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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.
(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.
Steven Fier
President - Washington, DC
(202) 985-3250
sfier@tonioburgos.com
Steven Fier has more than 30 years of government relations and legislative affairs experience in Washington, D.C. At TBA, he develops and implements advocacy strategies for advancing corporate clients’ interests at the federal level and provides representation on an array of legislative issues, utilizing effective public policy and message development, political strategy, and coalition building.
Prior to joining TBA, Steve held senior government relations positions in Washington with the Consumer Data Industry Association, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association, and the National Association of Realtors. He also served in the Washington office of a major California headquartered financial services institution and served as a Legislative Aide to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Steve’s deep-seated experience in the legislative arena includes representing clients in a variety of issue areas including appropriations, bankruptcy, education, energy, financial services, healthcare, product liability, tax, transportation, and infrastructure. Throughout his career, Steve has successfully organized, facilitated, and managed various coalitions, PACs, state government affairs, grassroots and “legislative fly-in” programs. He has also served as an industry spokesman with the media.
At the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), where Steve served as Director of Federal Government Relations, his efforts were primarily focused on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and reauthorization of the nation’s surface transportation act. He participated in the development of the Society’s Principles for Infrastructure Stimulus Investment and lobbied in support of more than $70 billion for infrastructure investment secured in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Steve also researched and drafted the Roads and Bridges Fact Sheets for ASCE’s 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY New Paltz and a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law. He is a member of the Washington, DC and California Bar Associations.
(202) 985-3250
sfier@tonioburgos.com
Steven Fier has more than 30 years of government relations and legislative affairs experience in Washington, D.C. At TBA, he develops and implements advocacy strategies for advancing corporate clients’ interests at the federal level and provides representation on an array of legislative issues, utilizing effective public policy and message development, political strategy, and coalition building.
Prior to joining TBA, Steve held senior government relations positions in Washington with the Consumer Data Industry Association, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association, and the National Association of Realtors. He also served in the Washington office of a major California headquartered financial services institution and served as a Legislative Aide to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Steve’s deep-seated experience in the legislative arena includes representing clients in a variety of issue areas including appropriations, bankruptcy, education, energy, financial services, healthcare, product liability, tax, transportation, and infrastructure. Throughout his career, Steve has successfully organized, facilitated, and managed various coalitions, PACs, state government affairs, grassroots and “legislative fly-in” programs. He has also served as an industry spokesman with the media.
At the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), where Steve served as Director of Federal Government Relations, his efforts were primarily focused on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and reauthorization of the nation’s surface transportation act. He participated in the development of the Society’s Principles for Infrastructure Stimulus Investment and lobbied in support of more than $70 billion for infrastructure investment secured in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Steve also researched and drafted the Roads and Bridges Fact Sheets for ASCE’s 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY New Paltz and a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law. He is a member of the Washington, DC and California Bar Associations.
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
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