A group of former New York Capitol Hill staffers have formed Purple Apple. A strategic alliance, the group is led by seasoned, bipartisan former chiefs of staff from the New York congressional delegation that aims to assist New York businesses and nonprofits navigate the new Congress.
The alliance offers strategic political intelligence, lobbying, media relations and outreach and coalition development.
Among the group’s strength is its diversity, according to a news release, which points out that it reflects New York’s own ethnic, racial and political mix. And the alliance touts the expertise of its leaders, whose “close political relationships allow us unique access to every corner of DC.”
Among Purple Apple’s principals is Kevin Fogarty, the longtime chief of staff and communications director for former Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford).
“This new Congress is closely divided, considerably younger and more diverse,” Fogarty said in a news release announcing the alliance.
“Purple Apple is a unique and perfect alliance for our New York clients to navigate the challenging political landscape and influence a broader spectrum of DC,” said Fogarty, who over the course of his DC career was recognized for maintaining bipartisan strategic coalitions and relationships and for his work in public intiatives.
The team also comprises Brett Heimov, Carissa Faña, Chris Berardini and Steve Stallmer.
Heimov had served for 12 years in the office of Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). In total, he has more than 20 years of experience working in Washington for the Congress and representing private sector clients to the federal government. His expertise includes transportation, foreign affairs, financial services, healthcare, higher education, non-profit and business development sectors.
Faña is a lobbyist and government relations consultant in Becker & Poliakoff’s Federal Lobbying Practice. She is a former senior policy advisor to the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, a former professional staff for the House Small Business Committee and a former senior legislative assistant to the current chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY).
Berardini is a senior international and government relations director in Becker & Poliakoff’s Federal Lobbying Practice. He is a former chief of staff in Congress serving the New York Congressional Delegation. Expertise includes financial services, fintech, insurance, housing, tax, international trade, energy and environment, appropriations, commerce, transportation and infrastructure, agriculture and organized labor.
Stallmer brings a combination of government experience, campaign strategy, association management and public relations skills and has expertise in transportation, healthcare, agriculture and technology sectors. Stallmer has over 20 years of political experience, working for four different members of the New York congressional delegation.