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.

20+ years

Karen Kominsky is a government affairs professional with more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Karen served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor, State of New Jersey, for Governor Richard J. Codey and Governor James E. McGreevey from December 2002 until January 2006. Her primary focus was managing legislative affairs for both governors. During her tenure, she guided the passage of many landmark pieces of legislation, such as automobile insurance reform, a stem-cell research initiative, the Highlands Protection Act and the NJ Domestic Partnership Law.

Prior to her appointment, Karen's career came full circle when she became Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where she had originally launched her professional career.

Throughout her career, Karen has worked in leadership at lobbying and public affairs firms focused on the executive and legislative branches of government. In 2013, Karen was named by NJBIZ as one of "The Best 50 Women in Business". In 2003, she received the Women of Distinction Award for Public Service from the Delaware-Raritan Girl Scouts, and in 2005 was honored for Women's Leadership by PAM's List.

Karen has engaged in public service for several years with tremendous distinction. Her career includes appointments by former Governor Christie Whitman to serve as Acting Chair of the NJ Building Authority, and former Governor Donald DiFrancesco to serve on the State Planning Commission and the Garden State Preservation Trust. She also served on the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, having been appointed by Governor Codey in 2006. She served in New Jersey Superior Court as a court-appointed master in several Mt. Laurel affordable housing cases.

Always active in politics, Karen served as deputy vice-chair of the New Jersey State Democratic Party from 2001 to 2006, appointed by former State Chairman and former Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly Joe Roberts. In 1996, she was selected as a New Jersey representative for President Clinton to the Electoral College. In 2008, Karen served as the NJ State Director of the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign. Karen was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in August 2008.

Karen currently serves as Co-Chair of PAM's List, a NJ Democratic Women's PAC modeled after Emily's List. Karen is also a founding board member of Maria's Women United, a South Jersey PAC honoring the work of the late Hon. Maria Barnaby Greenwald.

Karen was recently selected to serve on Governor-elect Phil Murphy's Transition Team in the area of Energy and the Environment. She was named as one of InsiderNJ's "Women on the Move" in November 2017. In 2016 she was named to Observer PolitickerNJ's "The 30 Most Influential Women in N.J. Politics".

A licensed professional planner, Karen is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University and received her Masters of City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University. She was elected to the South Hunterdon Regional School Board in November, 2017.

11-15 years

Created a law that provided civil and criminal immunity to certain health care professionals and health care facilities during public health emergency and state of emergency; facilitates issuance of certain temporary licenses and certifications during public health emergency and state of emergency

Created a law that prohibits website operators from offering tickets to events by using an Internet domain name that is intentionally misleading or deceptive to consumers.

Guided a lottery courier company through the regulatory process to become the only licensed lottery courier service operating in the state of New Jersey.

Changed NJ's off-shore wind energy law to allow unbundled generation and transmission bids to be accepted, therefore, becoming the first state in the country to change their law to allow transmission only bids for build out to be accepted.

Acquired the largest allotment per student in country for non-public schools through budget appropriations for security aid and nursing services in non-public schools.

Legalized sports betting and online gaming in New Jersey.

Legalization of Dave & Buster's in New Jersey.

Approval by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission to allow MGM Resorts International to re-enter the Atlantic City casino market.

Restructured the law regarding ticket sales in New Jersey. Removed the prohibition on persons, who have access to tickets to an event prior to the tickets' release for sale to the general public, from withholding those tickets from sale to the general public in an amount exceeding 5% of all available seating for the event.

Governor's Finance Committee
Former Executive Director of Assembly Campaign Committee
Former Executive of the New Jersey General Assembly

Mr. Bombardieri served as Executive Director of the New Jersey General Assembly (2002-2004) and has worked on some of the most complex issues in recent times. In addition, Mr. Bombardieri has served as Policy Advisor for the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office (1996-2001), and was instrumental in the drafting and passage of the New Jersey Energy Deregulation Act. As Policy Advisor in the Assembly Majority Office, Mr. Bombardieri served as the aide to the Assembly Environment Committee, the Assembly Solid & Hazardous Waste Committee, the Assembly Policy & Regulatory Oversight Committee, the Assembly Transportation Committee and the Assembly Telecommunications & Utilities Committee.

Mr. Bombardieri has served in various positions with numerous local, state and federal campaigns, including the Executive Director of the Assembly Campaign Committee (2001 & 2003). His extensive experience running political campaigns has enabled him to develop and execute successful public policy campaigns for some of the world's leading organizations and companies.

