The Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Practice, New Jersey, 2023-2027

Distinguished Alumni Award, Rutgers School of Law-Newark Alumni Association, 2025

INNOVATE100 New Jersey Innovation Leader, Innovation+, 2025

Cannabis Power 50 List, InsiderNJ

Best Hispanic Business Leaders List, BINJE, 2025

New Jersey Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2022-2023

Rising Star, Rutgers Law School Minority Student Program, 2023

New Leader of the Bar, New Jersey Law Awards, 2023

Dealmakers (Cannabis), New Jersey Law Journal, 2022

ROI Influencers Power List: Government Affairs, ROI-NJ, 2021-2024

ROI Influencers: People of Color List, ROI-NJ, 2019-2023

40 Under 40, NJBIZ, 2019

Advocacy Award, Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 2019

New Jersey Globe Power List, 2022-2023

NJBiz Next Generation of Leaders, 2021

2023 Latinos 40 Under 40, Tri-State NYC, Negocios Now

Essex County's Top Lawyers, Government and Administration, 2023

First Tee of Metropolitan New York, Board Member

New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Board Member

Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Board Member

Law360 New Jersey, Editorial Advisory Board

NJ Legal Education & Empowerment Project, Advisory Board Member

The Waterfront Project, Board Member

Full Court Peace, Board Member

Cuba Study Group, Board Member

Americas Society/Council of the Americas, Cuba Working Group Member

Cuban American Alliance for Leadership & Education, Board Member

Hamilton College, Alumni Recruiter

U.S. District Court, Merit Selection Panel

U.S. District Court, Newark, Chairman, Merit Selection Panel

Having worked in the administrations of the last two governors of New Jersey and for a New Jersey federal judge, Guillermo brings a deep understanding of the political and legal landscape of the state to his work with clients. Focusing his practice on government affairs and complex business litigation, he advocates for individual clients and trade associations across multiple industries, including, telecommunications, technology, healthcare, pharmaceutical, alcohol, automotive, construction, long-term care, education, energy, advertising, and fintech. Guillermo chairs McCarter's bipartisan Government Affairs practice, leads the firm's Cannabis Group, is the managing partner of the Trenton office, and is a member of the firm's Executive Committee.

A registered Government Affairs Agent in New Jersey, Guillermo helps clients achieve their governmental, media, and business development objectives. He helped to launch the firm's Trenton office in 2019 and, under his leadership, the Government Affairs group has grown to be the second largest lawyer-lobbying firm in New Jersey. He is widely recognized as a political leader in the state, with ROI-NJ noting "He's a force in Trenton and around the state, as he has mastered the ability to match top-notch legal knowledge with political intuitiveness and polish." Guillermo is active in state and national politics, and served as co-chair of President Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign in New Jersey.

As Associate Counsel to Governor Philip D. Murphy, Guillermo handled legislative initiatives, overseeing a portfolio of departments and agencies that included Treasury, Banking & Insurance, Transportation, Economic Development, Environmental Protection, Motor Vehicle, and the Board of Public Utilities. He was also responsible for appointments in Counsel's Office and oversaw the Governor's vetting process for judicial and prosecutorial candidates across the State.

Previously, Guillermo served as Corporate Counsel at Greenskies Renewable Energy, the largest commercial and industrial solar energy developer in the United States.

After law school, Guillermo served as a law clerk to the Honorable Esther Salas, United States District Judge, District of New Jersey. He draws on this experience to provide local counsel services to clients involved in Hatch-Waxman and other complex litigation in the United States District Court of New Jersey.

During law school, Guillermo worked in the Intergovernmental Affairs Group of Governor Chris Christie, as the Governor's Executive Fellow from Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics.

In the community, Guillermo serves on the boards of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, First Tee of Metropolitan New York, and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is also active in the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the New Jersey Legal & Education Empowerment Project, the Cuban American Alliance for Leadership & Education, Waterfront Project, Cuba Study Group, and Full Court Peace.

20+ years

Tracie DeSarno, senior partner, has more than 3 decades of experience representing hospitals, major corporations, nonprofit groups, and associations, and municipal, county and state government in Trenton and Washington. At Public Strategies Impact, she is responsible for a broad range of issues, including healthcare, financial services, telecommunications, and entertainment. Throughout her career, she has successfully represented clients on major legislative initiatives and budget deliberations.

