McCarter & English today announced the addition of Regina G. Appolon to the firm’s fast growing Government Affairs practice. Appolon is recognized in the industry as a respected, experienced, and accomplished strategic advisor in Trenton. She joins the firm as a Government Affairs Advisor.*
“We are excited to add Regina to our dynamic team,” said Guillermo Artiles, chair of McCarter’s Government Affairs practice. “She is well-known in Trenton and beyond, and her strong reputation and experience in state government make her an invaluable resource to our clients who seek strategic advice and insight.”
“I am honored to join such a talented and respected group,” said Appolon. “McCarter’s strong lobbying team paired with the firm’s national platform and legal service offerings, provide clients with a more integrated and strategic approach to advocacy.” Appolon most recently served as a Strategic Advisor and Public Affairs & Government Professional at Princeton Public Affairs Group, a well-known lobbying firm in Trenton.
Appolon began her government career as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Assemblyman John Wisniewski. She also served as Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, now a State Senator, where she played a pivotal role in the passage of nationally recognized legislation, including the creation of a separate hair braiding license in New Jersey; financial literacy requirements for students in grades 6 through 8; and the CROWN Act, which bans discrimination based on hair texture and style.
“Regina was an integral member of my team whose work made a meaningful impact on our constituents,” said Senator McKnight. “She is also a strong leader in the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, and she will certainly be an asset to McCarter.”
“It’s great to see our Government Affairs group continue to grow with Regina’s arrival,” said Firmwide Managing Partner Joseph Boccassini. “She joins a dynamic and experienced team that has helped our clients navigate the legislative and regulatory landscape in New Jersey and beyond and we are very proud to welcome her to McCarter.”
McCarter’s Government Affairs group, led by Guillermo Artiles, who worked for New Jersey’s last two governors, also includes New Jersey’s Republican National Committeeman Bill Palatucci; Michael Maitland, a former chief of staff to Rep. Donald Norcross and aide to US Senator Frank Lautenberg; Brian Wilton, the first-ever General Counsel of NJ Transit; Stephanie Olivo, the former Compliance Director for the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC); Vincent Mauro, Jr., former chief of staff for Connecticut’s Senate Democrats; Christian Callegari, former Campaign Deputy Political Director to Governor Mikie Sherrill and Chief of Staff to Mayor Andre Sayegh. Michael Murphy, a former prosecutor of Morris County and candidate for Governor of New Jersey, works for McCarter Government Solutions, LLC.
Active in civic organizations in New Jersey, Appolon currently serves as the Treasurer of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and as a Board Member of NY/NJ Baykeeper.
Appolon received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers University.
*Regina Appolon is a government affairs professional and is not licensed to practice law.