mark
Mark Benoit joined Geto & de Milly over a decade ago after a successful stint managing Tom DiNapoli’s state comptroller campaign and running two other campaigns. The Dinkins administration alum and frequent NY1 guest has worked for an array of public officials and agencies as well as companies like PepsiCo, Seaport Entertainment Group and Bridge Street Development Corp., which preserves and upgrades senior housing in Brooklyn. Benoit has worked closely with Grand Street Guild, which develops affordable apartments on the Lower East Side.
Bernbach, Justin
Justin Bernbach knows his way around the region’s transportation infrastructure. The Cornell and Harvard alum had government and community relations stints at American Airlines, HNTB, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey before rejoining HNTB, a major infrastructure firm, in 2022. Bernbach recently helped HNTB secure a role as project manager for the next phase of LaGuardia Airport’s redevelopment and advance its Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project. He also represented the Port Authority well as a seven-time “Jeopardy” champion and Tournament of Champions contestant in 2009.
Cavanaugh, Amanda
Amanda Cavanaugh always had a passion for health care policy and helping New York’s most vulnerable residents. She came aboard Malkin & Ross in 2021 after working with Compassion & Choices, where she advocated for the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Cavanaugh has since worked with nonprofits like Safe Horizon, supported the Adult Survivors Act and helped reverse cuts to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This year, she led campaigns calling for more state investment in substance use services and gender-affirming care.
Chlad, Kevin
Kevin Chlad has spent his career dedicated to keeping Adirondack Park a pristine, wild and inestimable natural resource. Since joining the Adirondack Council in 2011, the SUNY Potsdam alum has worked to pass the Aquatic Invasive Species Act, the ATV Minimum Age Act and the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force to preserve the 6 million-acre state park. He also fought against parkland alienation proposals and funding cuts to parks conservation efforts. In March, Chlad was promoted to deputy director of the Adirondack Council after serving as its government relations director for six years.
Chung, Jonathan
Last year, Jonathan Chung joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ New York City branch to help advance its mission of improving access to mental health care and housing. Chung has leaned on his experience as a New York City Council staffer and Queens Public Library governmental affairs leader to secure funding for a teen mental health pilot and advocate for policies that decriminalize mental illness amid divisions over involuntary hospitalizations. The Baruch College alum has expanded NAMI-NYC’s outreach in underserved communities and recently organized 180 volunteers to campaign for better mental health access and supportive housing.
Clark, Doug
Over the past decade, Doug Clark has turned the government relations firm he co-founded into one of the top hospitality and alcohol license advisory specialists in the state. Clark helped draft legislation on automobile dealers, worked with the state attorney general’s office on guidelines for endowment fund use and secured $138 million in state economic development funding for a client. He has worked with BlackRock, the New York Bankers Association, the Food Bank Association and American Airlines, and teaches about state lobbying laws at Albany Law School, where he got his law degree.
Corrado, Julia
Julia Corrado’s passion for the environment led her to join ALIGN last year after working on clean energy initiatives at the top lobbying firm Kasirer and for the Billion Oyster Project. In the last year, the Pace University graduate helped the New York City Department of Sanitation and the Brooklyn borough president’s office establish commercial waste zones to reform the private carting industry and reduce emissions. And she worked with New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés to regulate last-mile warehouses by advancing a bill to reduce emissions of idling trucks.
Daly, Therese
Therese Daly joined the United Way of New York State in January, becoming the first Asian American and youngest CEO of the Albany-based nonprofit in its history. The Siena College graduate previously served as a high-level legislative staffer with state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and drove workforce policies at New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals. At United Way, Daly has advocated for the state to end child poverty and support its 211 information and referral service line, and got Gov. Kathy Hochul to boost funding for a statewide program expanding health services in partnership with Black churches.
Del Giorno, Jon
Jon Del Giorno co-founded Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno nearly two decades ago to help public officials seek higher office and advise clients navigating complex city, state and federal bureaucracies. Over the past year, Del Giorno helped Clear Ballot launch a certified paper ballot voting system in 17 counties and an automated system to audit elections, while also working with Anthos Home to find permanent housing for 250 people aging out of foster care. He also helped the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators and The American LGBTQ+ Museum secure funding.
Delgado, Ryan
After over a decade at the New York State AFL-CIO, most recently as the statewide labor coalition’s chief of staff, Ryan Delgado joined National Grid in January as the point person for government relations. In his new role, Delgado has emphasized the job creation, decarbonization and resilience efforts driven by the energy company, which serves 20 million people in New York and Massachusetts. Delgado was also a commissioner for the New York State Insurance Fund and served in leadership roles on the boards of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act and 9/11 Health Watch.
