Allison Lee, Chief Executive Officer

Allison Lee’s expertise is rooted in her 25 years of government service at the local, state and federal levels. Her external government affairs expertise is based on years of navigating several Executive Administrations of different political affiliations, changes in key legislative Leaderships as well as significant positions in journalism, major market book publishing and non-profit and trade association administration. Allison’s understanding of government functions at all levels, coupled with years of direct experience in the media, uniquely positions her to advance the complex legislative, public policy and public relations needs of her clients. She is known for her tireless advocacy, commitment to detail and professional credibility.

Prior to starting her own practice in Albany, Allison was an original founding partner in one of Albany’s most successful lobbying firms where she was responsible for managing many of the firm’s most high profile clients. Allison has held key staff positions with the New York State Assembly, the United States House of Representatives and has served two New York State mayors in key economic development capacities. In 1998 she was appointed by then U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary – and former New York State Governor – Andrew Cuomo, as his Acting Secretary’s Representative for New York and New Jersey.

Allison may be best known for her work in the telecommunications and high technology arenas, but is equally proficient with large corporate client interests as she is with small not for profit advocacy and developing and implementing targeted campaigns designed to address highly complicated government challenges and achieve the desired outcomes for those she represents.

Allison@asagovtaffairs.com

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Cell: 518-369-7740

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Andrew Marocco, Vice President

Andrew has spent 15 years working both inside and outside New York state government, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of New York’s dynamic political landscape as well as critical institutional knowledge of the state Legislature. Having been an integral part of ASA from the firm’s launch in 2009 through 2017, Andrew brings years of experience in delivering results for ASA’s diverse portfolio of clients. 

After serving as State Government Affairs Director for Amgen, one of the world’s largest independent biotechnology companies, from 2017-2021,  Andrew returned to ASA with an even deeper skill set and ability to navigate highly complex regulatory networks and technical policy matters in an increasingly politically charged environment.  

More than a decade spent working on successful legislative and regulatory initiatives at the highest levels along with his early experience as a campaign advisor for State Assembly races across New York provides Andrew with the unique perspective required to craft and execute winning strategies that span both the policy and political spectrums in New York’s demanding environment. 

Marocco works closely with all ASA clients to ensure a seamless interface between the legislative process and their specific interests, needs and strategic messaging as it affects New York State public policy.

Andrew@asagovtaffairs.com

Cell: 518-852-5106

Sectors:

Dan Cain, Senior Vice President

Daniel brings a decade of experience in New York State politics to his role as Senior Vice President. Previously holding the title of Director of Legislative Affairs at ASA, Daniel has worked closely with every client and has gained experience on a broad range of issues.

Before coming to ASA, Daniel was a Senior Regional Coordinator at the NYS Assembly Majority Office of Communications and Information Services where he consulted new and marginal Assembly Members on a broad range of issues, while assisting them with constituent outreach, press strategy and communications. He also served as Campaign Coordinator for the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee where he ran political campaigns for incumbent and hopeful Assembly candidates across the state.

Dan@asagovtaffairs.com

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Cell: 518-763-4210

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Dan Vardaro, Chief of Staff

Dan Vardaro brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to ASA. Prior to joining ASA, Dan served as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Senator Jeff Klein, former New York State Senate Coalition Co-Leader and Leader of the Independent Democratic Conference.

In his role, Dan oversaw the daily operations for the Conference, legislative grants for Senator Klein, and provided general support to the Chief of Staff. In addition to these responsibilities, Dan was also a constant participant in numerous high level legislative and strategy meetings.

He possesses a proven track record in administrative and political fields, including as a Clerk in the Journal Clerk's Office for the New York State Senate. He received his Bachelors in Political Science from Southern Vermont College.

DanV@asagovtaffairs.com

Cell: 518-441-2289

Jill Behrmann, Vice President

Jill possesses a breadth of knowledge surrounding the legislative, executive and political spheres of state-level government. Before coming to ASA, Jill was the Deputy Director of Scheduling in the NYS Executive Chamber. In this capacity, she coordinated daily and long-term logistics for the Governor surrounding his scheduling, invitations and travel.

She has worked to cultivate a deep understanding of both lawmaking and politics, including as a Legislative Specialist for the Massachusetts Teachers Association. She covered legislative priorities, interfaced with recommended candidates and ensured state compliance. Jill began her career covering NYS Legislative Session as an intern for District Council 37.

She received her Bachelors in Political Science from SUNY Geneseo.

Jill@asagovtaffairs.com

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Cell: 518-852-9268

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Justin Birzon, Vice President

Justin offers a rich diversity of experience and keen ability to navigate the legislative process, having worked for several prominent committees in both houses of the Legislature. Justin’s broad experience includes serving as Counsel on Judiciary, Energy, Housing, Cities, and Election Law issues.

