2016
CONNELLY MCLAUGHLIN & WOLOZ A Public Affairs Firm For Today
MARTIN MCLAUGHLIN
MICHAEL WOLOZ
KATHLEEN CUDAHY
KAREN IMAS
JEFF RODUS
Connelly McLaughlin & Woloz (CMW) is a full service public affairs and consulting firm specializing in strategy, lobbying, coalition-building, community relations and public relations. For more than three decades, we have played a significant role in shaping legislation, initiatives and public opinion throughout multiple city and state administrations, legislative bodies and in the media.
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EDITOR’S NOTE If 2014 was the year of progressive change in New York City – with a liberal mayor and City Council coming to power after 12 years of a moderate technocratic administration – 2015 could be characterized as a regression to the mean. The honeymoon is firmly over for Mayor Bill de Blasio, who saw much of the public enthusiasm for his political agenda wane in his second year. Meanwhile, the promise of an activist City Council has begun to fade as Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and nearly half of the council approach lame duck status. In fact, the 2017 election year played a role in the overall churn of this year’s list. Rumored mayoral challengers like Rep. Hakeem Jeffries made their Power Nick Powell New York Slant Editor 100 debut partly as a result of the constant intrigue around whether they will run. And several council members emerged on the list as possible successors to Mark-Viverito, a result of behind-the-scenes maneuvering that has already begun. Apparently it’s never too early to start campaigning. There was also a reshuffling of the city’s lobbying, business, real estate and labor interests, now that a clearer picture has emerged of which organizations and individuals have access and clout in City Hall. And as de Blasio’s inner circle of advisers has winnowed to a select few, we tried to accurately reflect who the mayor listens to when shaping his policies. This list will undoubtedly be met with some criticism, as is the case every year, but our rankings were not made lightly. We reached out to political insiders to get a sense of what they were seeing. We considered pitches from all corners of government. And we took all of the feedback we got with a grain of salt and a skeptical mind. In the end, we have come up with a list that we believe accurately reflects the current political landscape in New York City – one that will hopefully ignite a vigorous debate.
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
#100 Last Year #71
#99 Last Year #84
#98 New to list
#97 New to list
John Catsimatidis
Charles Rangel
Harry Nespoli
David Rivel
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, RED APPLE GROUP
CONGRESSMAN
PRESIDENT, UNIFORMED SANITATIONMEN’S ASSOCIATION
CEO, THE JEWISH BOARD OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Few people in the city have more deep ties to politicians, on both sides of the aisle, than the grocery store magnate, who is a prolific fundraiser – most notably for the Clintons. The onetime GOP mayoral candidate clearly cares deeply about the city and has remained active in political conversations since his 2013 campaign loss, both through his pocketbook and on the airwaves. His weekly radio show frequently features top political guests with national profiles.
There aren't many 85 year-olds as active as the mighty Lion of Harlem. He also knows the political mazes of the city and the halls of power in Washington, D.C., better than anyone. After 45 years of service in elected office, Rangel has decided to retire undefeated. What’s remarkable is that all of the contenders vying to replace him in Congress are coveting his endorsement – a telltale sign of Rangel’s legendary staying power in New York City.
You might not think of the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association as a politically powerful union, but Nespoli’s membership is vital to the everyday operations of the city. That Nespoli also negotiated a handsome new contract for his members in March speaks to what has been a productive working relationship with City Hall. Nespoli was also instrumental in negotiating health care savings for all of the municipal labor unions as head of the Municipal Labor Committee.
Even before The Jewish Board acquired $75 million in city contracts to administer behavioral health programs following the collapse of the Federation Employment & Guidance Services (FEGS), it was one of the city’s largest social services nonprofits. Now it’s far and away the biggest, serving more than 43,000 New Yorkers. Rivel has been running The Jewish Board since 2011, driving the 140-year-old institution into the 21st century with a more datadriven approach to administering services.
#96 New to list
#95 New to list
#94 New to list
#93
Emily Rafferty
Sid Davidoff
James Merriman
Kyle Kimball
CHAIRPERSON, NYC & COMPANY
SENIOR PARTNER, DAVIDOFF HUTCHER & CITRON
CEO, NEW YORK CITY CHARTER SCHOOL CENTER
Getting your start in the Lindsay administration and working directly or indirectly for each subsequent government at City Hall certainly helps get you on this list, but Davidoff’s close relationship with Mayor de Blasio seals the deal. Hizzonner even officiated Davidoff’s wedding in 2014. Sid was also recently cited in a New York Post feature as one of the few lobbyists to get face time with the mayor, which has to be good for business.
The face of charter schools in New York City for the past decade has been Eva Moskowitz, but a recent spate of bad press led by The New York Times may have charter advocates wanting to promote a new spokesman. Merriman likely is that person. He’s spent almost a decade as a leading voice for the success and promotion of charters in New York City, taking a less fiery approach thank Moskowitz but still effectively pushing procharter policies.
Chairperson of New York City’s tourism arm, NYC & Company, amid record numbers of visitors to the city, president emeritus of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, board member of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and the list goes on … Rafferty has her hands in so many important organizations in New York City that it would be hard to imagine the Power 100 list without her.
New to list
VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, CON EDISON
Speculation swirled around who would land this position after predecessor John Banks left Con Edison for REBNY. While Kimball’s tenure as president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation was relatively brief – he was a Bloomberg holdover – few doubt his understanding of how the city works and the intersection of the public and private sectors. Kimball’s role here is essential to the city, and with Frances Resheske by his side, he’s a nobrainer for this list.
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
#92 Last Year #81
#91 Last Year #91
#90 New to list
#89 Last Year #93
Jill Furillo
Ramon Martinez
Ritchie Torres
Penny Abeywardena
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NEW YORK STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION
NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
NEW YORK CITY COUNCILMAN
COMMISSIONER, MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
While NYSNA is a statewide shop, the political clout of 37,000 nurses certainly weighs in heavily on New York City issues given the large number of hospitals and other health care delivery agencies in the city. As we highlighted last year, Jill has reinvigorated the union since joining in 2012 and has NYSNA pressuring City Hall and Albany on a near-daily basis on issues like staffing, hospitals closures and more.
As one of the few holdovers from the Bloomberg administration, Martinez knows that it's his ability to get things done that matters. He is absolutely indispensable to City Council Speaker Mark-Viverito, and that alone keeps him on this list. He's involved in everything that is important to his bosses and yet he goes unnoticed by most – that has a high value for those who trust him to get things done. And that’s what we call power.
In his first term as a City Council member, Torres has demonstrated political savvy and courage that belies his age – 27. Since breaking with the Bronx Democratic Party and backing Melissa MarkViverito for speaker, Torres has become one of the few outspoken voices against the de Blasio administration on issues like public housing and policing. While he probably won’t make a run at council speaker in 2018, Torres is widely considered to be a rising star among city politicians.
It’s no secret that Mayor de Blasio wants to boost his international profile. The person tasked with accomplishing that feat is Abeywardena, who has worked behind the scenes to organize the mayor’s many appearances with prominent people like Pope Francis and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate and Wills. She was also instrumental in organizing the mayor’s impromptu trip to Paris in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attacks.
THE
100
POWER
We are 70,000 men and women proud to help clean, maintain and protect our city’s buildings for all New Yorkers.
www.facebook.com/32BJSEIU @32BJSEIU
Congratulations to the Power 100 from the members of 32BJ SEIU. 32BJ SEIU
32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country. 25 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011 • www.seiu32bj.org
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#88 Last Year #97
#87 Last Year #53
#86 Last Year #94
#85 Last Year #92
Michael Woloz
Vincent Alvarez
Jay Hershenson
Ed Wallace
PARTNER, CONNELLY MCLAUGHLIN & WOLOZ
PRESIDENT, NEW YORK CITY CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL
SENIOR VICE CHANCELLOR, CUNY
NEW YORK CO-CHAIRMAN, GREENBERG TRAURIG
Connelly McLaughlin & Woloz has become a go-to public affairs firm in New York, with consistent appearances among the City Clerk’s top 10 government relations firms in New York City. From corporate clients to trade associations and some of the city’s biggest real estate shops, Woloz and CMW have done well over the past year. CMW and its clients were also big bundlers for de Blasio, which we hear gets you some juice at City Hall.
Alvarez’s power lies in his role as the face of the umbrella organization for all of New York City’s municipal unions. While the Central Labor Council does not have the political clout that some of the private sector unions like 1199 SEIU and 32BJ enjoy, they still are active on certain issues. Alvarez was reportedly one of the union leaders cautioning City Council members against voting for Mayor de Blasio’s controversial horse carriage bill.