DiNardo, Ashley Thompson
Ashley Thompson DiNardo is one of the sharpest land use and transportation lobbyists in New York City. She developed deep knowledge of housing and zoning issues as a New York City Council chief of staff and legislative aide in then-Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office before working at Capalino’s vaunted lobbying shop for nearly a decade. Last year, DiNardo joined Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies and helped shape the recent City of Yes zoning overhaul by working with City Council members to update zoning laws and allow more affordable housing development in their neighborhoods.
Dotchev, Czareena
Czareena Dotchev joined the International Trademark Association in September and has been one of the organization’s essential leaders shaping intellectual property policy. The former staffer for U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer worked on the association’s promotion of legislation that would regulate deepfakes by addressing rapid advancements in artificial intelligence technology that allows people to have more access to deceptive replicas. The Queens native has also overhauled her organization’s campaign spending operations to support candidates based on their positions on intellectual property issues.
Drinkwater, Erin
Wherever Erin Drinkwater has worked in New York politics, she has been committed to health care as a human right. Drinkwater previously ran the Brooklyn Community Pride Center and helped lead the New York City Department of Social Services before joining MetroPlusHealth in September 2022. As the top government relations official, Drinkwater has helped the low-cost insurer expand its plan membership, which now serves 1 in 5 New Yorkers. She regularly engages with state and local public officials and hosts informative community educational workshops to keep vulnerable New Yorkers covered.
Durosinmi, Christopher
Most people don’t get to chill out with penguins and capybaras the same week they hobnob with politicians at City Hall, but Christopher Durosinmi isn’t a typical government relations professional. The lifelong Brooklynite joined the Wildlife Conservation Society in 2017 after holding various city and state government roles, including helping roll out New York City’s Pre-K for All initiative. In his current role, Durosinmi has secured funding for zoos and aquariums, driven youth participation in STEM programs and spearheaded community resiliency efforts in the face of climate change.
Fasoldt, Ruth
Ruth Fasoldt was already one of the state’s more plugged-in government relations figures before she joined Con Edison in 2023. Fasoldt helped LinkNYC launch its first-of-a-kind free Wi-Fi towers across New York City, then managed Lyft’s public policy strategies as it expanded its ride-hailing and CitiBike services throughout the city. Now at Con Edison, she oversees government relations efforts at the local, state and federal levels and manages seven regional community affairs teams.
Finkel, Wendy Perlmutter
Wendy Perlmutter Finkel is a staunch advocate for child mental health care and helping underserved communities. Finkel worked for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services and at a child welfare nonprofit before joining JCCA, formerly known as the Jewish Child Care Association, in 2020. She has since secured government funding to support the organization’s $125 million operating budget as well as mental and behavioral health services. Finkel helped launch a capital campaign to upgrade JCCA’s Pleasantville campus and worked with Westchester leaders as the JCCA has taken in more foster care children.
Fleming Jr., David
David Fleming Jr. is arguably the state’s top expert in cemetery regulation and management. The veteran lobbyist and former town of Nassau supervisor joined what’s now Featherstonhaugh, Clyne & McCardle in 1993 and began representing the New York State Association of Cemeteries two years later. Fleming assisted state and national organizations with their death care planning and emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recently worked on $100 million in nonprofit development projects that received state approvals and continues to consult on high-profile death care issues across the state.
Floyd, Chatodd
Chatodd Floyd joined the Greater New York Hospital Association in 2023 with a mission to help New York’s medical centers fix their staffing woes and get on solid financial footing following the COVID-19 pandemic. Floyd previously spent more than a decade in government as a top legislative aide for Govs. Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo and as deputy chief of staff to then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. More recently, Floyd helped secure a new managed care organizations tax to pay for Medicaid services and advocated for increased Medicaid spending for hospitals as Congress mulls cuts.
Franchi, Jaime
Jaime Franchi’s experience as a journalist at the Long Island Press and executive editor at Morey Publishing has given her the tools to shape the Long Island Contractors’ Association’s media strategy. She joined LICA in June 2022 and has since spearheaded a Suffolk County ballot referendum that approved $8 billion to upgrade East End sewer infrastructure and advocated for a $1 billion budget increase to the state Department of Transportation’s capital plan. Franchi also edits the Long Island Road Warriors magazine, which has become a leading transportation construction industry publication.
Francis, Nickesha
For nearly 10 years, Nickesha Francis has helped Good Shepherd Services become a leading child welfare organization in New York City. A social worker by training, Francis managed cases and Harlem’s Polo Grounds Community Center for The Children’s Village before joining Good Shepherd Services. She has since advocated for family preservation with fewer foster care removals and more state support for educational and after-school programs. This past year, Francis has worked with a coalition of organizations to restore education, youth and restorative justice programs in the 2025 city budget.
