NJBIA Vice President Tony Bawidamann
Tony Bawidamann, a seasoned expert in government and regulatory affairs and advocacy, has been named Vice President, Government Affairs for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, effective Sept. 4, NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka announced Thursday.
Since 2011, Bawidamann has served as Director of Government Affairs and Alliance at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), developing and implementing federal and state government affairs campaigns for the global pharmaceutical company. He also has directed and managed government and regulatory programs for large companies such as McDonald’s, Verizon, LS Power, Lennar Homes and Hudson News.
As Vice President of Public Affairs at MWW Group from 2005-2009, Bawidamann also led multiple high-profile public affairs campaigns for national and New Jersey-based clients.
“Tony brings a great wealth of experience and strategic acumen to our Government Affairs team,” Siekerka said. “His determination and enthusiasm will be of great benefit to New Jersey’s business community which has come to expect nothing less than our staunch advocacy in Trenton. We are delighted to have Tony joining our team.”
“I am excited to join NJBIA and work with business leaders and elected officials in shaping legislative policy that will result in a robust economy for the state,” Bawidamann said. “Creating a better economy will help businesses grow while attracting others to relocate here.”
Prior to his arrival at BMS, Bawidamann worked for Strategic Policy Advisors, leading legislative initiatives for the New Jersey-based law firm of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt & Fader. He also worked on political campaigns for Senate President Steve Sweeney (2001), Assemblyman John Burzichelli (2001), Senator Paul Sarlo (2003) and Gary Schaer (2005).
Bawidamann also served as a legislative assistant for Congressmen Charles Bennett, Earl Hutto and Robert Wexler. At the state level, he served as chief of staff for Florida Representative Ben Graber and led the South Carolina House Caucus as executive director.
Bawidamann holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University and a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University, where he has also served as an adjunct professor.
He resides in Haddonfield with his wife, Deb, and 10-year-old son, Parker.
