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OUR TEAM
TBA offers extensive experience and understanding of public policy and the political process. Each client receives a client lead to help them navigate their goals, however we find a team approach to problem solving greatly benefits meeting objectives. Our lobbyists will collaborate with each other and combine areas of expertise to serve clients in the best way possible.
LEADERSHIP
Tonio Burgos
Founder and CEO
(212) 566-5600
tburgos@tonioburgos.com
Tonio worked for Governor Mario Cuomo for 15 years, beginning with the Governor’s service as Secretary of State in Governor Hugh Carey’s administration in the mid 70’s and continuing during Governor Mario Cuomo’s tenure as Lieutenant Governor of the State. In 1983, Governor Cuomo appointed Tonio as his Appointments Secretary, and in 1984, as the Director of Executive Services. Tonio served as a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and as a Director of the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation which oversees the PATH rail system. In addition, Tonio served as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Lower Manhattan Economic Development Corporation Transportation Committee from 2002 to 2006 by appointment of New York Governor George Pataki.
In 2002, New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey appointed Tonio as Vice Chairman of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and as a member of the School Construction Corporation, Treasurer of the Camden Economic Recovery Board, and a member of the Israel-NJ Trade Commission.
In 1995, President Bill Clinton appointed Tonio to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, where he served until 2001. He also served as a founding board member of GMHC, the Latino Commission on HIV/AIDS, as well as the board of the Victory Fund from 1996 to 2006.
Tonio has served in many capacities and received numerous honors from charitable organizations and educational institutions.
Kristen Walsh
President - New York
(212) 566-5600
kwalsh@tonioburgos.com
Kristen Walsh has nearly a decade of experience serving as an advisor to three United States Senators, making her an expert in dealing with public policy issues and giving her a diverse background that encompasses both the public and private sectors.
Prior to joining TBA, Kristen served as Long Island Regional Director for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, where she managed the Long Island office, advised the Senator on issues regarding Nassau and Suffolk counties and served as liaison between her and local officials, businesses, and constituencies. During this time, Kristen worked with local and state officials and community stakeholders on issues of importance to the region, including transportation, housing, environment, veterans’ affairs, economic development, education, and healthcare. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Kristen served as the Senator’s point person and was the liaison between her office and local municipalities in need of assistance. In addition, she assisted with the long-term rebuilding by working with FEMA and other federal agencies to ensure that vital resources reached Long Island communities. In the years prior to working for Senator Gillibrand, Kristen served as Long Island Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Charles Schumer’s offices, respectively. In those roles she built strong relationships with local and state leadership on Long Island and throughout New York State. As the point person for coordinating all regional federal, state, and local interagency initiatives for each of these Senators, Kristen’s experience has made her a valuable asset to the TB&A team.
Kristen sits on the board of Girls Inc., of Long Island, which encourages middle and high school girls to be strong, smart, and bold through school and community-based programming.
(212) 566-5600
kwalsh@tonioburgos.com
Kristen Walsh has nearly a decade of experience serving as an advisor to three United States Senators, making her an expert in dealing with public policy issues and giving her a diverse background that encompasses both the public and private sectors.
Prior to joining TBA, Kristen served as Long Island Regional Director for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, where she managed the Long Island office, advised the Senator on issues regarding Nassau and Suffolk counties and served as liaison between her and local officials, businesses, and constituencies. During this time, Kristen worked with local and state officials and community stakeholders on issues of importance to the region, including transportation, housing, environment, veterans’ affairs, economic development, education, and healthcare. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Kristen served as the Senator’s point person and was the liaison between her office and local municipalities in need of assistance. In addition, she assisted with the long-term rebuilding by working with FEMA and other federal agencies to ensure that vital resources reached Long Island communities. In the years prior to working for Senator Gillibrand, Kristen served as Long Island Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Charles Schumer’s offices, respectively. In those roles she built strong relationships with local and state leadership on Long Island and throughout New York State. As the point person for coordinating all regional federal, state, and local interagency initiatives for each of these Senators, Kristen’s experience has made her a valuable asset to the TB&A team.
Kristen sits on the board of Girls Inc., of Long Island, which encourages middle and high school girls to be strong, smart, and bold through school and community-based programming.
