Meet Team HPA

As Founder and Managing Partner of Hollis Public Affairs (HPA), Brian Simon leads with a clear mission: to give clients the freedom and agility to implement creative, results-driven strategies tailored to their needs. At HPA, clients receive individualized attention, rigorous analysis, and innovative solutions designed to empower them to realize the full scope of their vision.

Brian is a seasoned strategist and legislative leader who partners with industry trailblazers across healthcare, financial services, infrastructure, tourism, technology, education, and nonprofit advocacy. His work is defined by a relentless focus on aligning client priorities with legislative and regulatory opportunities, cultivating high-value relationships, and delivering measurable impact. Under his leadership, HPA has built a reputation for excellence and integrity, grounded in the belief that strong teams drive exceptional results. Brian is deeply committed to developing a high-performing, collaborative team culture. One that blends individual strengths with shared accountability to meet ambitious goals.

With decades of experience advancing complex public and private initiatives, Brian’s track record includes shepherding projects that shape capital, social, and technological infrastructure while catalyzing large-scale economic development. Prior to founding HPA, he served as Director of Government & Community Relations at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, managing transformative infrastructure projects and leading the Office of Strategic Planning & Analysis to advance critical transportation policy.

Earlier in his career, Brian held senior roles in the U.S. Congress, serving as Deputy State Director to U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Executive Director to Congressman Gregory Meeks, and as National Deputy Director for African American Affairs for Senator John Kerry’s presidential campaign.

Brian’s leadership blends strategic vision, deep policy expertise, and a personal commitment to building partnerships that last. For clients and colleagues alike, he is a trusted advisor, a decisive leader, and an unwavering champion of creative, impactful public affairs work.

Julissa Ferreras-Copeland has been with HPA since the beginning and a driving force behind the firm’s vision, growth, and reputation as a trusted partner in the policy, advocacy, and public affairs arena. Since HPA’s earliest days, she has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s approach, blending strategic ingenuity with deep community engagement and an unwavering commitment to measurable results. Her reach extends across political, corporate, and nonprofit landscapes, leveraging a vast network of relationships to connect clients with the right leaders, at the right time, to move shared priorities forward.

Julissa is the kind of leader who not only inspires bold action but also charts the path to make it happen. She’s a collaborate thought partner to clients that pushes their thinking into new and exciting ways, navigating high-stakes decisions, bridging divides between diverse stakeholders, and crafting solutions that align community needs with policy opportunities. Her influence is felt in boardrooms, on legislative floors, and in neighborhoods across New York, where her work has driven lasting impact.

A trailblazer in public service, Julissa made history as the first woman and person of color to chair the New York City Council’s Finance Committee, where she oversaw an $82 billion budget and championed investments in education, infrastructure, and community development. Her tenure in public office and beyond reflects a leadership style rooted in transparency, collaboration, and a people-first mindset.

At HPA, she thrives on aligning vision with execution, ensuring that every engagement delivers not only on immediate goals but also on long-term, transformative change. For clients seeking a leader who can navigate complexity, influence decision-makers, and deliver results that matter, Julissa is your partner.

Alan Rosenberg is a Partner at Hollis Public Affairs, bringing over 25 years of experience in New York City's public sector. His deep understanding of government operations, technology, and procurement stems from his service in two mayoral administrations. Alan is a highly effective and reconigized government relations professional with a proven track record of delivering results for world-class clients.

Alan's career began in 1994 within the Mayor's Office, where he held progressively responsible roles in City government. He served as Deputy Director of Management Information Systems and played a key roles in the City's Office of E-government and the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT). As Director of Enterprise Planning in the Office of the CIO, Alan spearheaded inter-agency initiatives and citywide IT procurements. Notably, he was selected as the first CIO for the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), where he shaped the agency's IT strategic direction. After his distinguished career in public service, Alan transitioned to the private sector, providing technology consulting services and driving new business development at VIP Consulting. In 2011, he helped found the RG Group, focused on technology and procurement lobbying.