Gallucci, Gabriel
After advocating for workers’ rights and wage hikes, Gabriel Gallucci launched his own consulting firm last year. The veteran labor operative helped New York Communities for Change manage its campaign for a $15 minimum wage, ran the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators’ government relations operations and shaped the American Federation of School Administrators’ political strategy before founding WeBridge Solutions. Gallucci successfully advocated for a New York City bill mandating solar panels on public buildings and is championing the NY HEAT Act, which aims to reduce reliance on natural gas.
Hansen, Kevin
Wind power may be facing some headwinds, but Kevin Hansen is optimistic that New York will continue to embrace renewable energy as a long-term solution to combat climate change. Hansen joined Ørsted in 2022 after nearly a decade at Empire State Development and has helped the energy company rapidly expand its wind and solar farms as well as its energy storage facilities. Hansen built support for South Fork Wind, the state’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, and Sunrise Wind, which broke ground in June. Ørsted is currently bidding to create a 1.4-gigawatt wind power project on Long Island.
Henderson-Rivers, Tyquana
Few political consultants know the nuances of the New York City electorate better than Tyquana Henderson-Rivers. The Queens native founded Connective Strategies in 2008 and has been on the winning side of dozens of political campaigns, including those of Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rep. Gregory Meeks and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Last year, Henderson-Rivers helped three new judges and Assembly Member Larinda Hooks win elected office, and teamed up with government agencies on NYC Votes, a project to boost turnout in neighborhoods with low-propensity voters.
Hilliard, Jason
Jason Hilliard’s recent appointment at The Building & Realty Institute has made him one of the region’s key leaders tackling the suburban housing shortage. The NYU alum worked for Rep. Gregory Meeks, state Sen. James Sanders Jr. and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s presidential campaign in South Carolina before joining BRI to help its members advocate on housing matters in Westchester County. Hilliard recently helped the Ground Lease Renewal Notice Act and a measure on fire alarms in common areas get signed into law.
Hohman, Katie
Katie Hohman is a rising star among Albany lobbyists thanks to her perspicacity and dedication to her clients. In January, her former firm of Sheridan, Hohman and Associates merged with another boutique lobbying firm to form Plummer, Wigger & Hohman, which now serves a wider range of clients across the state. Hohman recently helped regional planning councils widen their government grant application eligibility, secured an $85 million increase in funding to upgrade Next Gen 911 and helped Genesee County win $30 million in funding to fix their water infrastructure.
Hughes, Kara
With more than two decades of public policy experience, Kara Hughes is one of the state’s go-to consultants for elected officials, nonprofits and advocacy groups looking to mount successful campaigns. Hughes began her career in California, working in then-U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer’s office, helped Hillary Rodham Clinton get elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000 and later led then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office of legislative affairs, where she helped make ranked choice voting a reality. Recently, Hughes has helped clients navigate the migrant crisis, congestion pricing and government regulations on new technologies.
Hunt, Nicole
Nicole Hunt has secured more resources for soup kitchens and emergency food providers at a time when expenses have skyrocketed and pantry visits in New York City reached record highs. Hunt started out in legislative staff roles, working on expanding voter access and strengthening the rights for New Yorkers in the shelter system and foster care before joining the Food Bank For New York City in 2022. Now, Hunt is grappling with the dual threat of the Trump administration’s spending cuts to benefit programs and tariff costs on pantry items and perishables.
Hyppolite, Jerry
Jerry Hyppolite joined Partnership with Children in 2022 after nearly seven years managing community centers and other facilities at the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. He has helped develop the nonprofit’s strategic plan, implemented Microsoft Teams and SharePoint as well as boosted discretionary funding by 137% since becoming the social services organization’s chief of staff. Last year, Hyppolite and team launched the organization’s new 8,000-square-foot headquarters at One Battery Park Plaza, where it will support 27,000 children and families.
Imohiosen, Charles
Charles Imohiosen had led Superstorm Sandy rebuilding efforts and managed budgets of over $1 billion at Empire State Development, so he was a slam dunk to join the New York Power Authority last year. When the state Legislature expanded NYPA’s ability to develop renewable energy, Imohiosen helped launch a public outreach campaign for its plans and worked with SUNY Cobleskill to develop solar arrays. Imohiosen has worked with NYPA’s other transmission partners on their energy infrastructure projects and helped start a workforce training program with Hudson Valley Community College.
Kimball, Kyle
Kyle Kimball’s deep government ties should position him well to help New York University weather defunding threats under President Donald Trump. Kimball led the New York City Economic Development Corp. before serving as Con Edison’s government relations chief for eight years. Since joining NYU in 2023, Kimball has advised President Linda Mills, helped keep a Morton Williams supermarket in Greenwich Village and sought to tamp down tensions as the university was roiled with Oct. 7 demonstrations. Now, Kimball is working on contingency plans for federal funding cuts as NYU instituted a hiring freeze.