Jim Kehoe
President - New Jersey
(609) 278-2630
jkehoe@tonioburgos.com
Jim Kehoe joined the team in January 2015. He brought with him 35 years of experience and the reputation of a highly respected individual within the building trades.
Prior to joining TBA, Jim held the position of business manager of UA Local 322 Plumbers and Pipefitters, where he was recognized for his knowledge and interest in promoting economic and energy development projects that put his members and other members of the building trades to work. He is experienced and knowledgeable in legislative and regulatory affairs and invested much of his time in helping to reshape the future of Atlantic City as Chairman of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
Recognition
Economic Development Award, PlanSmart NJ
George E. Norcross Senior Humanitarian Award
Good Neighbor Award, Red Cross
Good Scout Award, Camden County Boy Scouts
Pinnacle Award, Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
Sigurd Lucassen Eagle Award, New Jersey Alliance for Action
South Jersey Vision Award, Southern New Jersey Development Council
Current Boards and Affiliations
Advisory Board, Walter Rand Institute of Public Affairs
Boy Scouts of Southern New Jersey
The Salvation Army
Past Boards and Affiliations
Chairman, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
Trustee, Rowan University
Chairman, Camden County Improvement Authority
President, New Jersey State Association of Pipe Trades
President, Southern New Jersey Building Trades Council
Executive Vice President, Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO
American Red Cross
Board Member, Union Organization of Social Services
Camden County United Way
New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
(609) 278-2630
jkehoe@tonioburgos.com
Jim Kehoe joined the team in January 2015. He brought with him 35 years of experience and the reputation of a highly respected individual within the building trades.
Prior to joining TBA, Jim held the position of business manager of UA Local 322 Plumbers and Pipefitters, where he was recognized for his knowledge and interest in promoting economic and energy development projects that put his members and other members of the building trades to work. He is experienced and knowledgeable in legislative and regulatory affairs and invested much of his time in helping to reshape the future of Atlantic City as Chairman of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
Recognition
Economic Development Award, PlanSmart NJ
George E. Norcross Senior Humanitarian Award
Good Neighbor Award, Red Cross
Good Scout Award, Camden County Boy Scouts
Pinnacle Award, Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
Sigurd Lucassen Eagle Award, New Jersey Alliance for Action
South Jersey Vision Award, Southern New Jersey Development Council
Current Boards and Affiliations
Advisory Board, Walter Rand Institute of Public Affairs
Boy Scouts of Southern New Jersey
The Salvation Army
Past Boards and Affiliations
Chairman, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
Trustee, Rowan University
Chairman, Camden County Improvement Authority
President, New Jersey State Association of Pipe Trades
President, Southern New Jersey Building Trades Council
Executive Vice President, Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO
American Red Cross
Board Member, Union Organization of Social Services
Camden County United Way
New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
NEW YORK CITY
Joan Kalan
Chief of Staff
(212) 566-5600
jkalan@tonioburgos.com
Joan Kalan has more than 35 years of business experience. She is responsible for administering client contracts and lobbying compliance, assisting in financial matters, overseeing human resource issues, managing the administrative staff and ensuring coordination of the firms’ business activities. Additionally, she manages the firm’s participation in fundraising events and enables timely client communication with the CEO.
Prior to joining TBA, Joan worked at Lord & Taylor for 28 years as an Executive Assistant. In her tenure, she held positions with the President, Executive Vice President of Stores and Senior Vice President of Operations.
(212) 566-5600
jkalan@tonioburgos.com
Joan Kalan has more than 35 years of business experience. She is responsible for administering client contracts and lobbying compliance, assisting in financial matters, overseeing human resource issues, managing the administrative staff and ensuring coordination of the firms’ business activities. Additionally, she manages the firm’s participation in fundraising events and enables timely client communication with the CEO.
Prior to joining TBA, Joan worked at Lord & Taylor for 28 years as an Executive Assistant. In her tenure, she held positions with the President, Executive Vice President of Stores and Senior Vice President of Operations.
Naolin Crosthwaite-Gonzalez
Director of Research
212-566-5600
ngonzalez@tonioburgos.com
212-566-5600
ngonzalez@tonioburgos.com
Carolyn Bonder Bihl
Director of Finance
212-566-5600
cbihl@tonioburgos.com
Carolyn Bihl is the Director of Finance at Tonio Burgos and Associates.