If you don’t know Jay Hershenson, chances are you aren’t on this list or don’t play in politics or government in New York. The longtime senior vice chancellor at the City University of New York is the go-to guy to get things done at CUNY. With his understanding of how the university system works, and the power structure of New York, our Power 100 list would be incomplete without him.
The former councilman-at-large and one of the city’s premiere land-use experts runs Greenberg Traurig’s New York office. Wallace runs point on some of the largest real estate and land-use deals in New York City, often using his expertise to educate current city government officials on the process and making his recommendations for tackling housing and other big issues facing the city.
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
#84 Last Year #96
#83 New to list
#82 Last Year #95
#81 Last Year #49
Steve Cassidy
John Samuelson
Michael Klein
Patrick Lynch
PRESIDENT, UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK
PRESIDENT, TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION LOCAL 100
PRINCIPAL, DENTONS
Despite being the head of a union that negotiates its contracts with the state-controlled Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Samuelson has taken a more public role as an attack dog against the de Blasio administration, and has smartly cozied up to Gov. Cuomo. Samuelson’s membership is obviously rooted in the city, and he is one of the more press-savvy union leaders, as evidenced by his media blitz calling for an investigation into the carriage horse controversy.
A former Mario Cuomo guy and longtime parks advocate, Klein also daylights as principal at mega law firm Dentons, which acquired McKenna, Long & Aldridge late last year. Klein and his firm represent some of the biggest companies in the world in New York and beyond, with deep relationships in New York City and Albany, and on the national level.
PRESIDENT, PATROLMEN'S BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Recent labor negotiations were so intense that at times Cassidy threatened to sue the City Council, but he was still able to get most of what his members needed. Recently Cassidy has been a more visible presence than ever before. This newfound public voice has made it clear that firefighters – whose bravery this city depends on daily – take a back seat to no one. The political muscle that comes from Cassidy’s endorsements makes him a player worth noticing.
When it comes to defending New York's Finest, Lynch has no equal. When Mayor de Blasio described the conversations he's had with his son Dante about interacting with the police, Lynch wasted no time in calling the mayor a cop hater. He doesn't care what is said about him. All that matters to Lynch is that NYPD officers are respected and that their sacrifice is reflected in their salaries and benefits. Hard to argue with that if you're paying dues.
#80 New to list
#79 Last Year #59
#78 Last Year #89
#77 Last Year #88
Richard Bamberger
Jimmy Van Bramer
Stuart Appelbaum
Timothy Dolan
MANAGING DIRECTOR, KIVVIT CONSULTING
NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MAJORITY LEADER
PRESIDENT, RETAIL, WHOLESALE AND DEPARTMENT STORE UNION
ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK
Rich, Bam – whatever you want to call him – the former top aide to Gov. Cuomo and current managing director of Kivvit Consulting in New York City has worked with Maggie Moran and others to build one of the top consulting shops in town, boasting some of the biggest business and labor interests in New York as clients. Keep an eye on Rich and Kivvit this year.
While his title as majority leader doesn’t carry much additional weight at City Hall, the Queens Democrat knows how to wield his political power to secure more resources for pet projects like funding for libraries, or to help out political allies. He works hard to maintain a strong public image, though privately he is polarizing. Still, he’s a potential candidate for speaker after the 2017 elections and appears to be lining up some powerful friends ahead of that fight.
Appelbaum is the voice for one of the fastest-growing sectors in the city as president of the RWDSU, and he now has a national platform in his role as executive vice president of the United Food and Commercial Workers. He doesn’t have an especially strong working relationship with City Hall, but he knows how to work the media, and for that reason Applebaum can’t be ignored as a player in the city’s labor community.
The boisterous shepherd has a flock of more than 2.6 million, and he is not shy to speak out on issues of importance to local government. Because of this, Mayor de Blasio wasted no time in seeking the Cardinal out as a partner on many important issues, from implementing universal pre-K to addressing homelessness and building more affordable housing. Of course, a visit from Pope Francis also helped give Cardinal Dolan a boost in stature.
More CUNY Value More Than 90% of CUNY baccalaureate graduates are employed or pursuing advanced higher education three years after graduation.
More Student Award Winners than ever: Since 2011, 86 student Fulbright
Award Winners, 81 NSF Fellowships, 12 Goldwater, 5 Soros, 3 Truman Scholarships – and a Pulitzer Prize for poetry.
More Faculty Award Winners than ever: Since 2011, 51 faculty Fulbrights,
Guggenheims, National Book Awards and Pulitzer Prizes.
More Than 8 of 10 CUNY college students graduate free of federal loan debt.
E
very year, hundreds of thousands of students choose The City University of New York for a multitude of reasons that can be summed up as one: opportunity. Providing a quality, accessible education regardless of background or means has been CUNY’s mission since 1847. The University’s unwavering commitment to that principle is a source of enormous pride. CUNY colleges offer a seemingly infinite array of academic programs taught by award-winning faculty, as well as the arts, sports, internships, scholarships and community service opportunities. The powerful combination of quality academics, remarkable affordability, financial support and the convenience of 24 modern campuses spanning the five boroughs of New York – the most exciting city in the world – makes CUNY a singular value in higher education today. The wise choice for smart students: That’s the CUNY Value. James B. Milliken CHANCELLOR
Support the CUNY Value
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CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK-1847 HUNTER COLLEGE-1870 BROOKLYN COLLEGE-1930 QUEENS COLLEGE-1937 NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY-1946 COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND-1956 BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1957 QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1959 CUNY GRADUATE CENTER-1961 BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1963 KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1963 JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE-1964 YORK COLLEGE-1966 BARUCH COLLEGE-1968 LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1968 LEHMAN COLLEGE-1968 HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1970 MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE-1970 CUNY SCHOOL OF LAW-1983 MACAULAY HONORS COLLEGE AT CUNY-2001 CUNY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES-2003 CUNY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM-2006 CUNY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH POLICY-2011 GUTTMAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-2011 CUNY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE-FALL 2016
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
#76 Last Year #87
#75 Last Year #67
#74 Last Year #73
#73 New to list
James Milliken
Julissa Ferreras-Copeland
Nydia Velazquez
Norman Seabrook
CHANCELLOR, CUNY
NEW YORK CITY COUNCILWOMAN
CONGRESSWOMAN
Now that Chancellor Milliken has settled in he has begun to put his mark on the third-largest public university system in the country. While the funding stream for CUNY is something of a political football at present, Milliken still has one of the most powerful positions in New York City, controlling thousands of employees and an immense budget and resources.
To the extent that she is the City Council’s point person during budget negotiations with City Hall, Ferreras-Copeland remains one of the few Council members whose voice carries real weight. She also is often mentioned as a candidate for speaker when Melissa Mark-Viverito’s term expires, and her recent outspoken stance on issues such as the “tampon tax” is an indication that she intends to be more active in shaping policy this year to build her profile.
While she represents parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, her constituency also extends in many ways to the millions of Puerto Ricans across the country, and she is often called on to advocate for or shine a light on issues of importance in the U.S. territory. That, combined with her influence on city Democratic politics, including her criticism of the Brooklyn machine and support of many up-and-coming lawmakers, lands her on the list.
PRESIDENT, NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION OFFICERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
Reforming incarceration policies has become the topic du jour of late, with a focus on Rikers Island. It’s clear Seabrook will have a major voice in this debate as it continues. He’s a fierce defender of his 11,000 members and is quick to push back against those seeking to crack down on correction officers. Yet, like some labor leaders, he’s not so tone deaf as to stand in the way of change when the political tides are against him.
#72 New to list
#71 New to list
#70 Last Year #82
#69 New to list
Bill Lipton
Alphonso David
Carl Weisbrod
James Dolan
While the big-picture vision on housing and city planning still runs through Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen, Weisbrod is a respected voice on the nuts and bolts of housing policy. While you won’t see him quoted in magazines like his colleague Glen, insiders say Mayor de Blasio relies on Weisbrod to give an honest take on how his policies are received in the business and real estate communities, two sectors Weisbrod worked in for years and still has many important relationships.
The sports and entertainment mogul makes our list for the significant donations his companies make to state and city lawmakers, including Gov. Cuomo. Madison Square Garden and Cablevision have also become soft landing spots for many prominent politicians, most recently Cuomo’s former righthand man, Joe Percoco. While Knicks fans may have legitimate criticisms about how the team is run, in the political world you can’t deny that Dolan and his empire are influential players.