Alan holds an M.S. in Management of Technology from Polytechnic Institute at New York University and a B.A. in Political Science from The Ohio State University. He is also PMP certified. He is currently on the SLED Consortium Advisory Board for the VC firm NightDragon. A native New Yorker, Alan was raised in Kew Gardens, Queens.

As Partner at Hollis Public Affairs (HPA), Larisa Wick is a strategic and committed government relations leader who partners with clients as a trusted advisor, confidant, and thought partner. Guided by HPA’s mission to give clients the freedom and agility to implement creative, results-driven strategies, Larisa ensures each engagement is grounded in the client’s priorities while pushing toward the full scope of their vision.

Larisa brings a unique combination of legal expertise, public affairs acumen, and an unwavering commitment to building strong, high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results. Known for her ability to navigate complex political and regulatory landscapes, she has led large-scale capital campaigns for some of New York City’s most prominent cultural institutions and created funding initiatives that have brought critical resources to underinvested communities.

Before joining HPA, Larisa served as President of The Wright Group NY, exclusively representing nonprofit organizations, and built a record of driving systemic change through strategic advocacy. Her career spans both coasts. Beginning as an Associate Attorney at Wilson Elser, then leading Government Relations at Emmis Communications in Los Angeles, where she developed statewide social marketing campaigns supporting California State initiatives. This breadth of experience gives her a deep, nuanced understanding of policy, advocacy, and relationship-building in diverse political environments.

Beyond her client work, Larisa is a dedicated community leader, serving as President of the Junior League of the Oranges & Short Hills, on the Board of Directors of LiveOn NY, and as a trustee of the California Thoroughbred Foundation. Licensed to practice law in New York, she brings discipline, creativity, and a relentless focus on impact to every partnership. Ensuring that HPA’s work reflects both excellence and integrity.

For Larisa, success is measured not only by policy wins but by the strength and sustainability of the teams and relationships built along the way. She embodies HPA’s belief that public affairs is at its best when strategy, collaboration, and purpose come together to create lasting change.

Beatrice Armony serves as Scheduler in Hollis Public Affairs’ Albany office and State Practice, where she brings over three decades of senior-level executive support and strategic scheduling expertise. Far more than simply managing a calendar, Beatrice ensures that the right meetings happen at the right time with the right people. Maximizing impact for HPA’s clients and aligning each engagement with broader advocacy and policy priorities. Previously, Beatrice served as Executive Assistant and Scheduler for The Wright Group government relations and lobbying firm for two years managing their non-profit clients' Albany lobby days calendars, along with coordinating virtual, district office and site visits with State elected officials.

Prior to joining HPA, Beatrice directed daily operations for the New York State Senate Majority Leader and Majority Conference Senators for over 34 years. In this role, she acted as a key liaison between the Senate Majority Leader, Conference members, and the Executive Chamber, facilitating seamless communication and advancing critical legislative initiatives. She implemented a centralized digital filing system, streamlining access for all staff, and coordinated high-level meetings, events, and travel logistics with precision.

Beatrice is known for her ability to work independently in high-pressure, fast-paced environments while exercising exceptional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. Her approach to scheduling is rooted in strategy, building connections, prioritizing effectively, and ensuring that every moment spent in conversation or collaboration drives toward meaningful outcomes. Her commitment to fostering positive relationships with executives, elected officials, and stakeholders has made her a trusted and indispensable partner in advancing HPA’s mission.

Iza Choudrey leads legislative and policy strategy at Hollis Public Affairs, where she serves as Associate Vice President for Policy in the firm's State practice. She helps clients advance their legislative priorities, shape policy, and navigate the state budget process, turning ambitious goals into real results and often finding a path where there doesn't appear to be one.

Her portfolio spans technology, transportation, infrastructure, environment, sustainability, and youth justice. Across all of it, Iza drives targeted legislative initiatives, conducts in-depth policy research, advocates for her clients' interests, and builds durable relationships across government agencies and stakeholder networks. She is known for making complex legislative and budget environments navigable, demystifying the process and giving clients a clear strategy to lead.

