Please join us for our Virtual NJBIA Energy & Environment Policy Committee Meeting, which will be held via Zoom.
We are pleased to announce that Ashley Koning, Ph.D., an assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, will be joining us to discuss public opinion on energy. Additional speaker information will soon be announced.
The meeting will also feature a discussion on data center development in New Jersey with John Sutter, Vice President, U.S. Public Affairs at Nebius, and Jack Ramirez, Research Analyst at NJBIA.
Anthony Bawidamann, Chair of the New Jobs Political Action Committee, will also be with us to discuss efforts to support pro-business legislators and the 2027 legislative elections.
During the meeting, NJBIA will provide a legislative update. If you have topics you would like addressed, please email Ray Cantor at rcantor@njbia.org.
NJBIA would like to thank our Energy & Environment Policy Committee meeting partners:Â Â
Tony Bawidamann
NEW JOBS PAC Chair & Senior Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, ComcastFor more than twenty-five years, Tony Bawidamann has led legislative and public affairs campaigns across the country. He has directed, managed, and executed comprehensive government and regulatory affairs strategies for some of the nation’s most recognized companies, including Comcast, Bristol Myers Squibb, McDonald’s, Verizon, LS Power, Lennar Homes, and Hudson News.
Tony brings extensive experience in navigating complex organizational landscapes, managing diverse stakeholders ranging from NGOs, trade associations, and advocacy groups to CEOs, board members, business unit leaders, and corporate leadership teams.
In New Jersey, Tony has spearheaded efforts for Comcast and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. At Bristol Myers Squibb, he led the national State Government Affairs and Alliance Development teams. Prior to that, he managed the public affairs practice at Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt & Fader, where he directed legislative initiatives, and as Vice President of Public Affairs at MWW, he guided some of the nation’s highest-profile campaigns for both national and New Jersey-based clients.
Tony currently serves as Chairman of the New Jobs PAC, New Jersey’s oldest and largest business PAC, which supports pro-business elected officials.
Earlier in his career, Tony served three Members of Congress—Charles Bennett, Earl Hutto, and Robert Wexler. At the state level, he was Chief of Staff to Florida Representative Ben Graber and later Executive Director of the South Carolina House Caucus. In New Jersey, he has played a pivotal role in some of the state’s most competitive campaigns, including those for Senate President Steve Sweeney (2001), Assemblyman John Burzichelli (2001), Senator Paul Sarlo (2003), and Assemblyman Gary Schaer (2005).
Tony earned his Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a Master’s degree from The George Washington University. He lives in Haddonfield with his wife, Deb, and their sixteen-year-old son, Parker. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching youth football and cheering on Parker from the sidelines.
Ashley Koning, Ph.D.
Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor & Director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Jack Ramirez
Policy Research Analyst & Registered Lobbyist, NJBIAJack Ramirez is a government affairs professional specializing in technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation policy in New Jersey. A graduate of Rutgers University Class of 2025 with a degree in political science, he has previously interned with the United States House of Representatives, Johnson & Johnson, and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. In his current role at NJBIA, he works with lawmakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders on issues related to emerging technologies, economic competitiveness, and business advocacy, with a focus on advancing balanced policies that support responsible innovation and strengthen New Jersey’s growing tech economy.