STATE DIRECTOR, WORKING FAMILIES PARTY
The Working Families Party is enjoying an unprecedented time in New York City, with a progressive mayor and City Council, so the party has focused its efforts on Albany, where Lipton is leading the charge to advocate for many liberal policies city leaders want, but cannot implement without state help. And since it’s an election year, Democrats thinking of ignoring the WFP could find themselves on the wrong side of its getout-the-vote movement in an unexpected primary challenge.
COUNSEL TO THE GOVERNOR
David is among the most trusted voices in the Cuomo administration on many of the issues facing residents of New York City, including criminal justice, race, labor and civil rights. He is also the face of many of these issues, delivering speeches and making media appearances to make the executive branch’s case for new policies and reforms. He’s been with the governor dating back to his time as attorney general, and we know loyalty is valued in the Cuomo camp.
DIRECTOR, PLANNING DEPARTMENT; CHAIRMAN, PLANNING COMMISSION
CEO, CABLEVISION; EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, MSG CO.
MEET NEW YORK CITY’S REAL MOVERS AND SHAKERS, TWU LOCAL 100 MEMBERS.
42,000 STRONG AND GROWING.
Representing workers at MTA-NYCT, MTA-MABSTOA, MTA Bus, Bee-Line, New York Waterway, School Bus and Private Bus Companies in New York City and Westchester, New York’s Tour Bus Industry, Bikeshare in NYC, Boston, Washington, DC and Chicago and more.
If it moves on wheels, it should be TWU Local 100. New York’s Fighting Democratic Union
John Samuelsen President
Latonya Crisp-Sauray Recording Sec’y
Angel Giboyeaux Administrative VP
Earl Phillips Sec’y Treasurer
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
#68 Last Year #76
#67 Last Year #98
#66 Last Year #79
#65 Last Year #77
Cy Vance
Henry Garrido
Carlo Scissura
James Oddo
MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DISTRICT COUNCIL 37
PRESIDENT AND CEO, BROOKLYN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
STATEN ISLAND BOROUGH PRESIDENT
DC 37’s political power languished for years under previous leadership, but labor insiders say that Garrido has returned a measure of credibility to the city’s largest municipal union. Garrido isn’t necessarily a leading voice on the sexy policy fights like raising the minimum wage, but the union’s membership growth since Mayor de Blasio took office is a testament to a more productive relationship with City Hall than under Michael Bloomberg.
Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Chamber are both scorching hot brands and arguably at their historical peak in terms of popularity and power. It doesn’t hurt that Scissura is also a popular name-check for both the mayor and the governor. Rumblings are that he is on the short list as next head of the Partnership for New York City. Those are the rumblings, so we’ll be watching.
Oddo has gone out of his way to ensure that Staten Island will shed its label as the “forgotten borough.” Not only is Oddo at the forefront of a vocal push for a slice of the city’s tourism pie – with huge development projects like the New York Wheel and Empire Outlets in the pipeline – he also continues to push City Hall and the federal government to expedite Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts, including a seawall to protect the island.
While Vance has definitely not scored as many headlines for cracking down on Wall Street banks, he has managed to secure about $1 billion in settlement funds in the past year from banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered and BNP Paribas. And he is reinvesting that money in interesting ways to improve law enforcement, from technology upgrades for the NYPD to improving lighting and security at NYCHA facilities to providing employment opportunities for convicts re-entering society.
Congratulations to Gary LaBarbera and all the Honorees for being Recognized on City & State’s NYC Power 100 List
The Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York Proudly Representing 100,000 Working Men and Women in NYC’s Unionized Construction Industry
www.NYCBuildingTrades.org
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#64 Last Year #69
#63 New to list
#62 New to list
#61 Last Year #64
David Greenfield
Marcos Crespo
Hakeem Jeffries
Emily Giske
NEW YORK CITY COUNCILMAN
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYMAN
CONGRESSMAN
PARTNER, BOLTON-ST. JOHNS
Greenfield has one of the plum positions in the City Council as chairman of the Land Use Committee. Practically every facet of the mayor’s housing plan needs Greenfield’s sign-off, which means he can wield that power to help win support for legislation that’s favorable to the Orthodox Jewish community, such as the recently passed bill that funds extra security guards for Yeshivas. Greenfield has also seized the mantle of the de facto political voice for Orthodox Brooklyn.
While we'd like to convince ourselves that party bosses don't matter much anymore, the reality is that their roles have evolved but are very much still relevant. The most recent example is Crespo, who was selected to lead the Democratic Party in the Bronx. His likable personality and close relationship with the Assembly speaker give Crespo a solid foundation on which to build. And his growing influence with "minority" state Legislators makes him a rising political powerhouse in the city.
Maybe all the buzz about the Brooklyn Democrat running for mayor in 2017 is just talk. But there is a lot of smoke surrounding the up-and-comer. This month, de Blasio crashed Jeffries’ keynote speech in Albany on Caucus Weekend, raising eyebrows. And recently Al Sharpton suggested he could carry on the legacy of Rep. Charles Rangel. In the end he may not challenge the sitting mayor, but for now the buzz is making people pay attention to him.
Everyone at City Hall and in Albany knows Giske and her firm, Bolton-St. Johns. Handling the big-dog clients and scoring some major victories across New York has kept Giske and Bolton-St. Johns on our power list year after year. Being in the trenches with BSJ partners like Giorgio DeRosa and Mike Keogh certainly doesn’t hurt her position as one of our New York City Power 100.
HOMECARE AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS
CARE FOR NEW YORK
But te n thousa s of nds of us d make on’t a living wage.
We are home health aides, nurse assistants and other caregivers. We work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, pharmacies and patients’ homes. We dedicate our lives to providing compassionate, quality care to our patients, but many of us struggle to feed our kids and keep a roof over our heads. 56% of New York homecare workers are on public assistance, and 30% are on food stamps. That’s why homecare and healthcare workers are helping to lead the Fight For $15. Because a living wage for caregivers means good jobs, quality care and a stronger economy for all New Yorkers.
Quality Care & Good Jobs for All!
1199 caregivers congratulate the honorees of City & State’s New York City Power 100 list 1199SEIU.org @1199SEIU
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
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#60 Last Year #68
#59 Last Year #52
#58 Last Year #58
#57 Last Year #45
Gale Brewer
Michael McKeon
Gary LaBarbera
Merryl Tisch
MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT
PARTNER, MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRS
CHANCELLOR, NEW YORK STATE BOARD OF REGENTS
It's reassuring that even in the borough that Donald Trump calls home, a pompous approach doesn't automatically make you successful. Au contraire! It's Brewer’s diligent work and practical policy stances that reassure Manhattanites that their island’s daily affairs have a capable administrator. The thoughtful approach Brewer gives to the concerns of Manhattanites brings a much-needed sense of normalcy. It's that consistency that makes her among the smartest and most effective politicians in the city.
Mike McKeon and Mercury Public Affairs have been among the top consulting shops in the city for some time now, and they seem primed to stay there for a long while. With smart moves like picking up Rachel Noerdlinger after her City Hall exit and bolstering the Albany staff, McKeon and crew won’t be dropping off this list anytime soon.
PRESIDENT, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL OF GREATER NEW YORK
In theory, LaBarbera should be higher on this list given the city’s boom in real estate development, but his relatively low ranking is a testament to steadily losing market share of construction to the private sector. LaBarbera also finds himself at odds with City Hall in fighting for a prevailing wage on affordable housing construction, and he helped contribute to the expiration of the vital 421-a tax break, which could see the Building Trades marginalized even further.
Tisch’s term as chancellor of the board of regents ends in March, but her influence on New York City politics and the state’s education policy likely will not diminish. She is a wealthy philanthropist who sits on the boards of many organizations, has lots of powerful friends and is a proficient political fundraiser. It is unclear what her next chapter will be, but it’s hard to envision her not being a player in city politics for years to come.
#56 New to list
#55 Last Year #78
#54 Last Year #40
#53 Last Year #48
Jumaane Williams
Bob Master
Frank Seddio
Suri Kasirer
NEW YORK CITY COUNCILMAN
LEGISLATIVE-POLITICAL COORDINATOR, CWA, DISTRICT 1
Williams has long been one of the few City Council members with a political profile outside that legislative body, owing to his activism on issues like policing and gun control. But he is also in a unique position of power as chairman of the Housing and Buildings Committee and given the importance of the mayor’s signature affordable housing program. Insiders say Williams is also deftly maneuvering behind the scenes to position himself for a run at council speaker in 2018.
