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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
With five decades of business, government, civic involvement and legislative affairs experience, Tonio Burgos brings unique insight and a comprehensive understanding of how to get results on behalf of clients. As a top rated consulting and lobbying firm in the tristate region as well as Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, TBA has successfully worked on a wide range of projects in both the public and private sector for over 32 years.
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. In 2017, he was honored at the Union Settlement Annual Spring Gala and Citizens Union honored him with their Gotham Greats Award. On May 28, 2015, Herbert H. Lehman College awarded Tonio an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. He was also the 45th Anniversary Award Recipient of Hostos Community College in May 2013. The Regional Plan Association in April 2011 presented Tonio its Lifetime Leadership Award, and in 2010, the New Jersey Alliance for Action presented him with its President’s Eagle Award.
Tonio’s present affiliations also includes Chairman of the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy. He also serves as a Member of the Steering Committee of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY), the Board of Directors of the Robert F. Kennedy Center and Foundation as well as a member of the NYC Police Foundation Board of Trustees.
Tonio continues to serve as a member of the New York Latin Media Entertainment Commission, appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and reappointed by Mayor Bill DeBlasio. He has served for over three decades as a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and is currently a member of its Executive Committee.
Past affiliations include:
Member of the Board of Trustees for the New York Law School
Member of the Board of Trustees of Boricua College
Member of the Governor’s Island Advisory Council
Member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Board of Trustees
Member of the Board of the Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation
(212) 566-5600
tburgos@tonioburgos.com
With five decades of business, government, civic involvement and legislative affairs experience, Tonio Burgos brings unique insight and a comprehensive understanding of how to get results on behalf of clients. As a top rated consulting and lobbying firm in the tristate region as well as Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, TBA has successfully worked on a wide range of projects in both the public and private sector for over 32 years.
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. In 2017, he was honored at the Union Settlement Annual Spring Gala and Citizens Union honored him with their Gotham Greats Award. On May 28, 2015, Herbert H. Lehman College awarded Tonio an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. He was also the 45th Anniversary Award Recipient of Hostos Community College in May 2013. The Regional Plan Association in April 2011 presented Tonio its Lifetime Leadership Award, and in 2010, the New Jersey Alliance for Action presented him with its President’s Eagle Award.
Tonio’s present affiliations also includes Chairman of the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy. He also serves as a Member of the Steering Committee of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY), the Board of Directors of the Robert F. Kennedy Center and Foundation as well as a member of the NYC Police Foundation Board of Trustees.
Tonio continues to serve as a member of the New York Latin Media Entertainment Commission, appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and reappointed by Mayor Bill DeBlasio. He has served for over three decades as a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and is currently a member of its Executive Committee.
Past affiliations include:
Member of the Board of Trustees for the New York Law School
Member of the Board of Trustees of Boricua College
Member of the Governor’s Island Advisory Council
Member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Board of Trustees
Member of the Board of the Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation
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
NEW YORK CITY
Joan Kalan
Chief of Staff
(212) 566-5600
jkalan@tonioburgos.com
Joan Kalan has more than 35 years of business experience. She is responsible for administering client contracts and lobbying compliance, assisting in financial matters, overseeing human resource issues, managing the administrative staff and ensuring coordination of the firms’ business activities. Additionally, she manages the firm’s participation in fundraising events and enables timely client communication with the CEO.
Prior to joining TBA, Joan worked at Lord & Taylor for 28 years as an Executive Assistant. In her tenure, she held positions with the President, Executive Vice President of Stores and Senior Vice President of Operations.
(212) 566-5600
jkalan@tonioburgos.com
Joan Kalan has more than 35 years of business experience. She is responsible for administering client contracts and lobbying compliance, assisting in financial matters, overseeing human resource issues, managing the administrative staff and ensuring coordination of the firms’ business activities. Additionally, she manages the firm’s participation in fundraising events and enables timely client communication with the CEO.
Prior to joining TBA, Joan worked at Lord & Taylor for 28 years as an Executive Assistant. In her tenure, she held positions with the President, Executive Vice President of Stores and Senior Vice President of Operations.
Elvin Garcia
Director of NYC Affairs
(212) 566-5600
egarcia@tonioburgos.com
Elvin García is a first-generation Dominican-American with over 10 years of experience in New York City intergovernmental affairs, various political campaigns, strategic project management, and nonprofit advocacy.
Prior to joining TBA, Elvin was a Presidential Fellow at the Open Society Foundations (OSF), a two-year executive office residency focused on international social justice, human rights, and good governance, which included a pilot program to provide financial support to excluded essential workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Elvin served as a Federal Policy Summer Associate at the Hispanic Federation, where he conducted immigration policy research, managed a legislative tracking document, coordinated with the 2020 Census fair count coalition, and supported continued advocacy for Puerto Rico’s holistic recovery efforts. For over 4 years prior, Elvin served in City Hall as the Bronx Borough Director and citywide LGBTQ+ liaison for community and intergovernmental affairs and later as a personal aide to the mayor, where he executed intergovernmental coordination and outreach, with a proven track record of promoting the mayor’s legislative priorities and delivering results for all New Yorkers. In 2017, Elvin was a candidate for New York City Council, where he ran a progressive grassroots campaign on a platform of a 21st-century education model, fairer community policing and accountability practices, and more efficient transportation proposals.
Elvin is a graduate of the Colin Powell School of the City College of New York, obtaining a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and alumnus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He serves on the boards of both Loving The Bronx, a nonprofit organization focused on civic engagement and environmental socio-economic justice, and the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD).
(212) 566-5600
egarcia@tonioburgos.com
Elvin García is a first-generation Dominican-American with over 10 years of experience in New York City intergovernmental affairs, various political campaigns, strategic project management, and nonprofit advocacy.