Efficient, reliable, and steady under pressure, Iza brings a dependable, get-it-done approach to every engagement. Her grounding in public policy and research runs deep. Earlier in her career, she held internships at the White House, the Association for a Better New York (ABNY), where she focused on stakeholder participation, and the New York City Comptroller's Office, where she co-led memos on issues ranging from democracy to rapid health response. A sharp listener and persuasive advocate, Iza is at her best translating insight into influence, and influence into tangible change.

She holds a B.A. in Political Science from CUNY Hunter College, with concentrations in Sociology and Legal Studies.

Emily serves as the Director of Strategy at Hollis Public Affairs (HPA), where she plays a critical role in advancing the firm’s business growth, stakeholder and client engagement, and partnership development initiatives. As a senior contributor on the firm’s team, Emily collaborates across departments to ensure client strategies are aligned with policy goals, firm priorities, and long-term sustainable impact. Emily is the kind of partner every policy-driven initiative hopes to have. She is strategic, thoughtful, and unshakably committed to impact. As Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development at Hollis Public Affairs (HPA), she leads with curiosity and conviction, connecting people, policy, and opportunity in ways that move agendas forward and deepen relationships that matter.
 
With a reputation for bringing clarity to complexity, Emily is a trusted collaborator to colleagues and clients alike. She plays a pivotal role in advancing HPA’s growth by cultivating high-value partnerships across the corporate, nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors. Whether she's co-creating an advocacy strategy, navigating a funding landscape, or translating a policy idea into a viable public-private collaboration, Emily ensures the work is grounded, inclusive, and designed to deliver results. Internally, she’s a force for cohesion and progress. Focusing on aligning cross-functional teams, strengthening internal systems, and guiding the firm’s approach to stakeholder engagement and client advocacy. Externally, she’s known as a thoughtful connector and a sharp, generous partner who gets things done without losing sight of nuance within each relationship.
 
Before joining HPA, Emily held senior roles in government relations and nonprofit advocacy, including positions at a New York-based government affairs firm and at The LGBT Community Center, where she expanded the organization’s policy and budget advocacy efforts. Earlier in her career, she worked in Congressional offices, where she served as a Congressional aide to several high-profile elected officials, including U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, gaining foundational experience in legislative affairs and stakeholder engagement.
 
Emily’s career has spanned Capitol Hill, state and local advocacy, and senior roles in government affairs firms and nonprofit institutions. Her work in the arts, creative economy, and social impact arenas reflects a deep belief that public affairs work is at its best when it listens first, builds strong coalitions, and amplifies underrepresented voices. If you’re building something bold, navigating complexity, or looking for a partner who brings both strategic insight and human touch, Emily’s someone you want on your team. When she’s not forging partnerships or pushing the work forward, you’ll find her hiking with her family, exploring the Poconos, or deep in conversation about what real change looks like.

Laura Fierro serves as Special Assistant to Managing Partner Brian W. Simon and brings a strong blend of marketing insight, analytical thinking, and a passion for public affairs to her role. In her position, she supports the firm’s work by conducting research, organizing and managing key information, and assisting in developing communications that inform client strategies. Her attention to detail and ability to synthesize information allow her to contribute meaningfully to projects that require both precision and accuracy needed.

A recent graduate as of May 2026 from St. John’s University’s Peter J. Tobin College of Business, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Management and Studies, Laura combines her academic foundation with hands-on experience in marketing, data analysis, and client engagement. Her previous work includes serving as a Marketing and Technology Fellow for SJU’s Global Loan Opportunities for Budding Entrepreneurs program, where she helped execute social media strategies that significantly increased donor engagement and raised over $2,000 by providing loans to entrepreneurs in Kenya, Vietnam, and South America. She has also completed immersive training experiences in the insurance sector at MLMIC Insurance Company, gaining exposure to industry operations and professional collaboration.