Ms. DeSarno has been with PSI for more than 30 years. She came to the firm from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where she served as government affairs assistant to the president of New Jersey's premier technology university. Previously, she had served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Essex County, gaining invaluable experience in government operations from the municipal to federal level.

During her tenure with Essex County, she was the County Executive's liaison to the State Legislature, state agencies and the 22 municipalities in the county. She was responsible for legislative initiatives at the state and federal level, and assisted in grant procurement and state budget analysis, successfully directing additional state funding to the county.

Ms. DeSarno is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University, and holds a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology. She has served as an elected member of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, and as a member of the Union County College Board of Governors. She also served for years as a PTA president and executive board member in Union Township.

In 2008, the New Jersey Hemophilia Association recognized Ms. DeSarno as the recipient of its Congressman Dean A. Gallo Memorial Award for Distinguished Legislative Leadership.

Title - Managing Partner

Roger Bodman is widely respected for his depth of knowledge of state government and politics. He has served in gubernatorial cabinet posts, guided presidential campaigns in New Jersey, and appeared as a political commentator for NJTV, formerly New Jersey Network, for 4 decades.

Early in his career, Bodman served as district office manager for the late New Jersey Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick and as chief of staff for former New Jersey Congressman James Courter. In 1981, he was selected as manager of Tom Kean's campaign for governor. Following Governor Kean's victory, Bodman was named to two cabinet posts. As the State Commissioner of Labor, he implemented extensive legislative reforms of the unemployment insurance program. Later, as the State Commissioner of Transportation, he was the chief advisor to the governor on transportation matters. He also served as chairman of New Jersey Transit.

In 1987, Bodman was appointed by the governor to chair the Study Commission on Regulatory Efficiency, a role that earned him the Alliance for Action's Eagle Award. In 1988, he served as vice chairman of the New Jersey Bush for President committee.

A native of Bernardsville, New Jersey, Bodman graduated cum laude from Ohio University in 1974 with a degree in political science. Bodman was also a visiting professor at Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics.

0-5 years

Successful design and implementation of a modernized tax processing system for New Jersey.

Established partnerships with vendor community for handling and preparing 1.6 million paper
tax returns.

Developed a modernized data entry platform for tax and remittance processing.

Created a full disaster recovery and business continuity system for Treasury operations.

Deployed a fully functional e-procurement system for New Jersey.

Contracted the State's institutional footprint saving millions of dollars annually.

Maintain professional relationships with critical policymakers and operational staff in various State departments such as Treasury, Human Services and the Office of Information Technology.

Christopher Trappe served in New Jersey State government for 34 years. Starting as a writer in Governor Tom Kean's Office of Constituent Relations, he moved on to run the New Jersey General Assembly's 34th Legislative District Office for seven years and later moved to the Department of the Treasury. Trappe's Treasury service includes a decade as Chief of Staff at the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, a seven-year stretch as head of the Division of Taxation's Management Services and six years as Program Manager for the Division of Purchase and Property's NJSTART procurement system

Trappe has developed an expertise in technology systems and procurement. While at Treasury, he played a key role in the modernization of the State's tax and remittance processing systems, infrastructure modernization, network upgrade and desktop support efficiency efforts. Trappe also shepherded the full activation of the State's e-procurement system, in use by all state agencies.

Additionally, Trappe was responsible for managing the Statewide debt collection program known as SOIL and the Statewide Motor Vehicle Surcharge program.

A graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Trappe was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society for History and earned distinction completing the Henry Rutgers Honors program.

11-15 years

As the Director of Government Affairs, Catherine is NJ REALTORS chief lobbyist in Trenton, overseeing all aspects of the association's legislative and advocacy efforts. Prior to joining NJ REALTORS, Catherine served in the offices of several members of the New Jersey congressional delegation, most recently as District Director for U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Catherine lives in Metuchen with her husband and two children.

0-5 years

Insider NJ Rising Generations Power List

Insider NJ Top 100 Lobbyist List for 2024 & 2025

Prior to joining PSI, I served as a legislative aide and Chief of Staff to multiple New Jersey legislators, giving me a broad network of relationships with legislators and legislative staff across the state. I also served in the Governor's Administration, where I gained an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of state government and the most effective strategies for navigating an administration and advancing client priorities.