Master is the political director for one of the more organized union memberships in the city, the Communications Workers of America, District 1, and is also a longtime de Blasio ally dating back to the mayor’s previous life as a City Councilman. After waging a long and largely successful battle against Cablevision over union busting, Master is setting his sights on Verizon for failing to providing fiber optic cable and Internet service citywide.
BROOKLYN DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN
The boisterous veteran of Brooklyn’s political clubs has emerged as a bridge builder instead of a vindictive dictator, a charge his predecessor, Vito Lopez, wore as a badge of honor. Seddio calls his approach “Cannoli Diplomacy,” and it appears to have helped him unify the party on many levels, allowing him to flex political muscle in citywide fights, including the election of Melissa Mark-Viverito as City Council speaker and the elevation of Carl Heastie to Assembly speaker.
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, KASIRER CONSULTING
Year after year Kasirer and her firm are among the top consultants in New York City. Kasirer Consulting’s clients include some of the biggest companies in New York City. While they were displaced from the top slot last year, they remain among the elite lobbying and consulting firms in New York City – Kasirer, Omar Alvarellos, Julie Greenberg, Peter Krokondelas and other associates are go-to consultants for companies with business before the city.
The Must-Read Morning Roundup of New York Politics and Government This daily email is the most efficient and effective digital resource to get your message in front of top city and state elected officials, agency and industry leaders, and the staff, advocates, media and operatives who drive the issues of the day—all by 7am each weekday! As an advertiser, an advocacy campaign including City & State First Read provides a targeted way to reach New York State’s most influential leaders and political professionals. For more information of advertising opportunities and availabilities, please contact Jasmin Freeman at jfreeman@cityandstateny.com or call 646-442-1662
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
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#52 Last Year #56
#51 Last Year #32
#50 Last Year #70
#49 Last Year #83
Keith Wright
Pat Foye
Letitia James
Maya Wiley
ASSEMBLYMAN AND MANHATTAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC ADVOCATE
COUNSEL TO THE MAYOR
While James is no longer perceived to be part of the de Blasio team, the public advocate has yet to distinguish herself in a manner that would make her an independent force within New York City government. It's not for a lack of trying. James is visible when issues come to the forefront of average New Yorkers’ concerns. But after two years in office, she still seems to be struggling to carve out a more prominent role in the city’s body politic beyond her place in the mayor’s line of succession should some misfortune befall de Blasio.
Wiley is among a small circle of City Hall advisers with direct access to the mayor. Typically the counsel to the mayor serves in a strictly legal capacity, but de Blasio has given Wiley a more outsized policy portfolio – playing a key role in expanding broadband access citywide and building out the city’s tech footprint. From an equality and inclusion standpoint, Wiley has also been instrumental in helping find ways for City Hall to better utilize MWBE contractors.
If there’s one word that describes Wright, it’s smooth. He plays the political game as well as anyone. Wright parlayed a play for Assembly speaker into pole position as the establishment candidate in the hotly contested Democratic primary to succeed U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel. Wright appears the frontrunner, and as Manhattan Democratic County Chairman he has deep connections with many lawmakers and could make their lives difficult if they backed one of his opponents in the June primary.
Foye is on his way out, which is the only reason the 59-year-old, who has adeptly run the archaic political patronage mill since 2011, drops on this list. With the Port Authority undergoing an overhaul following the Bridgegate scandal, Foye has announced he will step down as executive director. But he leaves behind a legacy of putting the needs of the far-reaching agency before politics – even if he didn’t always get credit for doing so.
#48 Last Year #62
#47 Last Year #66
#46 Last Year #24
#45 Last Year #42
Jeff Klein
Jerrold Nadler
Mort Zuckerman
Bruce Ratner
STATE SENATE INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE LEADER
CONGRESSMAN
PUBLISHER, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The veteran of U.S. House of Representatives is a mainstay in city politics and a top liberal voice that politicians and insiders often take their lead from, such as when he called for the impeachment of President George W. Bush or criticized the crackdown on Occupy Wall Street protesters. His seniority makes him a go-to advisor on many issues, particularly transportation, infrastructure and the judiciary. Despite Democrats being out of power in Congress, he still makes our list.
While Mort Zuckerman made his bones with Boston Properties, his ownership of the New York Daily News is the primary reason he lands on this list. Whether it’s the Daily News editorial board banging away at the mayor or governor, or a front-page advocacy campaign against horse carriages, the Daily News still packs a punch when it wants to. For how much longer? No one knows.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR, FOREST CITY ENTERPRISES
Through calculated dealmaking the senator has been able to carve out a place protecting the future power and influence of his conference as well as himself. Senate Republicans need to keep him happy so they can have a cushion of votes to keep business moving. And if Democrats regain control of the chamber, they will need to broker a deal with him. All the while, his Bronx district benefits from his elevated status.
The real estate mogul is often under fire from community groups in Brooklyn alleging that he hasn’t lived up to his agreement to build affordable housing and create jobs for lowincome workers at the Atlantic Yards Project, but the negative press hasn’t appeared to hurt Ratner. In fact, he seems to be as strong as ever thanks to his close relationship with the de Blasio administration as one of the real estate industry’s most vocal supporters of the mayor.
CityAndStateNY.com
Kasirer congratulates all of our fellow honorees selected for the 2016 Power 100. As we celebrate our 20th year of advocating for political, cultural and social change, every day we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with this uniquely dynamic city—with the intelligence and character and challenge of our colleagues, our clients, our NYC. We welcome our third decade of business in New York, and we welcome three new talents to the Kasirer team: Pakhi Sengupta vice president, not-for-profits Chelsea Goldinger associate, government relations Marelle Goodlander associate, government relations
Kasirer, LLC Suri Kasirer Julie Greenberg Omar Alvarellos Cynthia Dames Ashley Dennis Jason Goldman Peter Krokondelas Pakhi Sengupta Michael Krevet Samantha Jones Chelsea Goldinger Marelle Goodlander Tyesa Galloway Tracy Fletcher
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
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#44 Last Year #44
#43 New to list
#42 Last Year #57
#41 New to list
Eric Adams
Rebecca Katz
Peter King
Josh Mohrer
BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT
PARTNER, HILLTOP PUBLIC SOLUTIONS
CONGRESSMAN
GENERAL MANAGER, UBER NYC
While New York City is unquestionably blue, the U.S. House of Representatives is red, and in an era of hyperpartisan politics King is the city’s biggest advocate on the winning team. Overall funding and aid from Congress has definitely decreased in the current political environment, but King has still been able to forcefully advocate for the city, especially when it comes to Homeland Security, the Zadroga Act or securing funding to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy.
We saw the full influence of Uber last year when the booming tech company was fighting for survival. Having already hired political insiders like Matt Wing, the organization lined up some of the city’s top lobbyists and consultants to launch a full-scale pushback against pro-yellow cab policies. And they won. Mohrer and the Uber staff haven’t rested on their laurels, either, cutting fares in the outer boroughs and expanding the company’s reach into other markets in New York.
Borough presidents don’t have huge budgets and can’t influence policy too much, but they do have a public platform. And no BP uses that platform better than Adams, both as a cheerleader for economic development in Brooklyn and as an ambassador for criminal justice reform as a former cop. He’s made no bones about his desire to run for mayor in 2021, and it looks like he’ll use his current position to help build his resume in the meantime.
Katz left the mayor’s office in March after serving as a special adviser, but insiders say she still stays in contact with de Blasio in her current role as a partner at Hilltop Public Solutions, specifically overseeing the Campaign for One New York – the nonprofit arm that promotes the mayor’s agenda. Katz is also close with first lady Chirlane McCray and helped promote her agenda.
#40 Last Year #60
#39 Last Year #27
#38 Last Year #25
#37 Last Year #20
Joe Crowley
Rupert Murdoch
Richard Buery
Michael Mulgrew
CONGRESSMAN
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, NEWS CORPORATION
DEPUTY MAYOR FOR STRATEGIC POLICY INITIATIVES
PRESIDENT, UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
The conservative media magnate may have more of national presence, but his ideology and influence can also be clearly seen in his prize New York City publications – the New York Post and The Wall Street Journal. You just have to look at the negative coverage Mayor de Blasio receives in Murdoch’s papers, as well as the mayor’s direct confrontation with the Post, for evidence that the administration is concerned about what they publish.
Riding high off of his successful work on the creation and implementation of Mayor de Blasio’s universal prekindergarten program, Buery has since been used in a more utility role, plugging policy holes that have opened up over the past year – which speaks to his capable presence in and around City Hall. Being one of the more comfortable media personalities working out of the mayor’s office certainly helps with his visibility, too.