Klein, Jeff
After nearly a quarter century as a power broker in the state Legislature followed by a stint at Mercury, Jeff Klein launched his own bipartisan public strategy and lobbying firm Allied Government Affairs three years ago to capitalize on his expertise navigating Albany on behalf of a range of clients. Klein has advised Bally’s on its bid to win a casino license for a site in the Bronx. He has also worked with the New York Apartment Association, Riverspring Living’s The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Rise Light & Power and Grubhub.
Klein, Mike
Mike Klein founded Urban Strategies in 2017 after years of working with top New York Democrats and leading public policy at the global law firm Dentons. Klein’s government affairs firm has helped Impacct Brooklyn expand its affordable housing efforts, aided the Penn District’s overhaul, revitalized Livingston Manor’s downtown and advised the Episcopal Diocese. Klein has also supported Phoenix House’s addiction treatment efforts, the expansion of Urban Dove schools and Ukraine Focus’ efforts to bring medical supplies to the front lines of the war.
Kline, Julian
Julian Kline’s passion for making New York a global tech leader led him to found his own company in 2023. The Brooklynite lobbied at Bolton-St. Johns for a decade and was head of policy at the industry coalition Tech:NYC before forming Kline Public Strategies. Last year, Kline helped United Way of New York City launch a new Latino studies curriculum for city public schools and secure funding for the organization’s free mobile health clinics. He also advocated for rules that will help state agencies increase their use of cloud technologies.
Kornbluth, Jerry
Jerry Kornbluth taught math and statistics classes at Nassau Community College and was an adjunct professor at LaGuardia and Queensborough community colleges, so he knows about the value of public higher education. The lifelong educator has served Nassau Community College’s vice president of community and governmental relations since 2022, a role in which he partnered with NYU Langone Health to bring a hospital to campus and expanded technical education programs. Kornbluth has backed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s free community college budget proposal and enacted a consolidation plan for the school.
Kraus, Cheryl
After shaping state policy on end-of-life care as head of government affairs at the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of New York State, Cheryl Kraus started a new chapter in her career when she joined the New York-based law firm Farrell Fritz in January. The experienced attorney, advocate and policy expert helped establish the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care at the state Department of Health, the first of its kind in the nation. Kraus has also influenced legislative language in multiple health care bills, including reproductive rights, gestational surrogacy, domestic violence reforms and medical aid in dying.
Kroll, Steven
Steven Kroll has been at the forefront of advocacy for first responders for more than two decades as an emergency medical technician in upstate New York. Kroll has served as chief of the Delmar-Bethlehem EMS for more than 17 years, chaired the board of trustees at Cobleskill Regional Hospital since 2021 and advised the Cambridge Consulting Group since June. Last year, Kroll helped pass a treat-in-place law that would allow EMS practitioners to administer medical treatment to Medicaid patients on the scene instead of transporting them to a hospital.
Laidley, Jason
After working for Bronx state Sen. Jamaal Bailey, both on his staff and on his campaign team, Jason Laidley started his own consulting firm in 2022. Laidley’s London House has since advised a bevy of nonprofits and companies in the Bronx and beyond, including the New York Botanical Garden, the American Heart Association and Grubhub. Bronx Democrats have also leaned on Laidley to help the county party’s voter outreach and administrative services, and his firm has advised candidates for Bronx Civil Court.
Lavine, Greg
Greg Lavine joined the New York-based McBride Consulting and Business Development Group after a 20-year career helping Queens Democrats win elected office. Lavine previously worked with Rep. Grace Meng and then-New York City Council Member Karen Koslowitz before linking up with McBride in June 2023 to consult with an array of nonprofit, health care, retail and political clients, including companies in the state’s growing cannabis industry. Over the past year, Lavine notched wins for technology clients, including Syneroid Technologies, OpenGov and BusPatrol.
Lewis, Jeff
Jeff Lewis helped Kathy Hochul ease into the governor’s office and secure a full term in the state’s highest office before he joined Oaktree Solutions in 2024. Lewis started his career with Hochul when she led the Erie County clerk’s office back in 2009 before joining her lieutenant governor staff in 2015 and becoming her chief of staff the following year. Lewis, who recently advised the state Democratic Party, has since helped lead Oaktree’s policy and strategy team while maintaining close connections with the governor’s office.
Lis, Anna
The Real Estate Board of New York snapped up Anna Lis in 2022 after she had served as a state legislative affairs aide in the de Blasio and Adams administrations. Lis, who was also a communications aide with the Assembly and an Albany-based legislative specialist at Greenberg Traurig, has focused her energy at REBNY on getting lawmakers to extend the deadline for 421-a projects, pass a new affordable housing tax incentive for commercial conversions in New York City and lift the floor area ratio cap for residential buildings.