Samantha Bender joined Public Strategies Impact (PSI) in 2023. Before joining PSI, she served for two years as a Senior Legislative Aide in Governor Phil Murphy's administration, where she developed expertise in education, higher education, transportation, and criminal justice policy. In this role, she supported the administration's legislative agenda and helped advance key legislative initiatives. She also served as the Governor's Legislative Affairs liaison to a bipartisan delegation of South Jersey legislators.

Prior to her work in the Governor's Office, Bender served on the staffs of Senator Bob Andrzejczak, Assemblyman Bill Moen, and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy. Through these roles, she gained experience across a broad range of policy areas, including agriculture, tourism, and consumer protection, while developing a strong understanding of New Jersey's legislative process.

As a lifelong New Jersey resident, Bender grew up in Cape May and currently resides in Camden County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rider University in 2018.

Top Lobbyist, The Hill, 2022-2025

The Chief of Staff Association

American-Swiss Foundation Young Leaders Conference, 2015 Fellow

Leadership New Jersey, 2007 Fellow

A consummate government affairs professional, Michael Maitland has more than 15 years of experience in all levels of government, successfully working with public officials and the business community on a broad swath of issues including defense, energy, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals at the state and federal levels. He has spent his career working on behalf of public officials in New Jersey and in the nation's capital and now uses this experience to help clients with all of their government affairs needs.

Michael has built solid relationships with Members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, congressional committees and staff, as well as officials at the White House and throughout the federal government, gaining deep and invaluable experience with the inner workings of government that will benefit clients as they work to affect change at the legislative and regulatory levels.

Michael most recently served as chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-1). Prior to that, he was deeply involved in New Jersey state politics. Michael served as chief of staff and campaign manager for multiple members of the New Jersey State Legislature and was involved in a number of major legislative victories, including the state's higher education reorganization, groundbreaking economic and public safety reforms, and visionary clean energy initiatives. He was also the Southern New Jersey Director for the late US Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg.

20+ years

Joseph DeSanctis, Partner, has extensive knowledge of the legislative and executive branches stemming from more than 30 years of advocacy on behalf of a diverse client base. He has advocated for clients in industries ranging from major corporations and government entities to trade organizations and professional associations. He has specialized knowledge in the areas of transportation, energy, and water systems, as well as environmental issues.

Mr. DeSanctis is considered an expert in project siting and has also represented many clients at the local level on various projects. These include commercial and residential developments, the siting of natural gas pipelines, and other energy-related projects throughout the State. Mr. DeSanctis has helped clients in developing a community relations plan, establishing contacts with key officials and stakeholders, and providing grassroots support. He has assisted in timely acquisition of State and local permits, along with coordinating other results-oriented solutions across various state agencies.

Mr. DeSanctis has served as Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers; on whose behalf he worked on legislative and regulatory issues and other matters affecting the engineering community's permitting process and also served as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers.

Mr. DeSanctis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & Public Administration from Trenton State College.

Monmouth County Young Dems, President

Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Fellowship, Class of 2027

Eagleton Graduate Fellowship, 2026

Emily Evers assists clients across a broad range of industries participating in government. She regularly monitors and analyzes legislative developments and provides updates to clients on issues that affect their business or industry.

Prior to joining McCarter & English, Emily served in numerous positions within New Jersey politics and government, including as an analyst intern with the New Jersey Department of Treasury; a graduate assistant at the Rutgers Center for Urban Policy Research; a community development associate at Strategic Communities; a policy intern for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy; and an economic security intern at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Emily is an alumni of the Eagleton Graduate Fellowship Program at Rutgers University where she earned dual master's degrees in Public Policy (MPP) and City & Regional Planning (MCRP) at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

6-10 years

2023 Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce 50 Under 30 Honoree

2022 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Phenomenal Woman Under 40

2019 New Jersey Business and Industry Association Rising Star Award

Included on several power lists including:
ROI-NJ ROI Influencers Women in Business
ROI-NJ ROI Influencers People of Color
InsiderNJ's Rising Generations
InsiderNJ's Women's Power
InsiderNJ's 100 Millennials

Alexis Bailey joined Public Strategies Impact in 2023 after serving as Vice President of Government Affairs for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA). While at NJBIA, she covered labor and employment, workforce development and insurance issues impacting the state's business community. Prior to joining NJBIA, Alexis worked as a Legislative Research Associate for the Kaufman Zita Group and as a Government Affairs and Communications Consultant for the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association.