212-566-5600
cbihl@tonioburgos.com
Carolyn Bihl is the Director of Finance at Tonio Burgos and Associates.
Fabian Rivera
Creative Director
(212) 566-5600
frivera@tonioburgos.com
Fabian in an experienced Creative Director with a demonstrated history of working in the government relations industry and private commercial and residential Interior Design world. He is a strong arts and design professional with degrees from both the University of Puerto Rico and The Art Institute of New York.
(212) 566-5600
frivera@tonioburgos.com
Fabian in an experienced Creative Director with a demonstrated history of working in the government relations industry and private commercial and residential Interior Design world. He is a strong arts and design professional with degrees from both the University of Puerto Rico and The Art Institute of New York.
Eric Fischer
Director of NYC Affairs
(212) 566-5600
efischer@tonioburgos.com
For the past three years, Eric has served clients in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, DC., with legislative analysis, strategy building and public policy engagement.
A native of Virginia, Eric brings over a decade of experience in policymaking and political campaigns spanning the country. A graduate of Oberlin College & Conservatory, he began his work organizing the Obama campaign on campus.
In Ohio, he guided policy and political campaigns, managing state senate campaigns in election years between guiding policy as a chief of staff and later budget policy analyst.
A resident of Brooklyn, Eric also continues to perform opera in his community and around the city.
(212) 566-5600
efischer@tonioburgos.com
For the past three years, Eric has served clients in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, DC., with legislative analysis, strategy building and public policy engagement.
A native of Virginia, Eric brings over a decade of experience in policymaking and political campaigns spanning the country. A graduate of Oberlin College & Conservatory, he began his work organizing the Obama campaign on campus.
In Ohio, he guided policy and political campaigns, managing state senate campaigns in election years between guiding policy as a chief of staff and later budget policy analyst.
A resident of Brooklyn, Eric also continues to perform opera in his community and around the city.
Coming Soon!
Database Manager
Coming Soon!
Administrative Assistant / Receptionist
Ana Torres
Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff
212-566-5600
atorres@tonioburgos.com
212-566-5600
atorres@tonioburgos.com
ALBANY OFFICE
John Charlson
Director
(518) 303-3370
jcharlson@tonioburgos.com
With more than 28 years of experience in consulting, lobbying, government relations, communications and media relations in the public and private sector, John Charlson runs the Albany, New York office for TBA.
John’s career began in 1988 working for NYS Governor Mario M. Cuomo, holding a number of senior positions in the Executive Chamber from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, primarily on his communications and public relations team. After Governor Cuomo’s third term concluded, John joined the National Education Association of New York, where as Director of Communications, he promoted education and labor issues for the state affiliate of the teachers’ union. He later spent many years working as a spokesperson and media relations professional at International Business Machines’ worldwide headquarters. He was charged with promoting business earnings, product offerings and some acquisitions for IBM’s multi-billion dollar software and systems divisions and emerging wireless and Linux businesses. John left the company when he was appointed by NYS Governor Eliot Spitzer to serve as the number two executive on the Senior Management Team of the New York Lottery, the most profitable in North America with some $7.5 billion in annual revenues at the time. At the Lottery, he managed the communications and government relations functions together with its multi-million programs promoting the agency and its commitment to education funding.
(518) 303-3370
jcharlson@tonioburgos.com
With more than 28 years of experience in consulting, lobbying, government relations, communications and media relations in the public and private sector, John Charlson runs the Albany, New York office for TBA.
John’s career began in 1988 working for NYS Governor Mario M. Cuomo, holding a number of senior positions in the Executive Chamber from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, primarily on his communications and public relations team. After Governor Cuomo’s third term concluded, John joined the National Education Association of New York, where as Director of Communications, he promoted education and labor issues for the state affiliate of the teachers’ union. He later spent many years working as a spokesperson and media relations professional at International Business Machines’ worldwide headquarters. He was charged with promoting business earnings, product offerings and some acquisitions for IBM’s multi-billion dollar software and systems divisions and emerging wireless and Linux businesses. John left the company when he was appointed by NYS Governor Eliot Spitzer to serve as the number two executive on the Senior Management Team of the New York Lottery, the most profitable in North America with some $7.5 billion in annual revenues at the time. At the Lottery, he managed the communications and government relations functions together with its multi-million programs promoting the agency and its commitment to education funding.