Malec Huss, Nichole
Nichole Malec Huss has carved out a career as one of Western New York’s budding government relations leaders. Malec Huss started her career working for a state lawmaker from Monroe County and went on to serve as Rep. Joe Morelle’s deputy chief of staff when Morelle was majority leader of the Assembly. In 2021, she joined Rochester Regional Health, where she helped secure $2.1 million in federal funding for the health system and improved hospital safety through legislation that granted peace officer status to some of its personnel.
Manley, Jennifer
Jennifer Manley began her career investigating the causes of fires and worked as an editor covering breaking news for the Queens Chronicle before she co-founded her own public affairs firm in 2018. These days, the Bloomberg administration veteran puts out fires for her clients in New York, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., Florida and Texas. Manley has worked for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Metropolitan Opera, Bank Street College of Education and the New York Hall of Science while also advising public advocacy campaigns for improved mental health services.
Marcy, Molly
Molly Marcy brought significant policy experience from the legislative and executive branches before joining Brown & Weinraub in 2021. The University at Albany graduate got her start as a press and budgetary aide in the state Senate. She then worked for the MirRam Group before eventually serving as one of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top liaisons between the executive chamber and the state Legislature. More recently, Marcy helped secure the first increase for fixed fees for sheriffs in two decades, tax parity for mixed martial arts, better protections for fashion industry workers and also worked toward the expansion of fiber optic technology deployment.
Martinez, Paola
Paola Martinez has made her mark serving New York’s most vulnerable residents. She joined Catholic Charities in 2019 as a director of social and community services, and developed an on-site social services program that distributed meals and vaccines during the coronavirus pandemic. After a one-year stint at SUNY, she returned to oversee strategic program development and special initiatives in 2022, providing access to food and affordable housing amid rising costs and services for refugees and other immigrants. She helped her organization host a day of service at the Somos conference in Puerto Rico.
Mihaltses, Haeda
It’s hard to leave the New York Mets, but Haeda Mihaltses didn’t go far. The Fordham University alum served as New York City Council finance director and Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s director of intergovernmental affairs before taking her talents to the Mets as a community engagement leader in 2014. In 2020, Mihaltses left for the Jeff Wilpon-owned Sterling Project Development, where she helped get the plan for the upcoming New York City Football Club stadium approved at Willets Point. Mihaltses is also a Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member and has defended congestion pricing from federal threats.
Miller, Charles
Macy’s may be contending with the Trump administration’s looming tariffs and cautious shoppers, but Charles Miller and other executives have the department store well-positioned to withstand the trade wars. Miller, an attorney and government relations veteran, oversees the retail giant’s national governmental affairs program along with colleague Opio Dupree. Miller has collaborated with trade association partners on shared goals and leaned into the company’s commitment to community engagement.
Mizrahi, Celine
Celine Mizrahi has dedicated her life to advancing reproductive freedom, economic justice and women’s equality. The first generation Yale University graduate and NYU School of Law alum joined Civitas Public Affairs in 2001 after spending more than a decade working for Rep. Jerry Nadler and later, assisting then-New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson in developing a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mizrahi has since worked on a number of campaigns that advance workers’ rights and reproductive health policy at the national and state levels.
Mohammed-Miller, Maryam
Maryam Mohammed-Miller has sought to safeguard reproductive rights for all New Yorkers as Planned Parenthood clinics have been under attack by the Trump administration. The Bronx native joined the nonprofit in 2022 after working with the Vera Institute of Justice’s initiative to end the incarceration of girls. At Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Mohammed-Miller has fought to protect access to sexual and reproductive health, called for making New York a sanctuary state, supported safeguarding voting rights, helped pass the Equal Rights Amendment in New York last year and has been working to improve maternal health outcomes for Black women.
Moran, Leslie
For more than three decades, Leslie Moran has advocated for managed health plans and worked with lawmakers to expand access to affordable health care to more New Yorkers. Moran got her start as a news producer and served as a press aide in the Assembly before joining the New York Health Plan Association in 1992. Over the past year, Moran has helped the organization advocate for fully funding the Medicaid Managed Care Quality Incentive Program, among other things.
Mosley, Julie
Julie Mosley’s J Strategies has a mission to defend workers’ rights, expand access to care as well as to protect women and immigrants. Mosley previously worked for U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and at the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters before launching her Albany-based firm. J Strategies has worked with such clients as the Orthodox Union, Big I New York and the Saratoga Casino and Raceway. Mosley has sought to end child marriage, bolstered protections for Medicaid patients and secured health care funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Murphy, Kristen
Kristen Murphy became CEO of Tress Capitol Advisors this year thanks to her stellar management and work securing victories for clients. Murphy has helped increase access to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, recently securing an update to the state’s HIV testing laws and removing a cap on spinal cord injury research. She also helped secure full funding for the Homeowner Protection Program. Murphy succeeded founder Tracy Tress as CEO, while Tress remains in a key role as senior adviser. Murphy began her career as an Assembly aide, gaining expertise in public and behavioral health, Medicaid and insurance policy before joining TCA in 2016.
