The ROI Influencers Power List 2020: Government Affairs

By
Robert F. Russo
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Aisha Glover, Gurbir Grewal, Tim Sullivan, Jose Lozano, George Helmy, Matt Platkin, Kevin Corbett, Diane Gutierrez-Scacetti and Kathleen Frangione appeared in our Top 30 rankings.

Chrissy Buteas
Chief government affairs officer
New Jersey Business & Industry Association
A rising star in Trenton, Buteas has the experience and talent to represent the wide variety of interests of NJBIA members.

Bill Caruso
Managing director
Archer Public Affairs
A TV star by night, by day he remains one of the leading experts in cannabis, a sector he was behind before nearly anyone else. It remains to be seen how quickly that industry will gain approval in New Jersey, but, rest assured, Caruso will be involved when it does.

Michellene Davis
Executive vice president/chief corporate affairs officer
RWJBarnabas Health
She is a well-known and sought-after thought leader on health care, social justice and female empowerment for good reason: Few are so knowledgeable and elegant. Her work at RWJBH should not be overlooked.

Uli Diaz
Vice president, government affairs
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
One of the best-known and most talented government affairs leaders in the state will be put to the test this year as Horizon’s seeks approval to change the company’s biggest structure — a move many are for … and many are against.

Michael Egenton
Executive vice president of government relations
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Few have been at it longer in Trenton — and perhaps no one understands the inner workings better. Egenton is the master at representing business interests with Trenton lawmakers.

Kenny Esser
Senior vice president
Hackensack Meridian Health
His promotion to SVP overseeing a number of areas, including corporate affairs, was no surprise to those who know him. Esser, formerly of Public Service Enterprise Group, has made his mark quickly at Hackensack Meridian Health and is becoming a force in Trenton.

Rudy Garcia
President
MBI GluckShaw
A longtime powerhouse in New Jersey politics, Garcia’s influence extends far outside of Hudson County. He is making MBI GluckShaw a force in Trenton.

Dale Florio
Managing partner
Princeton Public Affairs
One of the easiest selections for the list. Considered the dean of government affairs leaders in Trenton. He seemingly knows everyone. And those he doesn’t know are eager to get to know him.

Kevin McArdle
Communications director
General Assembly
Longtime journalist McArdle has transitioned through the world of communications nicely and into his role in government affairs. One of the classic behind-the-scenes folks who help the people out front get the information they need to get the job done.

Phil Norcross
Chairman
Optimus Partners
There’s the name, and then there’s the work. Optimus is quickly making its mark in Trenton and across the state.

Bill Pascrell III
Partner
Princeton Public Affairs
A veteran of all things Trenton, he is another reason why Princeton Public Affairs is considered the go-to firm for so many looking to work with the Legislature in Trenton.

Christine Stearns
Director, government affairs
Gibbons P.C.
Yet another big name with plenty of experience in Trenton and government affairs, she deftly handles the needs of clients at Gibbons, one of the top government affairs groups in the state.

Patrizia Zita
Principal
Kaufman Zita Group
Hardworking. Trustworthy. Highly connected. Always engaged. The accolades come fast and furiously when you mention Zita’s name to Trenton insiders. 

Click below to see who landed in the Top 30 spots on the ROI Influencers Power List 2020:

Here’s the most powerful people in 13 industries:

And to read how a political scientist made the call on who was named No. 1 on the list, click here.