Prior to becoming a Partner at CLB Partners, Jon served as Managing Director of a public affairs firm in Princeton, NJ. Jon received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Muhlenberg College.

20+ years

Dominic has served in various capacities in the executive branch of NJ State government along with appointed positions to various Boards and Commissions. He left state service in 2012 after a career that spanned over 28 years across the Departments of Treasury, Corrections and Human Services. From 1998 to 2012 he was with the Department of Human Services serving as Special Assistant to the Commissioner. In 2002 he began work at the Department's Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (Medicaid) where he managed Government Affairs, Medicaid recoveries, Public Records.

In January 2012 Dominic joined Xerox State Healthcare as Vice President for Government Healthcare Solutions (GHS) for NJ, PA, CT, DE and RI. He was responsible for the expansion of existing business and identifying new state government business opportunities; screening Requests for Proposals (RFP); leading bid proposal teams; identifying strategic partners; and winning new business. During his tenure at Xerox, Dominic closed deals totaling $134M including $30M in new business and grew the NJ GHS account from $32M to $49M.

In May 2015 Dominic joined Phoenix Ventures LLC as Director of Business Development where he was responsible for developing strategic business relationships for potential partnerships, navigating complex government sales cycles, identifying opportunities and driving growth for companies transitioning into or expanding in the public sector. His primary focus was on government healthcare including Medicaid & Medicare, healthcare analytics, and information technology.

Dominic was the longest serving Chairman of a NJ County Board of Elections, serving on the Mercer County Board from 1994 to 2012. He was appointed and re-appointed to the Board by six Governors of both parties. He also served as Chairman of the Mercer County Board of Social Services, President of the Trenton City Ward Commission and is active in various community organizations.

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.

Michael DeLamater has over ten years of experience working at the highest levels of government, campaigns, and public affairs in New Jersey. As Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Phil Murphy, Mike oversaw the Governor's Office relationships with elected officials from the local and county level to the federal level.

Before his time in the governor's office, Mike served on the legislative staff for Assemblywoman Connie Wagner and to State Senator Joseph Lagana.

Mike was Political Director for Phil Murphy for Governor in 2021 and brings deep knowledge of running campaigns across New Jersey. He had managed successful local elections in Bloomfield, Hackensack, and his hometown of Paramus, as well as several other towns before joining Phil Murphy for Governor in 2016.

As one of Governor Mikie Sherrill's first hires during her successful gubernatorial campaign, Mike served as a Senior Political and Strategic Advisor, navigating rough political terrain in both the primary and general elections and contributing to the largest Democratic gubernatorial victory in New Jersey in 24 years and the second-largest Democratic gubernatorial victory in the country in the last 25 years.

Mike served on Gov. Mikie Sherrill's transition team as a Senior Advisor and continues to serve in an outside political advisory role.

Mike is Vice Chair of the Morris County Democratic Committee. Additionally, he previously served as President of the Bergen County Young Democrats and Fundraising Chair for the NJ Young Dems and New Leaders Council-NJ.

0-5 years

Jonathan Boguchwal served as Chief of Staff to Essex and Morris County State Senator and former Governor Richard J. Codey, which included a period Senator Codey served as Senate President of the New Jersey State Senate. In addition, he has served as a Legislative Aide to Hudson County State Senator and Township of North Bergen Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco.

Prior to these positions, Jonathan served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senate President Codey and was a Research Associate in the Senate Democratic Majority Office. As a research associate, Jonathan served as the lead aide to the Senate Transportation Committee and Senate Labor Committee representing the interests of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Jonathan has served in various positions with local, legislative, and statewide campaigns, including Deputy Executive Director of the Senate Democratic Majority Political Action Committee.

Jonathan has been appointed to numerous positions over the years. He served in Transition 2018 as Deputy Policy Director and lead author for the Transportation and Infrastructure Transition Advisory Committee for Governor Phil Murphy.

He was appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly to the New Jersey College Affordability Study Commission and he served on the Hudson County 2011 Freeholder Apportionment Commission, which was charged with drawing the Hudson County Freeholder Districts after the 2010 Census.

In addition, he was appointed by former Governor Jon Corzine to be a member of the Rutgers University Board of Trustees and was appointed to the New Jersey Israel Commission by former Governor Richard J. Codey.

Drawing on his history and experience in state and local government, Jonathan provides a wide breadth of representation for clients in the fields of transportation and infrastructure, healthcare, education, telecommunications, environmental, gaming, regulatory affairs, and economic and business development.