In addition to lobbying at PSI, Alexis contributes to our association management practice by serving as Executive Director for the Association of NJ Recyclers, NJ Cable and Internet Association, NJ State Society of Anesthesiologists, and NJ American Society of Landscape Architects.

Alexis has been recognized as a leader in New Jersey, being named to ROI-NJ's ROI Influencers: Women in Business, ROI Influencers: People of Color, InsiderNJ's Rising Generations, InsiderNJ's Women's Power, and InsiderNJ's 100 Millennials lists. Alexis was recognized as a 50 Under 30 Honoree by the Meadowland's Chamber of Commerce in 2023. She was also honored as a Phenomenal Woman Under 40 by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore in 2022 and was named a Rising Star Award recipient by NJBIA in 2019. She graduated with summa cum laude honors from Rider University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Alexis is involved in her community as a Member-At-Large of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore's Board of Directors and a Board Member for the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey. She served as a faculty in residence for the Center for American Women and Politics' NEW Leadership program in 2026. She previously served on the Toms River Zoning Board of Adjustments.

20+ years

Matthew Halpin joined Public Strategies Impact in 2001 after serving as manager of government relations for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. There, Matt was responsible for issue areas that included economic development, international trade, and corporate taxation. Coming from a large association, Mr. Halpin brings management skills as the head of the firm's association management division.

Matt's lobbying efforts at PSI span a variety of business issues for corporate clients and several trade associations. He is well known for his ability to handle complex issues and to deftly strategize on behalf of his clients. Matt brings a unique set of skills that allow him to not only be his client's eyes and ears in the Capital, but he also prides himself on being well-versed in the intricacies of his clients' interests so as to be an effective advocate.

Beyond traditional lobbying, Matt has also enjoyed participating on corporate teams to help manage the public affairs components of the overall project. Additionally, Matt contributes to our association management practice by serving as Executive Director for the NJ Society of Municipal Engineers, the American Institute of Architects of NJ, and the NJ Academy of Ophthalmology. Further, he has successfully completed numerous strategic planning sessions for both our corporate and association clients.

Mr. Halpin received a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Rutgers Business School with a concentration in Finance. He also has a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from Rutgers College and is an associate of the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

The Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Law, New Jersey, 2024?2027
ROI-NJ, Influencers Power List: Government Affairs, 2021-2024
NJBIZ, "Law Power 50" 2019-2021
NJBIZ, "100 Most Powerful People in New Jersey Business," 2011-2017
John J. Heldrich Distinguished Leadership Award from Rutgers University's Heldrich Center for Workforce Development
The Christie Institute for Public Policy, Inc., Chair
Republican National Committeeman for New Jersey
University of Phoenix Board of Trustees, Jersey City, NJ campus, Chair
Seton Hall University School of Law, Board of Visitors
John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, National Advisory Board Member
Turning Point, Inc., Board of Trustees

Bill has earned a reputation as a trusted business counselor to clients, delivering strategic advice on complex public policy, economic and communication initiatives. Bill has extensive experience with legal and legislative issues that impact private and public sector clients at both the federal and state levels. He has deep knowledge of how public policy decisions may impact clients' businesses. Bill counsels clients in a wide range of industries, often focusing on the regulatory aspects of transactions, land use matters or state licensing requirements. He continues to be a trusted advisor to New Jersey policymakers on issues including health care, gaming, public utilities, and education law.

Over the course of his career, Bill has served in various general counsel roles and supported numerous elected officials and the Republican Party. He was elected as New Jersey's Republican National Committeeman, a position he has held since 2010. In 2016, Bill served as general counsel to the Trump Transition Committee; he also served as general counsel to Governor Chris Christie's presidential campaign. Bill has been involved in many federal and state elections, with roles in the political campaigns of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump, along with New Jersey Governors Tom Kean, Christine Todd Whitman, and Chris Christie.

Prior to joining McCarter, Bill spent almost eight years at Gibbons, P.C. in the firm's Corporate Practice. He also served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Public Affairs at Community Education Centers. In 2005, Bill earned an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Talk Program series in the Mid-Atlantic region for "The Battling Bills," a program he created with Bill Pascrell, III.

Active in the community, Bill currently serves as a member of the Seton Hall Law School Board of Visitors, as well as a member of the National Advisory Board for the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, and Chair of the University of Phoenix Board of Trustees for its Jersey City, NJ campus.

Bill and his wife, Laura, have been married for 40 years and together have raised three adult daughters.