In addition to her professional experience, Laura participated in Hispanas Organized for Political Equality’s College Leadership Program, where she engaged with professionals across industries to explore leadership pathways for Latinas in underrepresented fields. Completed an op-ed and civic engagement focused on Medicaid eligibility. Her commitment to leadership and advocacy was further recognized when she received the Future History Maker Award in 2023, honoring her dedication to civic engagement and community impact.

Previously serving as a Policy Intern at HPA, Laura supported policy research and operational coordination, ensuring that internal processes run efficiently and that client-facing materials are clear and well-organized. She is particularly interested in the intersection of community outreach and public policy and is eager to continue developing strategies that enhance public engagement and advocacy efforts.

With a proactive mindset and strong organizational skills, Laura is a reliable and collaborative team member who thrives in fast-paced environments. Her ability to balance detailed execution with a broader strategic perspective positions her as a valuable contributor to initiatives that aim to drive impactful and informed decision-making.

Vice President of Strategic Communications Zach Haberman brings extensive experience in high-stakes, strategic communications and journalism to Hollis Public Affairs. His expertise helps individuals and institutions navigate complex reputational issues and pressure-filled moments.

He excels in media relations, risk analysis, scenario planning, media training, thought leadership, and developing values-driven public profiles. Zach acts as a partner-in-strategy to HPA clients to support their communications needs, developing internal and external communications strategies, and media relations to help secure coverage. He has driven both rapid response and long-term communications strategies for a diverse range of clients, including top law firms, higher education institutions, healthcare systems, nonprofits, tech, and aviation companies.

Before making the shift to communications, Zach spent over two decades as a reporter and senior editor at outlets including NBC News, the New York Post, the New York Daily News, ABC News and Patch. This experience provides him with sharp insight into newsrooms, both legacy media and independent operations, and the ability to zero in on narratives that break through noise, and work collaboratively with journalists for his clients’ benefit.

A graduate of Hunter College, Zach was born and raised in New York City.

Karina Jimenez is a Senior Advisor at HPA, serving as a legislative expert with over a decade of experience in government and community relations. She has deep expertise in local and state campaigns, intergovernmental relations, and negotiating legislative policy.

Her understanding of the importance of   strategic thinking has led her to successfully develop and build foundational relationships to help elevate her client’s issues. Prior to joining HPA, Karina spent over three years at Capalino, a NYC based government relations firm. She spent nearly six years in New York City government, most recently as Director of State Legislative Affairs for former Mayor Bill de Blasio. In that role, she leveraged her expertise to advance the Mayor’s state legislative and budget priorities.

She also held other intergovernmental roles, including Chief of Staff of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, where she oversaw the City, State, and Federal legislative teams, being the liaison between the City and other governments, fostering constructive relationships and coordination. She served as Campaign Manager for Jessica Ramos’ 2018 State Senate primary campaign, working with others to end the Independent Democratic Conference in Albany. She also worked for the League of Conservation Voters in different states working on environmental issue-based campaigns in key states nationwide, focused on supporting and advancing green focused policies and candidates.

Karina earned her BA in Political Science and MA in Urban and Regional Planning from Binghamton University.

Tara Kulkarni is the kind of operations and administrative professional every fast-moving, impact-driven team hopes to have. She is proactive, resourceful, and deeply invested in helping the work move forward seamlessly. At Hollis Public Affairs, Tara supports the Managing Partner and senior leadership team by ensuring that operations, priorities, and key details align so leaders can focus on driving policy and client outcomes.
 
With a career foundation in high-stakes finance, supporting leadership at Guggenheim Partners and MSD Capital, Tara brings precision, discretion, and an eye for detail that makes her an invaluable partner. She thrives in environments where multiple priorities compete, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks while anticipating needs before they’re voiced.
 
Tara’s value extends well beyond logistics. She is a connector across teams, smoothing communication, keeping information flowing, and ensuring that internal and external interactions reflect the firm’s professionalism and values. Whether coordinating a high-profile client meeting, supporting an event rollout, or streamlining day-to-day operations, she keeps momentum going and people aligned.
 
