Christian Callegari is returning to the government affairs group at McCarter & English, following his service as the deputy political director for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, the firm announced Tuesday.
Sherrill praised Callegari for his service.
“Christian’s work as my deputy political director was central to our success,” she said. “His command of New Jersey’s political landscape and his talent for bringing people together set him apart. We were fortunate to have Christian on our team – his presence elevated our operation in every way.”
Callegari brings plenty of real-time experience.
He previously served as chief of staff to Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and as the city’s acting director of economic development. He also served as chief of staff to Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) and in numerous campaign roles throughout northern New Jersey.
He rejoins a government affairs group at McCarter which has similar background, led by Guillermo Artiles, who worked for New Jersey’s last two governors.
The group also includes New Jersey’s Republican National Committeeman Bill Palatucci, former Assembly Majority deputy Executive Director Catherine Tung, Michael Maitland, a former chief of staff to Rep. Donald Norcross and aide to U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, Brian Wilton, the first-ever general counsel of NJ Transit, and Stephanie Olivo, the former Compliance Director for the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Michael Murphy, a former prosecutor of Morris County and a candidate for Governor of New Jersey, works for McCarter Government Solutions, LLC.
Artiles said the team is thrilled to have him back.
“We missed Christian while he was working with Governor-elect Sherrill’s campaign, but I know his experience on the trail will be helpful to our clients,” he said. “He’s a changemaker for our clients in education, cannabis, healthcare, real estate, transportation and other industries.”
Joe Boccassini, the firm’s managing partner, also applauded the announcement.
“We are so proud of Christian’s accomplishments and his dedicated work with Governor-elect Sherrill’s campaign,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming him back to the firm as a valued member of our Government Affairs team.”
While Callegari was in the public sector, he led several key initiatives, including communications efforts, government and private grant funding opportunities, and sustainability programs. He helped cannabis businesses maneuver through government rules and regulations, and worked with developers on site acquisition, development, and the utilization of state tax credits. He also worked on transformative issues, including criminal justice reform, a comprehensive statewide lead service line replacement plan, and re-establishing the Urban Enterprise Zone program for municipalities and businesses.
Callegari earned significant experience with various Assembly committees, including Budget, Appropriations, Education and Financial Institutions and Insurance.
“My time on Governor-elect Sherrill’s campaign offered invaluable exposure to the people and priorities shaping New Jersey’s future,” he said. “I’m excited to bring that connectivity back to McCarter & English in service of our clients and their priorities.”
