McCarter & English said Dec. 2 that Christian Callegari had rejoined its government affairs group, following his service as Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s deputy political director during her successful campaign for New Jersey governor.
Callegari previously served as chief of staff to Mayor Andre Sayegh in Paterson and as the city’s acting director of economic development. He also served as chief of staff to New Jersey Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic), and in other campaign roles throughout northern New Jersey.
“My time on Governor-elect Sherrill’s campaign offered invaluable exposure to the people and priorities shaping New Jersey’s future,” said Callegari. “I’m excited to bring that connectivity back to McCarter & English in service of our clients and their priorities.”
Callegari rejoins the firm’s government affairs group, led by Guillermo Artiles, who worked for New Jersey’s last two governors.
“We missed Christian while he was working with Governor-elect Sherrill’s campaign, but I know his experience on the trail will be helpful to our clients,” said Artiles. “He’s a changemaker for our clients in education, cannabis, health care, real estate, transportation, and other industries.”
While Callegari was in the public sector, he led several key initiatives, including communications efforts, government and private grant funding opportunities, and sustainability programs. He helped cannabis businesses maneuver through government rules and regulations, and worked with developers on site acquisition, development, and the utilization of state tax credits.
Callegari also worked on transformative issues, including criminal justice reform, a comprehensive statewide lead service line replacement plan, and re-establishing the Urban Enterprise Zone program for municipalities and businesses.