Mulgrew and the UFT have gotten much of what they have asked for over the past year, which speaks to their bargaining power, but much remains on the New York City and Albany education agendas for this year. With education consistently among of the hottest topics in city politics, Mulgrew and his 200,000 members in New York City are sure to continue to wield immense power.
The Queens Democratic Party chairman still has an iron grip on the county party despite some setbacks in recent years, even though some elected Democrats are in open defiance of him and the machine. And sources tell us he is already rebuilding relationships in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the 2013 city council speaker’s race when he was cut out of the final deal that elected Melissa Mark-Viverito.
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2015 Was A Significant Year For New York City Firefighters. It was the 150th anniversary of the greatest fire department in the world and New York City Firefighters responded to a record number of life-saving emergencies. In 2015 the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) successfully fought for and won many important enhancements to public safety, including: u Increased staffing on 20 engine companies helping to keep our communities safe;
u Permanently secured 5-firefighter staffing on all ladder companies and special operations command units;
u Fought for and won disability protections for over 2,000 new FDNY Firefighters;
u Secured permanent federal health care funding for thousands of 9-11 first responders.
Congratulations to UFA President Steve Cassidy and the entire UFA Executive Board WWW.UFANYC.ORG facebook.com/ufanyc
@UFANYC
CityAndStateNY.com
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#36 Last Year #50
#35 Last Year #80
#34 Last Year #65
#33 Last Year #21
Chirlane McCray
Kathryn Wylde
Hector Figueroa
Dean Fuleihan
FIRST LADY OF NEW YORK CITY AND CHAIRWOMAN, MAYOR'S FUND
PRESIDENT AND CEO, PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW YORK CITY
PRESIDENT, 32BJ SEIU
NEW YORK CITY BUDGET DIRECTOR
The visibility of de Blasio's spouse during the mayoral campaign and her presence from day one of the administration may have heightened expectations of the role she would play as first lady. There's no doubt that McCray’s influence on the mayor impacts his overall management style, but that appears to be a double-edged sword. It seems that after two years in office, the very knowledgeable McCray has not lived up to expectations of what her real influence and power could be.
The advocate for the city’s business interests may not have the influence she commanded during the Bloomberg years, but she has still been able to make a lot of friends in the de Blasio administration by lending her organization’s heft to several of the mayor’s proposals. Wylde has voiced strong support for NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton and inserted herself into the education discussion, partnering with Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña and lobbying Albany for mayoral control to be extended.
Year after year Figueroa remains one of the pre-eminent labor and Latino voices in New York City and beyond. With 70,000 members in New York, some argue 32BJ SEIU has organizing ability, presence and power above that of other larger labor unions. Whether it’s as the public face of the “Fight for $15” campaign or being a key backer of Mayor de Blasio’s housing initiatives, Hector is definitely a power player in city politics.
When you are the person closest to an $82 billion budget, you can wield a lot of power. While the mayor outlines the administration’s goals, crunching the figures and finding creative ways to present the spending plan can go a long way to reaching those goals. Fuleihan has a long career of doing just that. Fuleihan’s experience in the state Assembly also gives the mayor a trusted connection to Albany, where the administration’s allies are few and far between.
#32 Last Year #37
#31 Last Year #55
#30 Last Year #30
#29 New to list
James Capalino
Peter Ward
Errol Louis
Melissa DeRosa
CEO, CAPALINO+COMPANY
PRESIDENT, NEW YORK HOTEL AND MOTEL TRADES COUNCIL
HOST, "INSIDE CITY HALL," NY1
GOV. ANDREW CUOMO’S CHIEF OF STAFF
With Capalino+Company likely to be top dog on the New York City lobbyists list in terms of revenue and number of clients – and some big hires made since our last New York City Power 100 ranking – Jim Capalino and his shop should be all smiles. With key staff like Jeanne Mullgrav, George Fontas, Travis Terry, Tunisha Walker and others making the magic happen, 2016 is looking up for Capalino+Company.
In just three years since Bill de Blasio took office, Ward has become one of the mayor’s most important political allies. The city’s boom in tourism has been great for Ward’s members, but he has also expanded his political operations, taking a key role in whipping City Council votes for the mayor’s affordable housing plan. De Blasio has repaid the favor by cracking down on Airbnb, an ever-present threat to Ward’s union.
If you want to get a message to New York City’s political crowd, there is no better venue than “Inside City Hall” – but you had better do your homework. Louis’ knowledge of the city and thoughtful questioning forces guests to defend their positions and leads to some great television. The credibility of the program also makes it the go-to place for leaders like Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito when they want to push their agendas.
There’s been a lot of shakeup in the Cuomo administration in the past year, and one person who has benefitted with added responsibility and trust has been DeRosa. She is among the few people who has the governor’s ear and is often called upon to coordinate with the the New York City Council and the de Blasio administration. With tensions between the two likely to continue rising, DeRosa’s skill and resolve are sure to be tested in the coming year.
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
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INSIGHTS. DRIVE. RESULTS.
#28 Last Year #23
#27 Last Year #46
Brad Lander
Neal Kwatra
NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER
CEO AND FOUNDER, METROPOLITAN PUBLIC STRATEGIES
Going well beyond his duties as chairman of the New York City Council Rules Committee, Brad Lander has proven to be an articulate spokesman with the media. Case in point: his role as the Council member best equipped to answer questions about the unpopular pay raise the Council awarded itself. In addition, Lander's power comes from his colleagues, who trust him to get legislation moving and passed in the chamber.
In Democratic politics in New York you usually have to align yourself with a specific side or ideology – picking one shade of blue. Kwatra is the rare consultant who comfortably wears hues from azure to zaffre. He is often called on to bridge gaps between dueling Democrats, including Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio. His experience helping unions with politicians – and in turn getting unions out to vote – makes him often sought by lawmakers heading into election years.
#26 Last Year #22
#25 Last Year #34
Carmen Fariña
Rob Speyer
NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR
PRESIDENT AND CEO, TISHMANSPEYER CHAIRMAN, REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK
Fariña has begun to put her stamp on the city’s education system in part by visiting as many schools as possible. Some may see her presence on the ground as micromanagement, but the veteran educator appears to be having an impact as graduation rates have ticked up. Whether she has been given free reign by the mayor or is simply showing her grit, it’s clear that Fariña is implementing change day by day and school by school.
For decades the real estate industry has wielded significant influence over politicians and policy in New York City. The main power broker for these interests has been Rob Speyer. Still in his mid-40s, he took over as the top man at Tishman Speyer Properties last year. His ability to raise vast sums for candidates coupled with his skill and desire to play the political game secured him a prominent place on this list.
Congrats to this year’s
NYC POWER 100!
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#24 Last Year #26
#23 Last Year #31
Ruben Diaz Jr.
Bill Rudin
BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT
CHAIRMAN, ASSOCIATION FOR A BETTER NEW YORK; CHAIRMAN, REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE; VICE CHAIRMAN AND CEO, RUDIN MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC.
While plans to convert the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx into a world-class ice center have yet to coalesce, there's no doubt the borough president has delivered on some major projects. Díaz has been smart about his friendship with Gov. Cuomo, and has used his charismatic personality to rise above the Bronx Democratic County organization. Some consider him a potential mayoral contender in 2017. He hasn't denied that he would consider a run, which should worry Mayor de Blasio.
#22 Last Year #9
Senator Jeff Klein
The Rudin family has been among the strongest advocates for making New York City a better place to live and work, through good times and bad. Today, ABNY’s breakfasts and galas attract a who’s-who of New York power brokers. In addition, the organization advocates deftly on behalf of its members to support or oppose policy proposals or development ideas. Rudin’s ties to the city run deeper than his vast commercial and residential holdings.
#21 Last Year #28 Commissioner Loree Sutton, Mayor’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs
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If New York City was an army, Shorris would be the four-star general on the front lines. For the past two years he has managed day-to-day operations for Mayor Bill de Blasio, mostly behind the scenes, but can step in front of the media to eloquently outline new policy positions by the de Blasio administration. His experience serving Mayors Ed Koch and Michael Bloomberg as well as Gov. Mario Cuomo has made him an invaluable aide to de Blasio.
Filling legendary REBNY leader Steven Spinola’s shoes is no easy task, but Banks appears to have taken it in stride. His blue-collar background and deep connections to City Hall and Albany have allowed him to advocate adeptly for real estate’s interests at a time when the whole industry is under a microscope. The expiration of 421-a may be a black mark on his legacy, but we’ll wait and see what happens with the budget in Albany before passing judgment.
