Kaufman Zita Group (KZG) today announced that Paulina Banasiak has joined KZG as a Vice President. Well-known and highly respected throughout the state, Banasiak has extensive experience in legislative affairs and state government and will utilize her knowledge and expertise to provide advocacy, strategic planning, and direct lobbying services to KZG clients, the firm said.

Prior to joining KZG, she served in the role of Director of Legislative Affairs as well as Acting Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Phil Murphy. Since the start of the administration, she was involved in advancing and developing the Governor’s legislative policy priorities which included bills related to the environment, clean energy, gun violence prevention, economic tax incentives, online sports gaming and the legalization of cannabis. Among other high-level responsibilities, Banasiak was involved in crafting the Governor’s state budget proposal, preparing cabinet officials for confirmation and legislative committees, and the appointments process. She also served as the Governor’s appointee on the Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning.

Prior to joining the Murphy Administration, Banasiak was the Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson) and served as Director of Legislation for former Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Montclair State University and her master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.

In welcoming her to the firm, KZG Principal Trish Zita said, “Paulina is well known and well respected throughout the state of New Jersey and across the political spectrum. We believe her extensive experience in legislative affairs, her broad knowledge of state government, and her high-level relationships with key decision-makers will be invaluable to our clients. We’re thrilled to have Paulina join us and bring her talent and expertise to our team!”

More information on Banasiak’s background, experience, and new role at Kaufman Zita Group can be found here.

Kaufman Zita Group (KZG), a diverse and woman-owned firm, consistently ranks as one of the most recognized, respected and relied upon government and public affairs firms in New Jersey. The firm’s Principal and Associates come from diverse backgrounds, have unique skills, and are routinely cited among the most insightful and influential lobbyists in New Jersey. We succeed because we take the time to understand our client’s issues and devote ourselves to delivering the results they need. Find more information about our firm at www.kaufmanzitagroup.com.