As Counsel for the Assembly Judiciary Committee, Justin advised the Majority Conference on issues concerning civil practice, real property actions and consumer protection. Justin has worked for both sides of the aisle in the Senate, having served as Counsel to the Chair of Energy & Telecommunications Committee and ultimately serving as a counsel to members of the Independent Democratic Conference and the Senate Democratic Conference on Housing, Election, Judiciary, and Cities related matters.

Justin also brings legal experience from his time in civil practice. He began his career representing corporate and institutional interests, and developed his own practice around bankruptcy, commercial, and general civil law. He has established business entities and negotiated asset transfers in the sale of secured interests as well as intellectual property interests. In addition to spending time in the New York State courts, Justin is admitted to practice in the Northern District of New York.

With a LLM in Environmental Law and a passion for environmental issues, Justin has served as an editor of “The New York Environmental Lawyer,” a publication of New York State Bar Association, for over 10 years.

Justin@asagovtaffairs.com

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Cell: 631-804-1658

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Kara Grippen, Vice President

Kara brings her valuable experience at every level of New York State government and politics to ASA client needs.  For more than 10 years she has held senior positions in the New York State Executive Chamber under two consecutive Governors, including Assistant and Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, acting as a primary liaison for State Agencies and federal, state, and local elected officials   Most recently, Kara served on the executive team at the Division of Criminal Justice Services, the state agency tasked with supporting public safety while addressing issues of disparity within the criminal justice system.

Kara is adept at developing coalitions, building strategic outreach campaigns, organizing legislative advocacy, overseeing effective communications strategy and navigating the intersection of politics and policy in New York State.   Additionally, she has worked in leadership roles on numerous federal, statewide, and local political campaigns.

Kara began her career working in New York City on the Capital Budget at the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunication during the Bloomberg Administration, before moving on to servicing a diverse client portfolio at DKC Public Affairs.  

She holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Delaware and an M.P.A. from Binghamton University.

Kara@asagovtaffairs.com

Cell: 607-427-8519

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Michela Wilson, Vice President

Michela is an experienced public policy strategist who has become a noteworthy leader in the health care space.  

Having spent the last three years with the Senate Majority, Michela most recently assumed the role of Health Committee Director in the office of the Senate Health Committee Chair. In this capacity, she worked to develop and execute an ambitious legislative agenda, advise on policy initiatives, and liaise with stakeholders, advocates, and industry experts alike. Prior to, she was the Principal Analyst for Senate Majority in Health and Mental Health, functioning as lead negotiator during budget.

Michela’s health policy experience is bolstered by years spent at the Department of Health’s Office of Health Insurance Programs, where she gained extensive knowledge of the State’s Medicaid program. Throughout her time at DOH, she managed the implementation of various healthcare reform initiatives on each end of the spectrum, from the Governor’s First 1,000 Days on Medicaid to DSRIP’s Managed Long Term Care Workforce Incentive Project.  

Her background offers a sharpened ability to effectively communicate complex interests and deliver on priorities. 

Michela holds a BA from the University of Rochester and an MSW from State University at Albany.

Michela@asagovtaffairs.com

Cell: 518-944-6986

Sectors:

Mike O’Leary, Executive Vice President

For nearly a decade, Mike has helped ASA clients engage with State government to solve complex emerging tech issues, successfully working to architect the complex legislative and regulatory frameworks around rideshare, carshare, and micromobility, as well as ongoing legislative efforts to appropriately address gig worker classification, digital currency, fintech and data privacy. Additionally, Mike works on behalf of clients that focus on the areas of education and higher education, insurance, economic development, tourism, non-profits and cultural organizations, and sports. 

Mike’s experience in State Government includes almost a decade with the New York State Senate, where he served as Deputy Counsel and was responsible for briefing the Senate Democratic Conference on a daily basis on all major public policy initiatives, as well as parliamentary procedure and strategy. This position allowed him to develop an expertise in a myriad of diverse issues and build close relationships on the Senate floor. Mike also served as Senate Parliamentarian, Floor Counsel, and Team Leader for Public Protection for the Senate Democratic Conference when they held the Majority from 2008 – 2010.

After working in the Senate, Mike served as Assistant Comptroller for Intergovernmental & Community Affairs to New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, where he led the Comptroller’s government relations and community outreach efforts and served as one of Comptroller DiNapoli’s senior advisors on many of the State’s most pressing fiscal and policy issues.

Mike holds a B.A. from Hamilton College, and a J.D. from Albany Law School. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, Third Department.

Mike@asagovtaffairs.com

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Cell: 518-859-8300

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