Neer, Katie
Katie Neer has quickly established herself as the state’s leading expert on regulatory issues surrounding cannabis. Neer interned for then-U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and was an assistant secretary in the Cuomo administration for three years before moving to Greenberg Traurig and helping shape the state’s legalization of adult-use cannabis. Now at the Albany government relations and consulting firm Dickinson & Avella, Neer has helped cannabis entrepreneurs get licensed, open retail operations and comply with the state’s complex drug regulations. Last year, she co-founded KND Group, a cannabis tech startup.
Nehme, Joe
At Micron Technology, Joe Nehme works to help boost Central New York’s economy. The Syracuse University alum started his career working on Assembly campaigns and served as U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s Central New York regional director before joining Micron in 2023. He has helped secure approvals for Micron’s semiconductor plant and $6.1 billion in government subsidies for the company. Now, Nehme's day-to-day focus is on helping Micron clear the final hurdles for construction in Clay, New York.
Ng, Veronica
Veronica Ng used to help Democrats win tough elections and outside of work she’s also a competitive powerlifter – so she knows how to execute a heavy lift. After joining Walgreens last year, the Queens native has supported reimbursement reform, codifying the authority of pharmacy technicians and supporting Walgreens and Duane Reade branches in six states in the mid-Atlantic region and Washington, D.C. Previously, Ng helped Democrats retake the state Senate, consulted with The Parkside Group and helped Gov. Kathy Hochul get her appointments confirmed as a top legislative aide.
Nickson, Amy
Amy Nickson has played a key role shaping New York’s health care policy and spending in the public sector and nonprofit world for nearly three decades. Nickson started her career as a legislative analyst in the Assembly before joining the state Department of Health. She joined the Healthcare Association of New York State in 2018 and has won increased investment in Medicaid and advocated for a federal waiver for a tax on managed care organizations to fund Medicaid reimbursements. She also contributed to a HANYS report on the challenges of the state’s health care system.
Nolasco, Hailey
Hailey Nolasco joined the Center for Justice Innovation in 2023 to advance its mission to make the justice system fair and humane. She worked in the Brooklyn district attorney’s office, the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and the New York City Council before helping manage the migrant crisis response at the city Department of Social Services. In her current role, Nolasco has sought to establish a community justice center in Staten Island and supported efforts to help women affected by the criminal justice system in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
O’Brien, Patrick
Patrick O’Brien’s passion for clean energy led him to Holtec International, the company tasked with managing the decommissioned Indian Point nuclear power plant. O’Brien worked in state and local government in Massachusetts before joining Entergy in 2016 and then moving to Holtec five years later. O’Brien helped negotiate an agreement to decommission Indian Point four years ago. He has since sought to promote nuclear energy as some state leaders have second-guessed the closure as the state falls behind its emissions goals.
O’Brien Crummey, Caron
Caron O’Brien Crummey brought nearly three decades of experience advising state legislative leaders with her when she joined Hinman Straub in 2009. O’Brien Crummey advised the state Senate majority leader on health care matters and negotiated the Health Care Reform Act, Timothy’s Law and medical malpractice reforms. At the top-tier lobbying firm Hinman Straub, O’Brien Crummey specializes in health care, labor, energy and telecommunications policy and is a benefactor supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capitol Region.
O’Connor, Michele
Since she joined Hodes & Landy in 2001, Michele O’Connor has helped the Albany-based lobbying firm expand its client base and run its health care licensure practice. As the firm’s director of licensing and senior legislative associate, O’Connor has worked with clients in the health care, insurance and long-term care sectors, including the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Benchmark Senior Living and Sunrise Senior Living. O’Connor continues to help adult care and assisted living facilities get licenses and improve the state’s licensure submission and review process.
Ochacher, Perry
Perry Ochacher held key roles at several lobbying firms – Empire Strategic Planning, Gotham Government Relations and State & Broadway – before launching Willett Public Affairs in 2018. Ochacher’s experience representing an array of clients across major industries helped prepare him to start his own firm with a focus on serving Westchester County. Willett has since represented major suburban downstate clients, including the town of Greenburgh, the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Tarrytown Music Hall, the Subcontractors Trade Association and New York Electrical Contractors Association.
Ornst, Patty
Patty Ornst is used to turbulence in the airline sector after serving as Delta’s local governmental affairs leader for nearly 12 years and working on aviation policy for a quarter century. Ornst has been a key leader in the $8 billion redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport, which featured the $4 billion reconstruction of Delta’s Terminal C, and was a steady voice during the COVID-19 pandemic when the industry needed governmental assistance to stay afloat. Amid a post-pandemic rebound, Delta served nearly 34 million passengers in 2023.