Jonathan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Rutgers University, New Brunswick and his Master of Public Affairs and Politics degree from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. He resides in Hoboken New Jersey where he is active in local and county-wide politics.

The TAG network consists of the top lobbying firms across the US, public affairs specialists in various countries and specialty services.

US Members:
50-States
DC Council
US Congress

International:
Profile Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd (Australia)
Tactix (Canada)
Monarch Global Strategies (Mexico, Central & South America)
Kesarev (Russia, CIS, Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey & Israel)
Instinctif Partners (United Kingdom & the European Union)

Specialty members:
Five Corners Strategies (Grassroots Advocacy & Public Affairs)
FOCUS, a Leonine Business (50-State Legislative & Regulatory Tracking & Analysis)
Select Litigation (Jury Selection)
Bullpen, LLC (Market Entry Strategy)
The Virtuous Cycle Collaboratory (Social Enterprise Business Development)
Law Offices of Mitchell D. Gravo, Inc. (Specialty Member)

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.

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.

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.

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.

DAVID A. SMITH is a partner in the Princeton Public Affairs Group, is a veteran of the public affairs arena and has successfully managed public affairs campaigns impacting auto insurance, life insurance, tort reform and environmental legislative initiatives. Mr. Smith received national acclaim when he was honored with a ""Pollie Award"" by the American Association of Political Consultants and named to their United States ""Public Affairs Team of the Year." Mr. Smith was also named one of the most influential players in New Jersey's Healthcare arena by the Annual HealthSense Listing. Since 2005, Mr. Smith has been a Commissioner on the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (nominated by the Governor for two separate four year terms and confirmed by the NJ Senate) and currently serves as an Officer on the Commission (Secretary). Mr. Smith serves on the National Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, and was one of the few contract lobbyists in the Country to be appointed to a National Task Force charged with creating ethical standard for lobbyists throughout the United States. Mr. Smith is a founder and member of the Board of Directors of ProtectingAmerica.org, an advocacy organization Co-chaired by James Lee Witt, former Cabinet member under President Clinton and Admiral James Loy, Deputy Director of Homeland Security under President Bush. Mr. Smith also serves as an Officer (1st Vice President) of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary) of The Advocacy Group (TAG). Finally, Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Directors as an officer (Treasurer) of the State Capitol Insurance Company RRG, the first professional liability company for lobbyists headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mr. Smith has appeared on television and radio stations representing clients' interests, authored dozens of articles on politics/policy issues in New Jersey and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer at national and state conferences, legislative hearings, meetings and seminars. He has been a consultant to statewide and legislative political campaigns and is a member of the Executive Finance Committee of the Assembly Democratic Leadership Committee as well as the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Smith served as Director of Policy and Planning for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. In that capacity, Mr. Smith supervised the partisan staff of all Assembly Committees and Task Forces while serving as senior staff aide to the insurance and commerce legislative committees. He was a Director with the New Jersey Dental Association from 1985 to 1990 and served on several national and state health care and insurance advisory committees.

Mr. Smith was awarded a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) Degree from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College. He is a Graduate Fellow of the Public Affairs Institute, a three year educational program of the Public Affairs Council located in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith also graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

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.

0-5 years

Successfully negotiated complex compliance and enforcement issues with state agencies to reduce the penalty liability on behalf of our clients

Successfully obtain various permits and reduced the timeframe for review at regulatory agencies

Provided access to high-level officials at governmental agencies

Analyzed and provided public comments clients on various regulatory proposals

Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Mr. Glass provides extensive knowledge of environmental policy and regulatory processes to CLB Partners. Having previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Mr. Glass oversaw many high-level projects including $380 million in post-Sandy resiliency projects. In addition, as Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Glass was tasked with overseeing major policy initiatives as well as improving efficiency within the NJDEP.

Prior to being named Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Glass served as Deputy Chief of Staff within the NJDEP. In this role, he forged close relationships with Members of the New Jersey Legislature and New Jersey Congressional Delegation as he oversaw the legislative process for NJDEP and testified before various legislative committees.

Prior to NJDEP, Mr. Glass served as Director of Community Relations for Congressman Leonard Lance. In this role, he forged close relationships with various state, county and local elected officials. In addition to his public service, he has been actively involved in several state and federal campaigns in New Jersey, which serves as an example of his versatility to understand politics as well as public policy.

Mr. Glass received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Rutgers University.

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.

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.