The New Jersey Business & Industry Association today announced that Chief Government Affairs Officer Chrissy Buteas will leave the organization to pursue a new career opportunity, and current Vice President of Government Affairs Christopher Emigholz will rise into the chief GAO role.
Buteas has accepted a position as vice president of government affairs for Altice USA, the national communications and media company. She will remain with NJBIA through the end of September.
“We are extremely grateful for the leadership, intellect, strategy and passion that Chrissy has brought to NJBIA over the past four years,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.
“Her tireless efforts have ensured that NJBIA is the strongest voice for business in New Jersey. She will be greatly missed here at NJBIA, but we wish her all the best with her exciting new opportunity, and we very much look forward to working with her in the future.
“I am also thrilled to announce the promotion of Christopher Emigholz as NJBIA’s new Chief Government Affairs Officer,” Siekerka said. “Chris is well known and well respected in Trenton for his knowledge and expertise on economic development and taxation issues in New Jersey. He is a true champion of New Jersey’s business community who will grow into a great leader of our tremendous Government Affairs team.”
Emigholz served as NJBIA’s associate vice president of Education & Workforce Development Policy from 2005-2010, before working as associate executive director/budget director for the Senate Republican Office.
He rejoined NJBIA as vice president of Government Affairs in 2019. Most recently, Emigholz was the driving force behind legislation to reduce the $1 billion unemployment insurance tax increase on New Jersey small business and a law enacted by Gov. Phil Murphy this summer that expands teen worker hours.
Siekerka also announced the promotion of Vice President of Government Affairs Ray Cantor to deputy chief government affairs officer and Director of Government Affairs Alexis Bailey to vice president today.
Emigholz will lead this distinguished and respected NJBIA Government Affairs team, which also includes NJBIA Director of Economic Policy Research Kyle Sullender, who also serves as the Executive Director for Focus NJ, NJBIA’s nonprofit research foundation. The dedicated team also includes Government Affairs Associates Marcy DePula and Jaimie Freeman.