Ottney Mahar, Jessica
Perhaps it was fate that led Jessica Ottney Mahar to The Nature Conservancy two decades ago due to her childhood love of nature and deep commitment to environmentalism. Ottney Mahar helped the 70-year-old nonprofit get the state’s $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act passed in 2022 and organized a coalition to support a $6 billion bond initiative for clean water infrastructure in Suffolk County that passed in a ballot initiative last year. Ottney Mahar has also convened the Forest for All NYC coalition and helped protect two large tracts of the Adirondack Forest Preserve during her tenure.
Parekh, Hersh
Hersh Parekh has helped coordinate the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s interactions with city officials and community leaders as the interstate agency underwent a multibillion-dollar overhaul of its three international airports. After working as intergovernmental aide with the governor’s office, Parekh joined the Port Authority in 2019 and has coordinated awarding $2.7 billion in contracts to MWBEs for JFK Airport’s reconstruction. He also managed the Port Authority Bus Terminal’s $10 billion renovation, which received New York City Council approval in November.
Patterson, Brandon
Before Brandon Patterson joined Spotify late last year, the rhythms of New York politics were his soundtrack. Earlier in his career, Patterson worked with former state Sen. Diane Savino, the New York City Council and the city’s Board of Elections before pivoting to the tech community as a lobbyist for Salesforce. At Spotify, Patterson has established a nationwide state governmental affairs program and is working to shape state legislation on artificial intelligence, digital replicas and commerce by sharing the audio streaming service’s position on emerging technologies.
Paventi, Marlo
Even though she’s originally from Syracuse, Marlo Paventi has advocated ferociously for Realtors and homeowners on Long Island for more than 15 years. After starting her career as a caseworker for then-Rep. Steve Israel, Paventi worked for a veterans organization before joining the Long Island Board of Realtors in 2018. Paventi and her LIBOR members lobbied state lawmakers on last year’s housing deal in the state budget and she has served as a board member on the Long Island Housing Partnership for the past four years.
Perez, Lilliam
Lilliam Perez is part of one of the most formidable government relations teams in the health care industry. The Bronx native started out as a state Senate aide before she joined Montefiore in 2018. She has since advocated for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates from the state and funding for school-based health centers. She has also been active with the Latina Political Action Committee, the Dominican Women’s Development Center and the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights.
Rezek, Kristin
Kristin Rezek is a familiar face having over two decades in government and the health insurance industry. Rezek started out as a state Senate aide and had stints at EmblemHealth and MetroPlusHealth before joining the Adams administration in January 2023. She helped lobby Albany for the city to be given the authority to shut down illicit cannabis stores and to pass a landmark housing package last year. She also urged city lawmakers to support the City of Yes zoning overhaul. Additionally, Rezek helped secure $237 million in funding for asylum-seekers and $175 million in infrastructure funds from Congress.
Richards, Jovan
Tax season can be stressful, but try making a specialty cocktail with a dozen ingredients and a line at the bar. Jovan Richards is a man of many talents who advocates for the interests of the state’s certified public accountants, serves as president of the New York State Young Democrats and as executive director of the Westchester County Democratic Committee. Plus, he’s an expert mixologist and sommelier who has designed cocktails for Yankee Stadium. He recently got the state Legislature to pass stalled non-CPA ownership legislation and helped launch the “Smart Money Habits” initiative.
Rodriguez, Rick
Few issues stir the passions of New Yorkers like transportation, and Rick Rodriguez is driven to make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Rodriguez spent six years working at City Hall, most recently with the deputy mayor of operations, before crossing the road to the New York City Department of Transportation in 2021. He has since helped launch the city’s emergency open streets and outdoor dining programs, created the largest speed camera program in the country, developed an electric vehicle vision plan and improved pedestrian visibility at 300 intersections.
Schulz, Craig
Craig Schulz came aboard Amtrak in 2013 after working in broadcast journalism in three cities along Amtrak’s Northeast corridor, and he has shaped the narrative of the railroad’s most significant transformation in a century. Schulz has helped secure funding and oversee construction of the $16 billion Gateway Program, the most expensive public infrastructure program in the country, and the Portal North Bridge. He continues to engage political leaders and stakeholders over the best way to increase capacity at Penn Station that could involve expanding its footprint.
Schwartz, David
David Schwartz is one of the few lobbyists in New York who is a practicing trial attorney too. The Sag Harbor regular founded Gotham Government Relations in 2007 and has helped block Walmart from opening in New York City, reduce no-fault insurance fraud and limit the sale of illegal cigarettes in stores. In early March, Schwartz launched Gotham Polling and released a comprehensive poll of the New York City Democratic mayoral primary showing a tight contest into the seventh round of voting between former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
Sikes, Stacey
Stacey Sikes is intimately familiar with Long Island’s economy, having served as a dean of Hofstra University’s entrepreneurship program, as a town of Brookhaven employee and as a leader with Accelerate Long Island. Since she joined the Long Island Association in 2021, Sikes has developed the business organization’s annual policy plan and has helped create a small-business grant program. This year, she helped organize LIA’s State of the Region, brought in Long Island’s congressional delegation to speak about the state and local tax cap and hosted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss environmental policy.