20+ years

As a top democratic strategist, William Maer is a well-respected lobbyist with a career spanning more than 30 years. He was appointed to Governor Sherrill's Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force to advise the incoming Administration on State related polices. He served in several government positions, including aide to former Governor James Florio, chief of staff to the late Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr., associate executive director of the Assembly Democratic Legislative Leadership Office, and senior advisor to Governor Jon S. Corzine and 2009 campaign. Maer was a leading Democratic political consultant, having worked on dozens of campaigns at virtually every level of New Jersey politics. Currently, Maer serves as chief spokesman for the Passaic County Sheriff and serves on the Democratic Governors Association National Finance Committee.

Appointed by three governors, Maer served on the New Jersey Building Authority, the Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees, and the Governor's Council to Prevent Disabilities. He also served o the Democratic National Committee (DNC) member of the credential committee for the 2016 Democratic National Committee Convention.

Maer received his bachelor's degree in government from Clark University in Massachusetts, and in 1990, he was granted a master's degree in political science from Villanova University. In the last two decades, he has appeared on every top power list, including:
PolitickerNJ's Power List
InsiderNJ Power List
New Jersey Globe Power List
NJ Cannabis Media's Cannabis Policy Insiders and the 2026 ROI NJ Government Affairs Influencers Power List.

American Bar Association, Section of State and Local Government Law Member

New Jersey State Bar Association, Civil Trial Bar, Member

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Member

Drumthwacket Foundation Board of Trustees, Member

Christian Callegari draws on his experience in government and deep knowledge of New Jersey's political landscape to help clients advance their business goals. Working with clients across a variety of industries, he provides strategic advice on legislative issues and guidance on how they can best participate in and navigate government.

Christian recently served as Deputy Political Director to Mikie Sherrill's successful gubernatorial campaign, where he helped shape statewide strategy and cultivate key relationships with stakeholders, elected officials, and community leaders across New Jersey. Following the election, Christian was tapped to serve as a Senior Advisor to Governor-elect Sherrill's Transition Team, working closely with senior leadership to help prepare the incoming Administration.

Prior to joining McCarter, he served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Andre Sayegh in Paterson, NJ. In this role, Christian led several key initiatives, including communications efforts, government and private grant funding opportunities, and sustainability programs. Christian also served as acting Director of Economic Development, where he helped cannabis businesses maneuver through government rules and regulations, and worked with developers on site acquisition, development, and the utilization of state tax credits.

Christian's experience also includes serving as Chief of Staff to New Jersey Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer, where he worked on a number of transformative issues, including criminal justice reform, a comprehensive statewide lead service line replacement plan, and re-establishing the Urban Enterprise Zone program for municipalities and businesses. Christian also has significant experience with various Assembly Committees, including Budget, Appropriations, Financial Institutions and Insurance, and Education.

Christian has been involved in various federal, state, and local elections over the years. Through his work, he has developed a broad network of government leaders and entrepreneurs throughout the state.

Christian currently resides in Totowa, NJ with his wife, family, and dog.

New Jersey Law Journal, In-House Impact Award

Brian is a seasoned legal and political professional with more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of government, law, and business. With a deep understanding of policy and governance, and a unique knowledge of New Jersey's political and legal landscape, Brian provides strategic advice and counsel to clients across industries with a focus on infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, and energy.

Before joining McCarter, Brian served as the first-ever General Counsel of NJ Transit, the largest statewide public transit system in the United States. In this role, he built the agency's legal department and advised on all company legal matters, including labor and employment issues, commercial contracts, real estate matters, litigation, investigations, corporate governance matters, and insurance issues.

Brian also served as Deputy Chief Counsel & Director of Authorities for the State of New Jersey under Governor Phil Murphy, providing legal counsel to the governor and his staff to inform policy decision-making in areas including higher education, transportation, healthcare, energy, and the environment. He oversaw and advised more than 50 independent authorities, boards, and commissions, including NJ Transit, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, New Jersey Healthcare Facilities Financing Authority, the Delaware River Basin Commission, and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. He also previously served on the board of directors for NJ Transit, NJEDA, and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority.

Brian's public service experience includes serving on Governor Sherrill's Transition Team, a term as Mayor of the Borough of Lake Como following his service as a council member, and serving as a prosecutor for the boroughs of Freehold and Red Bank.

