By Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ

The New Jersey Business & Industry Association announced the departure of Chief Government Affairs Officer Chrissy Buteas on Sept. 6.

Buteas accepted a position as vice president of government affairs for Altice USA, the parent company of News 12 New Jersey. She will remain with NJBIA through the end of this month.

“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.”

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Current Vice President of Government Affairs Christopher Emigholz has been tapped to fill the chief government affairs role.

From 2005-2010, Emigholz served as NJBIA’s associate vice president of education & workforce development policy before working as associate executive director/budget director for the Senate Republican Office.

He rejoined NJBIA in 2019 in his current role, and is credited as a driving force behind the effort to reduce the unemployment insurance tax increase, as well as the new teen worker bill that Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law earlier this summer.

“Chris is well known and well respected in Trenton for his knowledge and expertise on economic development and taxation issues in New Jersey,” said Siekerka. “He is a true champion of New Jersey’s business community who will grow into a great leader of our tremendous Government Affairs team.”

Siekerka also announced the promotions of Vice President of Government Affairs Raymond Cantor to deputy chief government affairs officer and Director of Government Affairs Alexis Bailey to vice president.

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