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#20 New to list
#19 Last Year #11
#18 Last Year #36
#17 Last Year #35
John Flanagan
Phil Walzak
George Gresham
Tom Prendergast
STATE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER
SENIOR ADVISOR FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING, NEW YORK CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE
PRESIDENT, 1199SEIU
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Gresham remains the city’s most influential labor leader on the strength of the sheer size of 1199’s membership – it is still New York City’s largest private-sector union – as well as the sophistication of its political operation, although it does considerably more business with the state than the city. Gresham has also become something of a go-between for Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo on their overlapping policy agendas, which includes the “Fight for $15” campaign.
Prendergast has received praise from almost all corners for his leadership and transparency since taking over the MTA in 2013. He will face many tough budget decisions in coming years but has proved himself up to the task with a blunt approach and strong convictions. He now has another six years in charge after his reappointment by Gov. Cuomo. The added job security should afford him more power over the upkeep and transformation of our subways, buses and rails.
In an increasingly blue state, Flanagan is a firewall to many liberal policies sought by the Democratic Assembly. The Republican conference he leads has a narrow majority, but it is enough to block legislation or force Democrats to the negotiating table. Last year Flanagan went through a learning curve stepping in for Dean Skelos. This year, his mettle will be tested both in the legislative deals he cuts and in whether he can hold onto the majority in November.
Walzak developed a close bond with Mayor de Blasio during the 2013 campaign that has served him well as he’s climbed the ladder to become an integral part of the mayor’s circle of advisers. Since his promotion from press secretary to senior adviser, Walzak has seen his role evolve significantly. Where he once was intimately involved in the day-today operations of the press office, he now handles more big-picture messaging for de Blasio.
#16 Last Year #17, 18
#15 New to List
#14 Last Year #16
#13 Last Year #14
Valerie Berlin / Jonathan Rosen
Steven Banks
Emma Wolfe
Tom DiNapoli
NEW YORK CITY INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
NEW YORK STATE COMPTROLLER
PRINCIPALS, BERLINROSEN
Don’t take our word for it – just listen to what government watchdogs said last year when NY1 did extensive reporting on the consulting firm’s close relationship with the de Blasio administration. Those watchdogs like to use BerlinRosen as an example of a system they view as flawed, which just adds weight to the argument that the growing firm is having a clear impact on the policy decisions being made in the city.
COMMISSIONER, NEW YORK CITY HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION/DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
By any standard, Banks brings a treasure trove of hands-on experience and credibility to his new role in the de Blasio administration. He is among the few exceptional and welldeserved appointments this mayor has made. In fact, by many accounts, Steven should hold the title of deputy mayor. He's a powerful addition to the mayor’s cabinet and offers a voice that, if listened to, will improve the de Blasio administration's image and credibility.
As one of Mayor de Blasio's most trusted advisers, Wolfe carries an undeniable level of influence and power in the administration. Yet the consensus among insiders is that she's not much help to them, many complaining that she won’t return their calls in a timely fashion. As the liaison with Albany, Wolfe also hasn’t had a great track record of success. Regardless, it appears her boss is still happy with her performance and seeks her advice.
Wall Street may be under attack on the 2016 presidential campaign trail, but the pensions of tens of thousands of New Yorkers depend on the performance of the markets and the acumen of DiNapoli’s office, which is responsible for the $184 billion New York State and Local Retirement System. Now nine years into the job, DiNapoli has flexed the muscle of his office to change corporate boards and become a trusted watchdog of municipal budgets throughout the state.
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
#12 Last Year #12
CityAndStateNY.com
#11 Last Year #7
Kirsten Gillibrand
Scott Stringer
U.S. SENATOR It’s tough to wield power when you’re in the minority – especially with Congress as dysfunctional as it is now – but the junior senator has not let these circumstances stop her from establishing herself as a leading voice on several key issues. She is the leading advocate for cracking down on sexual assault in the military and implementing paid family leave across the nation. She also has been a leading advocate for health benefits for World Trade Center first responders and pushed to end of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy toward gays in the military. An adept fundraiser and tireless worker, Gillibrand doesn’t face re-election until 2018, making her a powerful ally to have for the next three years. And while the Senator may not be too focused on shaping policy in New York City, she is quick to lend a hand to local officials and is a coveted endorsement for any aspiring Democrat. These are good habits for any up-and-coming politician who might be seeking higher office or a role in the next administration.
#10 Last Year #10
NEW YORK CITY COMPTROLLER Stringer’s comfort level has definitely increased in his role as overseer of New York City’s coffers and the man responsible for conducting timely audits of municipal agencies. At times it seems like he’s the only adult in the room, and this has given the comptroller a legitimate leg up in powerful circles and the media. As the city political class works around issues that are paramount to the metropolis’ present and future, Stringer appears to be focused on providing reality checks to the de Blasio administration's often overly ambitious plans. Case in point: the homeless audit that Gov. Cuomo – during his State of the State address – asked the comptroller to conduct. Stringer could have and should have spoken out about the huge raise City Council members gave themselves, but he remained mute on the issue. That may have been politically astute, but was not very comforting for those who believe the matter was mishandled by the City Council. It wasn’t Stringer’s finest moment, but he otherwise seems to have a steady grasp of his responsibilities as comptroller.
#9 Last Year #13
Michael Bloomberg FORMER NEW YORK CITY MAYOR, BUSINESSMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST Any doubts of Bloomberg's relevance within the body politic of New York City have been wiped out since his emergence as a possible third-party candidate in the raucous and contentious 2016 presidential race. The former three-term mayor didn't need this type of attention. However, given the morass of both parties’ nomination races, Bloomberg’s record of achievement as chief of the most complex metropolis in the United States makes him a serious contender. Whether or not he decides to run, many candidates are taking the possibility as a threat to their chances of victory. Of course, the founder of Bloomberg Associates doesn't need to make the run to prove that he's powerful. Two years after leaving office, his influence in New York City is almost intact. His surrogates – many of whom are on his payroll – directly or indirectly still convey his concerns to those currently running the city. And of course, any of the movers and shakers in media, business, philanthropy or the clergy in New York City will always pick up the phone if it's Michael Bloomberg calling.
Melissa Mark-Viverito NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER While the perception is still that the speaker is beholden to the mayor’s legislative and political agendas, the reality is that Mark-Viverito has been acting increasingly independent of de Blasio. On issues of significant public interest and media scrutiny, she has strengthened the council’s independence from the executive side of City Hall. The most telling sign of the speaker’s newfound independence? Her recent State of the City speech in the Bronx. Mark-Viverito’s bold proposal to form a commission that would devise a plan to close Rikers Island wasn’t fluff. Mark-Viverito’s idea has since been opposed by the mayor and other parties with vested interests. However, it has gained support from Gov. Cuomo. The speaker has wisely made nice with Cuomo and made it clear that she wants no part of whatever feud exists between him and de Blasio. A surprise nod for the speaker’s controversial proposal came from first lady Chirlane McCray. For many, that is another sign that Mark-Viverito’s has found her own independent voice as a leader in the metropolis.
If you listen closely, you can hear 50,000 of your co-workers clapping for you. Time Warner Cable is pleased to recognize NY1’s Errol Louis for being named to City & State’s NYC Power 100 List. Thanks for delivering the most comprehensive political news and analysis to New Yorkers. Congratulations to all the honorees!
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
#7 Last Year #38
#8 Last Year #15
Eric Schneiderman NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL It’s hard to get bad press when you’re the attorney general. By nature, any news the office makes is ostensibly good news – a crackdown on price gouging, winning a boatload of settlement money or investigating nefarious activity in various industries. Schneiderman has proved to be one of the more skillful politicians at balancing the duties of his office while also advancing his public profile, even if his pathway to higher office – perhaps a run for governor – is blocked for the foreseeable future. Schneiderman’s most headline-worthy investigation arose from his legal fight against daily fantasy sports websites DraftKings and FanDuel, which led to a brief injunction blocking the sites from doing business in New York. But Schneiderman also managed to extract millions in settlement money from Morgan Stanley for its creation of mortgage-backed bonds that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. Schneiderman’s windfall of settlement funds has given Gov. Cuomo a lot more money to play with, and will likely be distributed through state programs, such as building affordable housing and supportive housing for the homeless.