Tim Nichols
Albany Director
(518) 303-3370
tnichols@tonioburgos.com
(518) 303-3370
tnichols@tonioburgos.com
WASHINGTON DC OFFICE
Shawn Bloch
VP of Legislative Affairs
sbloch@tonioburgos.com
616-460-1922
Prior to joining TBA, Shawn served as Deputy Director of Federal Affairs at the Normandy Group where he executed advocacy strategies for a diverse client portfolio. Before that, Shawn worked for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee where he organized Congressional hearings, mark ups, Member briefings, and conducted policy research. In addition to his public policy and advocacy skills, Shawn possesses strong political skills having served as District Director for the Congressional Leadership Fund in Michigan – the super PAC dedicated to electing Republicans to the House of Representatives. Shawn is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University where he majored in Political Science and minored in Business Administration and was a member of the Men’s NCAA Division 1 Soccer Team.
sbloch@tonioburgos.com
616-460-1922
Prior to joining TBA, Shawn served as Deputy Director of Federal Affairs at the Normandy Group where he executed advocacy strategies for a diverse client portfolio. Before that, Shawn worked for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee where he organized Congressional hearings, mark ups, Member briefings, and conducted policy research. In addition to his public policy and advocacy skills, Shawn possesses strong political skills having served as District Director for the Congressional Leadership Fund in Michigan – the super PAC dedicated to electing Republicans to the House of Representatives. Shawn is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University where he majored in Political Science and minored in Business Administration and was a member of the Men’s NCAA Division 1 Soccer Team.
TRENTON OFFICE
Ray Woods
SVP of Legislative Affairs
(609) 278-2630
rwoods@tonioburgos.com
Ray Woods serves as Tonio Burgos & Associates’ New Jersey Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs. In his role as Vice President, Ray supports clients with the development and implementation of government outreach and policy advocacy aimed at advancing client interests and project development. Ray has assisted clients with a broad spectrum of legislative initiatives, helping to navigate the legislative process and steer public policy.
Ray brings over a decade of state and local government experience and expertise to TBA, most recently serving as the Director of Policy to Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt. During his tenure in the New Jersey State Legislature, Ray played an integral role in the development of numerous transformative policies – including New Jersey’s Pay Equality Act, New Jersey’s Earned Sick Leave Law, the law enabling the practice of telehealth in the state, as well as several policy initiatives strengthening mental healthcare accessibility and affordability in New Jersey.
Ray has served as a member of Merchantville Borough Council since his election in 2019. As a member of council, he serves on the borough’s Joint Land Use Board, Shade Tree Commission, Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee, Sustainability & Environment Committee, Insurance Committee, Police Board, and is the Director of Recycling & Waste as well as Land Use & Building Inspection. Over the course of his tenure on council, Ray has been instrumental in spurring meaningful change within the borough, including promoting policies aimed at making the borough more inclusive and helping to launch Merchantville’s Diversity Committee. Ray has also worked to implement green policies to promote environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices throughout the borough. Additionally, he has worked with borough council and residents to facilitate downtown redevelopment that reflects the character of the community and stimulates strong economic growth.
Ray graduated from James Madison University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He resides in Merchantville with his wife, daughter, and twin sons.
(609) 278-2630
rwoods@tonioburgos.com
Ray Woods serves as Tonio Burgos & Associates’ New Jersey Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs. In his role as Vice President, Ray supports clients with the development and implementation of government outreach and policy advocacy aimed at advancing client interests and project development. Ray has assisted clients with a broad spectrum of legislative initiatives, helping to navigate the legislative process and steer public policy.
Ray brings over a decade of state and local government experience and expertise to TBA, most recently serving as the Director of Policy to Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt. During his tenure in the New Jersey State Legislature, Ray played an integral role in the development of numerous transformative policies – including New Jersey’s Pay Equality Act, New Jersey’s Earned Sick Leave Law, the law enabling the practice of telehealth in the state, as well as several policy initiatives strengthening mental healthcare accessibility and affordability in New Jersey.