20+ years

Helped the New Jersey Staffing Alliance get recognized by their national organization as the number one state in the country as it pertains to government affairs and legislative advocacy. (2015)

Grew the New Jersey Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship training program thru legislation, they are now the biggest state chapter in the country vs the 68 other chapters nationwide.

Thru regulations and legislation helped secure and develop training and accreditation in ethics for the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers.

I started as a legislative staff person in 1997 staffing various committees, Labor, Regulated professions, working on the Budget committee as well. Starting as staff person you understand the nuances of the legislative process. Taking an idea or a change in current law is common place. Currently working with Chairs of committees, introducing them to clients, explaining the change or new law we want to develop is a process we do on a regular basis, then moving forward on the concept to get it across the finish line.

Patrick Stewart worked in the state legislature for the Assembly Republican Majority office. During this time, he worked closely with legislators, forming policy, and helping educate assembly members on important issues. Stewart was responsible for staffing many assembly committees, including the budget, consumer affairs, regulated professions, and labor committees.

Patrick served as principal policy advisor to the Republican Majority Leadership and caucus on economic development, changing financial issues with the state budget and relaying needs from the business community.

Since 2001, Stewart has worked on a broad range of issues for his clients. Working with larger and smaller clients, he uses his working knowledge of the legislature, state departments, and the Governor's office to achieve the goal of the client.

He has developed a strong working knowledge of the insurance industry and labor arena, specifically dealing with workers compensation issues. Stewart handled other diverse clients in the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing sector and temporary staffing industry.

Patrick is a 1996 graduate of Villanova University, where he earned his degree in political science.

New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, Treasurer

NY/NJ Baykeeper, Board Member

PAM's List, Board Member

Union County Democrats, Senior Advisor, Past President

InsiderNJ Powerful Women of NJ List, 2023?2026

InsiderNJ Top 11 Lobbyist Power List, 2024?2025

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Women Who Empower Award, 2026

ROI-NJ Influencers: Women in Business, 2023, 2025

ROI-NJ Influencers: People of Color, 2023?2025

NJBiz 40 Under 40

Regina is an experienced government affairs professional with deep knowledge of New Jersey's political and legislative landscape. She advocates for clients across a broad range of industries, providing strategic counsel and guiding them through the complex processes and regulatory frameworks of government.

Widely respected in Trenton, Regina brings extensive public and private sector experience to her work. Prior to joining McCarter, she served as a Strategic Advisor and Government Affairs Professional at a leading Trenton-based lobbying firm, where she represented clients in the technology, education, transportation, healthcare, and social services sectors.

Regina also previously served as Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Angela McKnight. In this role, she played a pivotal role in the passage of landmark legislation including the creation of a separate hair braiding license in New Jersey; financial literacy requirements for students in grades 6 through 8; and the CROWN Act, which bans discrimination based on hair texture and style. These measures gained national attention and are now state law.

Regina began her career as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, and Co-Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Select Committee on Investigations.

A graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Regina currently serves as Treasurer of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and as a Board Member of NY/NJ Baykeeper, and PAM'S List.

15-20 years

Joshua Hodes, Partner, has more than 15 years' experience representing various clients before the legislative and executive branches of New Jersey Government. During his career, Josh has represented a diverse client base ranging from Fortune 100 companies to New Jersey based nonprofits. At Public Strategies Impact, he is responsible for a broad range of issues, including education, energy, healthcare, and redevelopment work. Josh prides himself on his strong relationships with his clients, which enables him to become the most effective advocate on their behalf.

Previously, Josh served as Chief of Staff to the Assembly Majority Leader and as senior staff member of the Assembly Majority Office, advising the Assembly Democratic Caucus on public policy initiatives. As a former legislative staffer, Josh brings his experiences and knowledge of the statehouse to his daily advocacy work. Prior to joining the Assembly Majority Office, Josh served as an associate in government relations at Public Strategies Impact.

Josh is active in local, state, and national politics. In 2008, he served as a political advisor to the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign in New Jersey and was a member of the NJ Delegation at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Josh also served on the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's Committee on Vacancies, which was responsible for selecting the New Jersey Electoral College members.

In 2016, Josh served as a member of the National Rules Committee for the Democratic National Committee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Josh has served as a gubernatorial appointment to the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority since 2010. He currently serves as Chairman for the Authority.

Josh received his bachelor's degree from Rutgers College and a Master's in Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University.