Alicia Glen NEW YORK CITY DEPUTY MAYOR FOR HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT It’s pretty rare to see any major variation in the ranking of the top 10 most powerful city politicians, but Glen skyrockets up this list because of her increasingly visible and vital role as Mayor de Blasio’s top deputy. Glen’s position also dovetails with one of the mayor’s signature programs – the creation and preservation of 200,000 units of affordable housing – and de Blasio has given her enormous leeway as the primary negotiator (and cheerleader) for that initiative. Insiders say that the city’s entire housing apparatus runs through her office. Glen’s Goldman Sachs pedigree and brusque manner – her informal tagline for the housing plan, per New York magazine, was “We’re getting shit done” – has certainly not won over housing advocates or community boards who want deeper affordability in the program. But Glen has helped forge an important alliance with real estate developers who could have easily balked at a mandate for affordable housing development. If Glen can help clear the housing program’s next hurdle, City Council approval, her influence in City Hall will be further solidified.
CityAndStateNY.com
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#6 Last Year #6
#5 Last Year #8
Carl Heastie
Bill Bratton
ASSEMBLY SPEAKER
NYPD COMMISSIONER
By the time last year’s Power 100 list went to press, Heastie had been Assembly speaker for only a few weeks following the indictment of Sheldon Silver. With Silver now firmly out of the picture, Heastie will have the opportunity to define his leadership style and emerge from the shadow of his predecessor during this legislative session. Heastie is now the gatekeeper for Mayor de Blasio’s legislative agenda in Albany, and the development of that alliance, as well as Heastie’s relationship with Gov. Cuomo, will determine how much he can deliver for the five boroughs. So far, Heastie has come out swinging, pushing for a renewal of the income tax surcharge for the wealthiest New Yorkers and tax cuts for the middle class. Heastie’s progressive agenda on programs like raising the minimum wage and creating a paid family leave policy dovetail with Cuomo’s priorities, but the governor has been wary of any perceived downstate favoritism and will likely leave some of Heastie’s wish list on the cutting room floor to remind the newbie speaker who’s really in charge.
Bratton has proved to be one of the few city officials that de Blasio has allowed to truly run his own shop, a tacit acknowledgment of how crucial the police commissioner has become in maintaining the detente with the police unions that have caused the mayor trouble in the past. But Bratton’s long leash has gotten him into trouble with the press, as he is prone to going off-message or making borderline insensitive remarks – such as his suggestion that women adopt a “buddy system” when going out at night. Bratton has not only gotten what he’s wanted from the mayor, including an additional 1,300 officers in last year’s city budget, he’s also managed to keep crime at record lows, even when accounting for the vast changes in policing practices, including doing away with stop-and-frisk and instituting community policing on a piecemeal basis. With de Blasio’s first term winding down, it remains to be seen how long Bratton will stay on as commissioner, but as long as he’s here he will remain an outsized presence, for better or worse.
CWA DISTRICT 1 HONORS OUR FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE
BOB MASTER
& ALL NYC POWER 100 HONOREES DENNIS TRAINOR GLADYS FINNIGAN
CWA District 1 Vice President Assistant to the Vice President
BILLY GALLAGHER
Area Director
WE CONGRATULATE
JOHN BANKS II President of REBNY
as he is honored by CITY & STATE MEDIA While receiving the POWER 100 AWARD for his ongoing contributions to the business, politics, health and well-being of our community.
CityAndStateNY.com
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#3 Last Year #3
#4 Last Year #4
Preet Bharara
Charles Schumer
U.S. ATTORNEY
U.S. SENATOR
City & State dubbed 2015 “The Year of Preet,” and for good reason – no one did more to fundamentally alter New York’s political landscape than Bharara, who successfully indicted and won convictions against two of the most powerful state politicians, Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos. Bharara has been one of the most effective crusaders against corruption in recent memory, making politicians think twice when it comes to illicit behavior. Even his announcement of non-indictments elicit a sigh of relief – just ask Gov. Cuomo. But Bharara’s greatest success might very well be the prominence he’s given to ethics reform in city and state government, to the extent that the looming threat of further indictments has forced the Legislature to take it seriously. Bharara keeps his future ambitions close to the vest, and he will be a formidable candidate for whatever office he decides to pursue down the road, be it governor or mayor. Should a Democrat win the White House this year, Bharara will also likely be on the short list of candidates for attorney general.
Even in the Senate minority, Schumer remains highly influential on both the local and national stages. Schumer’s politics can be polarizing – his vote against the Iran nuclear accord won him no fans on the left, even if they satisfied his pro-Israel supporters – but he is one of the savviest negotiators in the Senate, and a relentless cheerleader for his home city. Schumer was instrumental in securing funding for the Trans-Hudson Express Tunnel, and he continues to lobby the federal government for Sandy recovery funds, most recently for repairs to the L subway line. And he’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the Obama administration, as his recent tiff over cuts to New York City’s anti-terror funding showed. Nationally, Schumer stands to succeed Harry Reid as Senate minority leader, and could wield even more power if the Democrats retake the Senate in November. Schumer will also play a key role in determining whether President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee gets a confirmation hearing. By the end of 2016, Schumer could be the most powerful Democrat in the country.
The Partners and Team at Bolton-St. Johns congratulate our Partner, Emily Giske, for being honored on City & State’s NYC Power 100 List for 2016. Bolton-St. Johns is proud of Emily Giske and our firm’s accomplishments in NYC Government Relations. We thank our team members and clients for their amazing collaboration, and we could not be on this list without them.
NYC 7 World Trade Center, Suite 4641 New York, NY 10007 212.431.4748
Albany 146 State Street Albany, NY 12207 518.426.1631
www.boltonstjohns.com
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#2
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Last Year #2
Bill de Blasio MAYOR
Mayor de Blasio’s first year in office was defined by rookie mistakes and naiveté – namely, overestimating his political standing in Albany. Unfortunately, year two of his administration not only picked up where the first left off, but also added a toxic feud with Gov. Cuomo and a range of quality-of-life issues to the mix. But even amid the unforced errors, puzzling optics and middling poll numbers, de Blasio appears to have done just enough from a policy standpoint to keep the wolves at bay as he approaches re-election. At the beginning of the year, de Blasio worked to smooth over tense relations with the NYPD. Unfortunately, as that feud simmered down, his relationship with Cuomo began to boil over, culminating in a June interview on NY1 in which de Blasio said that the governor appears to have a vendetta against anyone who disagrees with him. Those remarks proved to be the tipping point in the de Blasio-Cuomo relationship. And while the mayor struggled to navigate his agenda around the governor, Cuomo began systematically co-opting de Blasio’s progressive agenda, from raising the minimum wage to fighting homelessness. De Blasio’s policy team struggled to control the city’s fast-growing homelessness crisis, throwing a ton of money at the problem to little avail. But advocates praised the mayor’s $3 billion plan to take ownership of supportive housing development without the state’s help. But even as the mayor’s tepid poll numbers reflected a perception that the homelessness crisis had significantly altered the city’s quality of life, de Blasio still managed to find some success in bridging the inequality gap. Pre-K enrollment continues to boom, with nearly 70,000 fouryear-olds filling open seats and even more expected in 2016. And even as Cuomo has tried to claim ownership of issues like raising the minimum wage and enacting paid family leave, de Blasio managed to do both – guaranteeing a $15 minimum wage for 50,000 city workers and giving six weeks of fully paid parental leave to city workers as well. Those victories might be sufficient to quell the rampant speculation that de Blasio will face a formidable Democratic challenger in 2017. But so much of his legislative agenda sits in Albany’s hands, and unless the governor has a sudden urge to work cooperatively with City Hall, de Blasio will have to be satisfied with being only as powerful as Cuomo wants him to be.
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff
Congratulate Our President & CEO
Carlo A. Scissura, Esq. Along With All The Members of
City & State’s Power 100!