Ray has served as a member of Merchantville Borough Council since his election in 2019. As a member of council, he serves on the borough’s Joint Land Use Board, Shade Tree Commission, Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee, Sustainability & Environment Committee, Insurance Committee, Police Board, and is the Director of Recycling & Waste as well as Land Use & Building Inspection. Over the course of his tenure on council, Ray has been instrumental in spurring meaningful change within the borough, including promoting policies aimed at making the borough more inclusive and helping to launch Merchantville’s Diversity Committee. Ray has also worked to implement green policies to promote environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices throughout the borough. Additionally, he has worked with borough council and residents to facilitate downtown redevelopment that reflects the character of the community and stimulates strong economic growth.
Ray graduated from James Madison University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He resides in Merchantville with his wife, daughter, and twin sons.
Laura Bustamante
VP of Legislative Affairs
(609) 278-2630
lbustamante@tonioburgos.com
Laura Bustamante is the Vice President at Tonio Burgos & Associates (TBA) New Jersey. Bustamante brings a wealth of experience in local and state politics, crisis management, non-profit organizations, and campaign strategy to the firm. Noted for numerous campaign wins, Bustamante has established a solid reputation on both state and national levels.
Throughout her career, Bustamante has been instrumental in helping Democrats get elected across the state, including Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Mayor Andre Sayegh from Paterson, and Alderwomen Karol Ruiz from Dover. Bustamante recently worked with the Union County Democratic Committee under the leadership of Senate President Scutari to help organize and improve Latino voter turnout.
Bustamante’s political career began as Chief of Staff to Jersey City Councilman James Solomon, where she led and coordinated life-saving COVID-19 information and volunteer response to residents. She also spearheaded housing and social justice initiatives and improved government transparency.
At New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ), she headed advocacy efforts, crafting, managing, and executing strategies for NJAIJ’s core campaigns, which focused on making New Jersey a more welcoming and equitable state. Bustamante is the Vice Chair for the Latino Caucus for the New Jersey Democratic State Party, is on the Steering Committee for Latino Action Network, and is the Vice President of the Morris County Young Democrats.
She was named one of Insider NJ’s LGBTQ+ Power List in New Jersey and has been recognized as a rising political star. She is a Colombian immigrant and is the first in her family to graduate from college. She holds a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy and Administration and a Master of Science in Protection Management, both specializing in Emergency Management, from John Jay College. Bustamante graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in Political Science and National Security from New Jersey City University.
(609) 278-2630
lbustamante@tonioburgos.com
Laura Bustamante is the Vice President at Tonio Burgos & Associates (TBA) New Jersey. Bustamante brings a wealth of experience in local and state politics, crisis management, non-profit organizations, and campaign strategy to the firm. Noted for numerous campaign wins, Bustamante has established a solid reputation on both state and national levels.
Throughout her career, Bustamante has been instrumental in helping Democrats get elected across the state, including Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Mayor Andre Sayegh from Paterson, and Alderwomen Karol Ruiz from Dover. Bustamante recently worked with the Union County Democratic Committee under the leadership of Senate President Scutari to help organize and improve Latino voter turnout.
Bustamante’s political career began as Chief of Staff to Jersey City Councilman James Solomon, where she led and coordinated life-saving COVID-19 information and volunteer response to residents. She also spearheaded housing and social justice initiatives and improved government transparency.
At New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ), she headed advocacy efforts, crafting, managing, and executing strategies for NJAIJ’s core campaigns, which focused on making New Jersey a more welcoming and equitable state. Bustamante is the Vice Chair for the Latino Caucus for the New Jersey Democratic State Party, is on the Steering Committee for Latino Action Network, and is the Vice President of the Morris County Young Democrats.
She was named one of Insider NJ’s LGBTQ+ Power List in New Jersey and has been recognized as a rising political star. She is a Colombian immigrant and is the first in her family to graduate from college. She holds a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy and Administration and a Master of Science in Protection Management, both specializing in Emergency Management, from John Jay College. Bustamante graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in Political Science and National Security from New Jersey City University.
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