When she’s not helping keep Hollis Public Affairs running at full speed, Tara dedicates her time to volunteering with children and contributing to her local arts community as a committee member for the Flinn Gallery and the Arts Council of Old Greenwich. She holds a B.A. in Finance and Accounting from New York University and brings the same commitment to detail and relationships to her community work as she does to her role at HPA.

Andrew M. Manshel has served as a Senior Advisor at Hollis Public Affairs since its founding, specializing in projects related to technology, development, and procurement. A seasoned veteran of community-building and revitalization efforts both domestic and abroad, Andrew leverages more than three decades of diverse experience in both the public and private sector. He advises and guides clients and HPA teams on complex initiatives and efforts related to public spaces, technological innovation, and real estate, providing critical insights to navigate projects from vision to reality.

Most recently, Andrew served as the Assistant Commissioner at the New York City Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications where he was an administrator of the City's public Wi-Fi, cable, and payphone franchises. Prior to that role, Andrew served as the Executive Vice President of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation and President of its Jamaica Capital Corporation and Jamaica First Parking affiliates for over a decade, where he worked to improve public space and quality of life in vibrant but disinvested neighborhoods. Andrew was also previously a partner in the Real Estate Department of Kalkines Arky Zall & Bernstein LLP (now Manatt Phelps & Phillips) and also served as Vice President of Finance and Administration at Barnard College. In addition, Andrew also served as the Co-Chair of the Streetscape Committee of the Municipal Art Society for more than a decade and also served as a Vice Chair of the Inner-City Council of the Urban Land Institute.

Andrew holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degree from New York University, as well as a BA in Government from Oberlin College. He is the author of the upcoming What Works: Placemaking in Bryant Park. His previous book, Revitalizing Cities, Towns and Public Spaces, was published in 2019 by Rutgers University Press.

Janee Markowicz is known as a dynamic public affairs leader with a passion for community engagement and over a decade of experience in government, politics, and strategic advocacy. As Senior Vice President at Hollis Public Affairs, works on community engagement strategies, legislative advocacy, and budget work, fostering impactful partnerships across government and business sectors to drive meaningful change.
 
Janee’s career reflects her deep commitment to social impact. During her tenure at the New York State Attorney General’ s Office (OAG), she played a key role in the OAG’ s Office of Special Investigations focusing on criminal justice reform, working to enhance transparency and rebuild trust in the system. Prior to this, her work at the New York State Assembly involved developing policy strategies and engaging with diverse communities to address critical issues at the grassroots level.
 
In addition to her public service, Janee pursued her creative passions, studying fashion in Milan and London while attending law school. She later launched a small fashion business, blending her entrepreneurial interests with her expertise in public affairs. This unique combination of experiences enables Janee to balance creativity with strategic leadership, making her a versatile and forward-thinking force in the public affairs space.
 
Janee holds a J.D. from George Washington University School of Law

Gregory Mitchell joined Hollis Public Affairs as Vice President in January 2025, bringing with him extensive experience in lobbying, procurement, government relations, and legislative and budget processes. His expertise also extends to regulatory policy, housing, land-use, and community relations. Greg is known as a skilled strategist and advocate with a deep understanding of the complexities of New York City and State government.

Greg's career in public service began in 2011 as a staffer for a member of the U.S House of Representatives whose district encompassed parts of Brooklyn and Queens. He further honed his legislative and budgetary skills as Legislative and Budget Director for a New York City Councilmember. In 2016, Greg joined the Mayor's Office of Housing Recovery Operations, playing a key role in assisting communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy. He later returned to the City Council as Chief of Staff, further developing his expertise in community relations, government operations and land use. In 2019, Greg transitioned to the private sector, joining RG Group where he provided strategic counsel and lobbying services to clients navigating city and state government.

Greg holds a B.A. in Government and Politics and an M.A. in Public Policy and Administration from St. John's University. A native New Yorker, he currently resides in Astoria, Queens

Kassandra Perez-Desir is a Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Hollis Public Affairs, where she serves as a senior strategic advisor to clients, leads impactful government affairs campaigns, and advances legislative and regulatory priorities.