Prior to joining TBA, Elvin was a Presidential Fellow at the Open Society Foundations (OSF), a two-year executive office residency focused on international social justice, human rights, and good governance, which included a pilot program to provide financial support to excluded essential workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Elvin served as a Federal Policy Summer Associate at the Hispanic Federation, where he conducted immigration policy research, managed a legislative tracking document, coordinated with the 2020 Census fair count coalition, and supported continued advocacy for Puerto Rico’s holistic recovery efforts. For over 4 years prior, Elvin served in City Hall as the Bronx Borough Director and citywide LGBTQ+ liaison for community and intergovernmental affairs and later as a personal aide to the mayor, where he executed intergovernmental coordination and outreach, with a proven track record of promoting the mayor’s legislative priorities and delivering results for all New Yorkers. In 2017, Elvin was a candidate for New York City Council, where he ran a progressive grassroots campaign on a platform of a 21st-century education model, fairer community policing and accountability practices, and more efficient transportation proposals.
Elvin is a graduate of the Colin Powell School of the City College of New York, obtaining a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and alumnus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He serves on the boards of both Loving The Bronx, a nonprofit organization focused on civic engagement and environmental socio-economic justice, and the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD).
Seth Kaye
Vice President for Policy and Infrastructure
(212) 566-5600
skaye@tonioburgos.com
Seth has over thirty years of experience, knowledge, and involvement in government administration, public policy development, legislative advocacy, and electoral campaigns. He has advised clients in a wide range of sectors on government relations, strategic business planning, project implementation, regulatory policy, and permitting issues with public agencies at the municipal, state, and federal levels.
From 1998 to 2003, Seth was Executive Vice President for Transportation and Waterfront Development at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, responsible for directing the planning framework, policy coordination, and capital project development for the City’s rail freight and maritime commerce infrastructure. He also developed public-private initiatives to expand passenger ferry services and promote cruise ship business in New York Harbor, along with improvements to the City’s commercial aviation terminals and heliport facilities.
Seth served as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Transportation from 1995 to 1998, in a role coordinating City policies on intergovernmental planning and funding matters and transit fare payment technology implementation. He performed policy oversight of key City Department of Transportation functions and ongoing Mayoral liaison with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New York State Department of Transportation.
After helping to develop the issues agenda for the successful 1993 election campaign of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Seth joined the new administration as a special assistant to the First Deputy Mayor and advised senior officials on transportation, infrastructure, and environmental issues. He represented the Office of the Mayor in various aspects of the negotiations that produced the historic New York City watershed protection agreement in 1997 and was a senior advisor to the 1998 New York City Charter Revision Commission.
Before his career in City government, Seth held positions with a leading member of the New York State Senate, a notable political media consulting firm, and a prominent Washington lobbying group. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at the Johns Hopkins University and received his Juris Doctor degree from the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.
(212) 566-5600
skaye@tonioburgos.com
Seth has over thirty years of experience, knowledge, and involvement in government administration, public policy development, legislative advocacy, and electoral campaigns. He has advised clients in a wide range of sectors on government relations, strategic business planning, project implementation, regulatory policy, and permitting issues with public agencies at the municipal, state, and federal levels.
From 1998 to 2003, Seth was Executive Vice President for Transportation and Waterfront Development at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, responsible for directing the planning framework, policy coordination, and capital project development for the City’s rail freight and maritime commerce infrastructure. He also developed public-private initiatives to expand passenger ferry services and promote cruise ship business in New York Harbor, along with improvements to the City’s commercial aviation terminals and heliport facilities.
Seth served as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Transportation from 1995 to 1998, in a role coordinating City policies on intergovernmental planning and funding matters and transit fare payment technology implementation. He performed policy oversight of key City Department of Transportation functions and ongoing Mayoral liaison with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New York State Department of Transportation.
After helping to develop the issues agenda for the successful 1993 election campaign of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Seth joined the new administration as a special assistant to the First Deputy Mayor and advised senior officials on transportation, infrastructure, and environmental issues. He represented the Office of the Mayor in various aspects of the negotiations that produced the historic New York City watershed protection agreement in 1997 and was a senior advisor to the 1998 New York City Charter Revision Commission.
Before his career in City government, Seth held positions with a leading member of the New York State Senate, a notable political media consulting firm, and a prominent Washington lobbying group. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at the Johns Hopkins University and received his Juris Doctor degree from the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.
Eric Fischer
Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs
(212) 566-5600
efischer@tonioburgos.com
(212) 566-5600
efischer@tonioburgos.com
Carolyn Bihl
Director of Finance
212-566-5600
cbihl@tonioburgos.com
Carolyn Bihl is the Director of Finance at Tonio Burgos and Associates.
212-566-5600
cbihl@tonioburgos.com
Carolyn Bihl is the Director of Finance at Tonio Burgos and Associates.
Fabian Rivera
Creative Director
(212) 566-5600
frivera@tonioburgos.com
Fabian in an experienced Creative Director with a demonstrated history of working in the government relations industry and private commercial and residential Interior Design world. He is a strong arts and design professional with degrees from both the University of Puerto Rico and The Art Institute of New York.
(212) 566-5600
frivera@tonioburgos.com
Fabian in an experienced Creative Director with a demonstrated history of working in the government relations industry and private commercial and residential Interior Design world. He is a strong arts and design professional with degrees from both the University of Puerto Rico and The Art Institute of New York.
Dorothy Gustave
Database Manager
212-566-5600
dgustave@tonioburgos.com
212-566-5600
dgustave@tonioburgos.com
Ana Torres
Receptionist
212-566-5600
atorres@tonioburgos.com
212-566-5600
atorres@tonioburgos.com