Kara Hughes

Kasirer

Senior Vice President, Corporate & Legislation

As Senior Vice President, Corporate & Legislation, Hughes supports the management of and strategic planning for Kasirer’s corporate clients and legislative strategy firmwide. She manages processes for a broad portfolio of clients in this capacity, ranging from some of the biggest corporate clients in New York City and nationally to a coalition of small restaurants disproportionally impacted by COVID. Hughes is responsible for significant successes in obtaining critical government funding and creating unique partnerships between the public and private sectors. Her work has secured recent legislative victories such as the surcharge bill and the launch of New York City’s new outdoor dining initiative, codified through legislation.

Hughes began her career on Capitol Hill, serving as an aide in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. She has served as a senior policy advisor in government and on numerous political campaigns, including as Deputy Policy Director for Hillary Clinton’s historic 2000 Senate race. Hughes served as Director of Economic Development for Senator Hillary Clinton, and following the September 11 attacks, acted as the Senator’s point person on 9/11 issues. Hughes served as representative to Lower Manhattan, New York State, City officials, and the business community on matters involving the redevelopment of Ground Zero. In this capacity, she worked to build consensus with business and community leaders and elected officials on allocating $20 billion in recovery and redevelopment funds.

Hughes was named to City and State’s 2019 Responsible 100 and has been recognized as one of Queens’ Power 50 and as one the top 50 lobbyists in New York City by City & State.