With over two decades of experience spanning all levels of government, regulatory strategy, and private-sector advocacy, Kassandra brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to her role. At HPA, Kassandra works closely with firm leadership to help clients anticipate and navigate policy shifts, mitigate risk, and drive concrete outcomes while strengthening the firm's coalition-building efforts.

Prior to joining HPA, Kassandra served as Head of Government Relations at DoorDash, directing policy and government affairs strategy across New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico. Before that, she led public policy and government affairs for Verizon, managing complex policy portfolios and bridging public and private-sector priorities. Earlier in her career, Kassandra held senior roles in political administrations under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as Special Advisor to then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, and as Director of Immigrant Affairs for Senator Chuck Schumer, where she began her public service career.

Kassandra holds a BA from St. John's University and a Juris Doctor from New York Law School.

Isa Puello is a political strategist and public affairs leader whose influence spans the New York State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion, legislative chambers, and far beyond. As Principal at Hollis Public Affairs (HPA) and head of the firm’s Albany practice, Isa serves as a trusted advisor, confidant, and strategic partner to clients navigating the complexities of New York State government. She leverages more than a decade of senior-level experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a powerful network of relationships to connect clients and decision-makers in ways that align mutual priorities and drive lasting policy change.

Known for her ability to translate complex political dynamics into clear, actionable strategies, Isa leads HPA’s state government engagement, budget advocacy, and legislative affairs efforts. She helps clients anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and position their priorities to resonate with elected officials, agency leaders, and key stakeholders. Ensuring that policy goals are advanced with precision, credibility, and staying power.

Before joining HPA, Isa spent over ten years as Executive Administrator, Senior Advisor and was ultimately appointed to serve as Secretary to Intergovernmental Affairs to New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, where she was widely regarded as his most trusted political and policy strategist. She was instrumental in steering the Speaker’s legislative agenda, managing priorities for 104 Democratic members, and serving as the bridge between lawmakers, leadership, and the critical operational engines of the Assembly. Her work spanned the entire state budget process, policy design, capital funding negotiations, and economic development strategies, positioning Assembly priorities in New York’s multibillion-dollar fiscal plan.

Isa’s reach extends well beyond Albany’s corridors. She has represented the Speaker at high-level meetings across the state and on international delegations, including diplomatic visits to Israel and other global exchanges. This breadth of experience enables her to advise clients not only on the “what” and “how” of their advocacy, but also on the “who”. Building strategic alliances that expand influence to accelerate results.

Isa holds a degree in International Studies from The City College of New York, studied abroad at Shanghai University, and is completing her Master’s in Public Administration at Baruch College. She began her career advocating for constituents in the Bronx and remains deeply committed to equity, opportunity, and public impact.

Terri Richardson is Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Engagement and Legislative Affairs in Hollis Public Affairs’ City Practice. A seasoned government affairs professional with more than two decades of experience shaping policy, building coalitions, and leading high-stakes advocacy efforts. As Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Engagement and Legislative Affairs in Hollis Public Affairs’ City Practice, Terri drives strategic initiatives that expand the firm’s influence and deliver impact for clients navigating complex legislative and regulatory environments.

Terri brings deep expertise in public affairs, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, honed through senior roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors. She has successfully led campaigns advancing equity, education, and health outcomes, while also advising executives, boards, and policymakers on long-term advocacy strategy. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation as a trusted advisor who anticipates challenges, crafts effective solutions, and strengthens institutional relationships with government leaders, regulatory agencies, and community partners.

At Hollis Public Affairs, Terri oversees major legislative initiatives, provides executive-level policy counsel, and manages a portfolio of high-profile clients. Her leadership spans shaping long-term lobbying strategies, coordinating coalition-building efforts, and ensuring that client voices are heard in critical policy discussions at the city, state, and federal levels.

Beyond her client work, Terri is recognized for her commitment to advancing public service and civic engagement. She has served on nonprofit boards and community initiatives that align with her passion for equity and access, reflecting the same values she brings to her role at HPA.

