NJBIA Welcomes New Chief GA Officer

Report to Members

By Michele N. Siekerka, NJBIA President and CEO On Sep 28, 2022

While transitions mean change, they can also provide new opportunities. At NJBIA, we are showing how a transition can be done seamlessly as we continue to be the strongest voice for New Jersey businesses.

You may already be aware that Chrissy Buteas, our indefatigable chief government affairs officer for the past four years, recently left NJBIA to pursue a new career opportunity with a national media company. Christopher Emigholz, our highly respected vice president, has been elevated to the role of NJBIA chief government affairs officer and is now proudly leading the most dedicated and influential business lobbying team in New Jersey.

There has been no steep learning curve for Chris. He has been a valued member of the NJBIA staff for years and is well-respected in Trenton for his expertise on economic development and taxation issues, as well as the state budget. A true champion of the business community, Chris is also a former high-ranking Senate staffer who knows the legislative process well. I am confident Chris has the expertise to be a tremendously effective leader of our GA team.

Chris previously worked for NJBIA as associate vice president of Education & Workforce Development Policy from 2005-2010 before taking a position as associate executive director/budget director for the Senate Republican Office. Since rejoining NJBIA in 2019, Chris has been the driving force behind legislation to reduce the $1 billion unemployment insurance tax increase on businesses and worked on the new law expanding summer work hours for teens, which helps New Jersey businesses navigate staffing challenges in their busiest season.

Chris will build on the tireless government affairs work of his predecessor. We are extremely grateful for Chrissy’s leadership, intellect, strategy and passion. She will be deeply missed by her NJBIA colleagues as well as the many NJBIA member companies for whom she has been a valuable resource of information and assistance. We very much look forward to working with Chrissy in her new position as vice president of government affairs for Altice USA, where she leads teams in three states, including New Jersey.

Please join me in congratulating Chris on his new role as the leader of our hard-working Government Affairs team: Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor; Vice President of Government Affairs Alexis Bailey; Director of Economic Policy Research Kyle Sullender, who also serves as executive director of NJBIA’s nonprofit research foundation Focus NJ; as well as government affairs associates Marcy DePula and Jaimie Freeman.

Know that during this transition, there is no let-up in the NJBIA GA team’s work in staying ahead of, and working to stave off, the thousands of bills and new regulations proposed in Trenton impacting your business. We are fighting hard for NJBIA members who can depend on us to always be the most trusted advocate for New Jersey businesses. 

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