Former Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Chief of Staff Marc J. Cohen joins the firm as Vice President of Government Affairs
ROCHESTER, N.Y., September 2, 2024 – Top NY lobbying firm O’Donnell & Associates is announcing the expansion of its government relations leadership team with the addition of Marc J. Cohen, former Chief of Staff at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce overseeing government relations, legislative affairs, and advocacy. He will serve as the firm’s Vice President of Government Affairs.
Cohen brings to O’Donnell & Associates varied and extensive experience leading business and public policy efforts on behalf of the Greater Rochester Chamber’s 1,300+ members across the nine-county Finger Lakes region, including managing and promoting regional economic and workforce development projects and building relationships among the business community. He also participates in numerous regional committees addressing issues such as healthcare, transportation, and technology.
“Marc plays a vital role in the economic growth and prosperity of his community,” says Jack O’Donnell, managing partner at O’Donnell & Associates. “His expertise in both the business and public policy sectors will be a valuable asset to our burgeoning business portfolio in Rochester, the Finger Lakes area, and beyond.”
OD&A’s current client list in the Rochester region includes Paychex, Monroe County Water Authority, Greenlight Networks, Trillium Health, The Strong National Museum of Play, and Indus Hospitality.
“I am excited for this opportunity to join the growing team at O’Donnell & Associates,” says Cohen. “I am so grateful to Bob Duffy for his leadership and mentorship during my time in his office as Lt. Governor and then at the Greater Rochester Chamber, and I’m ready to delve into this new opportunity to advocate on behalf of OD&A’s clients and deliver results.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Marc has done an outstanding job throughout his tenure at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and he leaves for this exciting new opportunity with my 100% support. The new position at O’Donnell & Associates is a perfect match for Marc’s skillset, and it will provide him with new opportunities for growth, development, and success. Marc is both a colleague and a friend – and I am very proud of him and this exciting new career step. O’Donnell & Associates is a member of our Chamber, which means we will continue to work together on important issues facing our members, this community, and beyond.”
Prior to joining the Greater Rochester Chamber, Cohen was entrenched in NY’s public education system, serving as a Trustee for the State University of New York and as President of the SUNY Student Assembly, elected to represent the 1.4 million students across SUNY’s 64 campuses.
Cohen is active with the United Way of Rochester/Finger Lakes’ Emerging Leaders Society, the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, the ROC City Coalition, and as a volunteer EMT. He is a recipient of the Rochester Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award, the University at Albany Rockefeller College Ten Under Ten award, and is a graduate of the Jay Birnbaum Leadership Institute.
Cohen grew up in Amherst, NY, and graduated summa cum laude from the University at Albany before completing his Master of Public Administration from UAlbany’s Rockefeller College.
About O’Donnell and Associates
Established by Managing Partner Jack O’Donnell in 2001, OD&A is a full-service government relations firm with offices in Buffalo, Albany, New York City, and Washington, D.C. OD&A represents Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, technology firms, labor unions, start-ups, and political candidates. Some of the firm’s notable clients: New York State Building & Construction Trades Council, Delaware North, Motorola Solutions, and the University at Buffalo. The firm is ranked a Top 25 NY Lobbyist by City & State New York.
Contact:
Joanna Pasceri
Director of Communications
5243.544.617
moc.snoitulosllennodo@irecsapj