Vicky Contino leads the firm’s Government Relations practice in New York City and also is actively involved in matters in Albany, NY and at the federal level. She represents more than two dozen of the firm’s high-profile clients, from associations in the tourism, banking and real estate industries to individual Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. Since 1987, Vicky has been successfully and consistently positioning some of the city’s most prominent businesses, cultural institutions and human services agencies to advance their interests in the policy, budget, tax, land use, regulatory and procurement arenas. She practiced labor law early in her career and maintains relationships with labor leaders throughout New York and nationally, providing her with a unique understanding of the role unions play in shaping policy and economic development strategies. Vicky addresses her clients’ needs by working with them to develop creative, results-driven strategies. She leverages her comprehensive understanding of government processes, finely tuned sense of political dynamics and extensive network of relationships in New York City, New York State and the federal government to achieve her clients’ goals. Conferences and Meetings Several times each year Vicky speaks at conferences of the New York Bankers Association, The Hotel Association of New York City, New York Association of Realtors, Broadway League and other firm clients on pending government issues and their impact on membership. Appointed by Mayor Bloomberg in 2007 to the board of GrowNYC, Vicky is actively engaged in the city’s sustainable food policy movement and the expansion of greenmarkets, community gardens and urban farming initiatives in New York City.