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce 335 Adams Street | Suite 2700 Brooklyn, NY 11201 718.875.1000
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#1
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Last Year #1
Andrew Cuomo GOVERNOR
As long as Gov. Cuomo deigns to assert his authority over Mayor de Blasio, he will remain the most powerful politician in New York City. But 2015 revealed a new wrinkle to Cuomo’s bullying: co-opting many of the mayor’s progressive ideas as part of a wholesale leftward shift. Cuomo’s big-footing of de Blasio began in 2014 during negotiations over how to fund the mayor’s universal pre-K program and intensified during the 2015 legislative session. With every strong-arm tactic, the governor reminded the mayor that his legislative agenda would go only as far as Cuomo wanted it to. Cuomo sought to cut off funding for city homeless shelters, demanded the city make a more substantial commitment to the MTA’s capital plan and yanked $100 million for the New York City Housing Authority for much-needed repairs off of the table. These actions suggest that Cuomo has done more to harm New York City than to help it, but power lies in obstruction, too. The governor’s refusal to guarantee de Blasio mayoral control of the school system beyond one year, while subsequently boosting city charter programs, is a testament to that. Cuomo has also managed to claim ownership of progressive issues that de Blasio once had all to himself, calling for a statewide minimum wage of $15 months after the mayor called for similar action. And while de Blasio has assumed the admirable task of creating or preserving 200,000 affordable housing units, Cuomo’s announcement of his own affordable housing plan means that the mayor must now compete for federal housing bonds with the man who essentially controls the purse strings. And even as Cuomo has obstructed the mayor’s agenda, he still has managed to curry favor with city residents by promising massive investments in infrastructure – including an overhaul of LaGuardia Airport and the development of a new Penn Station. These proposals helped Cuomo achieve a 65 percent approval rating in New York City, versus 50 percent for de Blasio, according to the most recent Quinnipiac poll. Cuomo's efforts appear to have humbled de Blasio. The mayor’s budget testimony in Albany was far more subdued than in the past, focusing on smaller, more realistic asks. Whether that leads to a more favorable outcome during budget negotiations is, naturally, up to the governor. Cuomo also appears to have put any possible legal concerns behind him. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara announced in January that there was insufficient evidence to bring a case against the governor for shuttering the Moreland Commission. Free of the bad press from that unseemly episode, Cuomo can now govern the state and wield his power in the city uninhibited.
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
HONORABLE MENTIONS While putting together a list of the 100 most powerful people in New York City politics, we had to make some tough choices in two particular areas: media and real estate. Here are a few people who just missed the list, but deserve recognition for their influence:
MEDIA:
REAL ESTATE:
Josh Dawsey
Douglas Durst
Josh Greenman
Seth Pinsky
Wendell Jamieson
Larry Silverstein
Marcia Kramer
Joe Sitt
Brian Lehrer
The Walentas brothers
Jarrett Murphy
Stephen M. Ross
Azi Paybarah
Stephen L. Green
David Seifman Harry Siegel
The future of New York City depends on great leaders and access to great public schools for all children.
It’s about great public schools
CityAndStateNY.com
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POWERING OFF For some it was scandal, for others a job change, but for most it was just a recalibration that led us to exclude these 19 people who made last year ’s list. While there were no major shifts in the power centers in New York City, we did see the influence of the media and real estate take a small dip, leading us to drop some people from our Power 100. We also saw staff shakeups and shifts in focus for some on our list this year, while a few people had a harsh fall after intense ridicule or criminal prosecution.
Dean Skelos, #5 *
Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, #63 *
Ben Lawsky, #19 *
Ken Thompson, #72 *
Joe Percoco, #29 *
Larry Silverstein, #74 *
Bob Linn, #33 *
Dan Cantor, #75 *
Eva Moskowitz, #39 *
Joseph Sitt, #85 *
Al Sharpton, #41 *
Stephen M. Ross, #86 *
Vicki Been, #43 *
Dan Donovan, #90 *
Alfonse D’Amato, #47 *
Bertha Lewis, #99 *
Bill Mulrow, #51 *
Harry Giannoulis, #100 *
Wendell Jamieson, #54 *
* last year's rank
Congratulations to DC 37 Executive Director
Henry Garrido District Council
AFSCME AFL- CIO
7
Representing 121,000 public employees
THE UNION THAT MAKES NEW YORK CITY RUN. www.dc37.net
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
Name
2016 rank
2015 rank
Change
ANDREW CUOMO BILL DE BLASIO CHARLES SCHUMER PREET BHARARA BILL BRATTON CARL HEASTIE ALICIA GLEN ERIC SCHNEIDERMAN MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO MICHAEL BLOOMBERG SCOTT STRINGER KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND TOM DINAPOLI EMMA WOLFE STEVEN BANKS VALERIE BERLIN / JONATHAN ROSEN TOM PRENDERGAST GEORGE GRESHAM PHIL WALZAK JOHN FLANAGAN JOHN BANKS III ANTHONY SHORRIS BILL RUDIN RUBEN DIAZ JR. ROB SPEYER CARMEN FARIÑA NEAL KWATRA BRAD LANDER MELISSA DEROSA ERROL LOUIS PETER WARD JAMES CAPALINO DEAN FULEIHAN HECTOR FIGUEROA KATHRYN WYLDE CHIRLANE MCCRAY MICHAEL MULGREW RICHARD BUERY RUPERT MURDOCH JOE CROWLEY JOSH MOHRER PETER KING REBECCA KATZ ERIC ADAMS BRUCE RATNER MORT ZUCKERMAN JERROLD NADLER JEFF KLEIN MAYA WILEY LETITIA JAMES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
1 2 3 4 8 6 38 15 13 10 7 12 14 16 n/a 17/18 35 36 11 n/a 28 9 31 26 34 22 46 23 n/a 30 55 37 21 65 80 50 20 25 27 60 n/a 57 n/a 44 42 24 66 62 83 70
None None None None Up 3 None Up 31 Up 7 Up 4 None Down 4 None Up 1 Up 2 New to list Up 1 and 2 Up 18 Up 18 Down 8 New to list Up 7 Down 13 Up 8 Up 2 Up 9 Down 4 Up 19 Down 5 New to list None Up 24 Up 5 Down 12 Up 31 Up 45 Up 14 Down 17 Down 13 Down 12 Up 20 New to list Up 15 New to list None Down 3 Down 22 Up 19 Up 14 Up 34 Up 20
CityAndStateNY.com
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Name
2016 rank
2015 rank
Change
PAT FOYE KEITH WRIGHT SURI KASIRER FRANK SEDDIO BOB MASTER JUMAANE WILLIAMS MERRYL TISCH GARY LABARBERA MICHAEL MCKEON GALE BREWER EMILY GISKE HAKEEM JEFFRIES MARCOS CRESPO DAVID GREENFIELD JAMES ODDO CARLO SCISSURA HENRY GARRIDO CY VANCE JAMES DOLAN CARL WEISBROD ALPHONSO DAVID BILL LIPTON NORMAN SEABROOK NYDIA VELAZQUEZ JULISSA FERRERAS-COPELAND JAMES MILLIKEN TIMOTHY DOLAN STUART APPELBAUM JIMMY VAN BRAMER RICHARD BAMBERGER PATRICK LYNCH MICHAEL KLEIN JOHN SAMUELSON STEVE CASSIDY ED WALLACE JAY HERSHENSON VINCENT ALVAREZ MICHAEL WOLOZ PENNY ABEYWARDENA RITCHIE TORRES RAMON MARTINEZ JILL FURILLO KYLE KIMBALL JAMES MERRIMAN SID DAVIDOFF EMILY RAFFERTY DAVID RIVEL HARRY NESPOLI CHARLES RANGEL JOHN CATSIMATIDIS
51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
32 56 48 40 78 n/a 45 58 52 68 64 n/a n/a 69 77 79 98 76 n/a 82 n/a n/a n/a 73 67 87 88 89 59 n/a 49 95 n/a 96 92 94 53 97 93 n/a 91 81 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 84 71
Down 19 Up 4 Down 5 Down 14 Up 23 New to list Down 12 None Down 7 Up 8 Up 3 New to list New to list Up 5 Up 12 Up 13 Up 31 Up 8 New to list Up 12 New to list New to list New to list Down 1 Down 8 Up 11 Up 11 Up 11 Down 20 New to list Down 32 Up 13 New to list Up 12 Up 7 Up 8 Down 34 Up 9 Up 4 New to list None Down 11 New to list New to list New to list New to list New to list New to list Down 15 Down 29
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POWER 100 NEW YORK 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
UNVEILING LAST YEAR’S LIST How time flies. City officials, staffers and lobbyists joined titans of media, business and beyond for the unveiling of last year ’s New York City Power 100 list at NYU’s Kimmel Center. For our rundown of how this year ’s list compares with last year ’s, see pages 40-41.
ABOVE: GUESTS INCLUDED ASSEMBLYMAN FRANCISCO MOYA; NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC ADVOCATE LETITIA JAMES; BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ JR.; HUNTER INTERNATIONAL'S LEWIS STERLER; BROOKLYN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S MICHAEL PANTELIDIS; CONSULTANT TRUDY MASON; AND MANY MORE.
NY
m o c . t Slan
s ’ K R O Y W E N mier source e r p N O I N I P O r fo . S I S Y L A N A d an Be part of the Insiders’ conversation. Subscribe to be a City & State Insider to get daily op-eds, buzz, news and more. Subscribe at CityandStateNY.com/INSIDER
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