Terri holds a B.A. in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of California, along with advanced certifications in leadership, management, and organizational development. Her combination of policy expertise, strategic foresight, and relationship-building makes her an invaluable leader in advancing the mission of Hollis Public Affairs and the clients it serves.

Zack Rubin is a Vice President in our City and State practices at Hollis Public Affairs, where he serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner to clients, ensuring their priorities and objectives are advanced with strategy, discretion, and impact. He brings a deep understanding of policy, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building to help clients navigate complex political and legislative landscapes. Known for fostering strong relationships and creating tailored advocacy approaches, Zack works side-by-side with clients to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and translate vision into actionable results that drive meaningful change.

Previously, Zack served as an Associate Vice President at The Wright Group, where he quickly distinguished himself as a rising star in the realms of city and state lobbying. With a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, focusing on urban policy from CUNY Baruch College, Zack possesses a sharp understanding of the complex interplay between nonprofit organizations and government structures. His role at the firm involves direct lobbying, strategic advising on budget requests, and building influential relationships with City Council Members and key agency figures. His known adeptness at navigating New York City's political landscape, coupled with his known ability to forge significant connections, enables him to expertly guide nonprofits toward achieving their funding and policy objectives with remarkable precision and innovation.

Before his tenure at The Wright Group, Zack built a distinguished career through a series of strategic roles in public policy and electoral campaigns. He served as a policy advisor and field organizer on multiple influential political campaigns at the Borough President, City Council, and federal levels. Before that, Zack held an internship at Capalino & Company.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Zack’s personal background as a native of Park Slope, Brooklyn, deepens his connection to New York City and its diverse communities. This personal investment in the city’s well-being drives his commitment to enhancing its social and political frameworks. When he is not actively lobbying or strategizing, Zack enjoys exploring his literary passions, particularly 'The Lord of the Rings', and unwinding in Prospect Park, reflecting his known as appreciation for both the vibrant urban environment and its quieter, green spaces.

Jeremiah Williams is an architect of the possible. A digital native with a limitless imagination, commitment to curiosity, and steadfast belief that anything perceivable is achievable. Serving as Project Manager at Hollis Public Affairs (HPA), he is responsible for managing a diverse client portfolio and leads the execution of dynamic projects that align with the firm’s policy, advocacy, and communications strategy. From developing interactive client facing dashboards to integrating the latest technology for firm operations, Jeremiah keeps the organization moving forward.
 
Previously a Legislative Analyst at HPA, he brings a blend of deep experience in policy analysis, thorough knowledge of government processes, and an ability to translate legislative developments into actionable insights to every project he leads. Prior to joining Hollis Public Affairs, he worked for the New York City Council’s Black, Latino and Asian Caucus (BLAC) under the leadership of Council Members Kevin Riley and Oswald Feliz as a Legislative Fellow for Strategy and Communications.
 
Before working in city hall, He served as a Speechwriter and International Security and Nuclear Disarmament Advisor to the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica at the United Nations (UN). During his tenure at the UN, Jeremiah worked to build consensus in opposition to Russia’s unprecedented invasion against Ukraine, engaged in diplomacy with the UN General Assembly to ensure equitable vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, and zealously advocate for a world free from nuclear weapons via the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

When not managing projects, Jeremiah is a committed nuclear disarmament advocate, independent journalist, and interviewer covering political instability, disinformation campaigns, and armed conflict. In collaboration with the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, Jeremiah featured in the Shades of Disarmament documentary interviewing the organizers of the largest rally in New York City history, with one million people marching for nuclear disarmament. A lifelong and accomplished debater, he also taught speech & debate to students on the Upper West & East sides of Manhattan.
 
Outside of the public affairs arena, Jeremiah draws on his passions for public speaking, responsible journalism, and service-oriented storytelling to effectuate a fundamental belief that progress is not guaranteed but fought for.
 
He holds a BA in Political Science and Digital Journalism from Pace University