Sullivan, Evan
Evan Sullivan’s expertise in the state budget and legislative process make him an invaluable executive at Ostroff Associates. Sullivan was a senior staffer for the state Senate, where he helped lawmakers craft legislation and shaped annual health, housing and education budget outlays, before joining the lobbying firm in 2017. At Ostroff, Sullivan recently worked to expand New Yorkers’ access to health care and strengthen patient protections, helped clients navigate regulatory processes to build affordable housing projects and got approvals for programs to help individuals with disabilities.
Tassler, Jennifer
Jennifer Tassler’s lifelong interests in neuroscience and medicine have come in handy representing the state’s medical schools. Tassler developed strong relationships with state and federal electeds at the American Psychiatric Association before joining Associated Medical Schools of New York in 2016. Tassler helped secure $11.7 million since 2018 for a state program for recruiting and retaining scientific talent that has spurred $107.4 million in institutional investments over that same time period. Tassler, who also represents the affiliated New York State Academic Dental Centers, a sister organization, also led efforts to include Medicaid reimbursement for dental providers.
Taylor, Meghan
Genting’s proposal for a full casino license has stiff competition, but Meghan Taylor is working to ensure its Resorts World site in Queens hits the jackpot. After leading Empire State Development’s Mid-Hudson office, Taylor joined Genting in 2020 and helped reopen its gambling halls that had closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, she helped unveil Resorts World’s $5 billion expansion plan that would add 1,600 more hotel rooms, build a 7,000-seat entertainment venue and a 350,000-square-foot conference space and convert 50 acres into parkland.
Trapani, Catherine
For the past two decades, Catherine Trapani has been focused on assisting New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and poverty. Trapani joined Volunteers of America’s Greater New York chapter last year after running Homeless Services United for seven years, where she helped expand eligibility for New York City’s housing voucher program and led a coalition of 50 nonprofits to fight for increased homeless services. In her current role, Trapani has secured New York City funding, promoted the SAFE Shelter Act and advocated for a bill mandating training for first responders on the signs of domestic violence.
Wattie, Travis
Travis Wattie is a name to know in insurance. Before joining Big I, which represents independent insurance brokers and agents in New York and Connecticut, Wattie spent a dozen years leading State Farm’s government affairs office for the Northeast and worked as a public policy aide in the Assembly in New York. Wattie recently helped organize a property and casualty summit, which brought together more than 200 industry leaders and his insights will be in demand as the industry grapples with the risk of extreme weather events in the future.
Weprin, Mark
New York has ambitious 2030 climate goals, and Mark Weprin is aiming to help the state meet them. The venerable former lawmaker represented Northeast Queens in the Assembly and the New York City Council for two decades, served in the executive chamber and was a shareholder at Greenburg Traurig before joining Invenergy in 2022. Weprin has helped the clean energy company open its new Manhattan office and promote its offshore wind, solar and energy storage projects. Demand for renewables remains high in the region, and Invenergy and others are looking to capitalize on the need for further investment.
Weprin, Max
Max Weprin’s experience in New York City’s political trenches has been a boon to the government relations law firm Gerstman. The Queens native served as a constituent liaison for Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and then as New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ intergovernmental affairs liaison, a role in which he helped get several legislative priorities passed. Since Weprin joined Gerstman in January, he has led its strategic advocacy efforts, represented the firm in meetings with elected officials and agencies and worked with a variety of the firm’s private and public sector clients.
Wilson, Vanecia
Vanecia Wilson won’t back down from a fight, so she was a natural choice to be the United Federation of Teachers’ political director. Wilson taught primary school at PS/IS 332 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, for 15 years before becoming a chapter leader and then a full-time representative in the union’s Brooklyn office. She took on the political director role in August 2023 and recently lobbied New York City Council members with paraprofessionals and advocated for mayoral candidates to spend seven periods in a public school classroom when seeking the union’s endorsement.
Zack, Rebecca
Rebecca Zack is one of key officials managing the progress of the nation’s largest infrastructure program and one critical to the economic future of the region. Zack joined the Gateway Development Commission in 2023 after 12 years working at New York City Department of Transportation and has helped ensure the Gateway Program has receives state and federal funding. After celebrating the tunnel’s groundbreaking in November 2023, Zack’s team launched a noise abatement program, opened a public information center and has hosted several open houses during the construction phase.
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