O’Donnell & Associates Senior Advisor Kara Hughes Named ‘Who’s Who in Government Relations’

The 2024 List from City & State NY Highlights Key People Shaping NY Policy

BUFFALO, N.Y.- Government relations firm, O’Donnell & Associates announces that Kara Hughes, Senior Advisor in NYC for OD&A, has been named ‘Who’s Who in Government Relations’ for the second year in a row by City & State New York, a prominent trade publication covering politics and policy in the Empire State.

The 2024 list recognizes the key people shaping policies that affect New Yorkers in so many ways – from the expansion of health care coverage to the creation of more affordable housing. Hughes also made the list in 2023.

Thank you, City & State NY for including me once again on your Who’s Who in Government Relations list,” says Hughes. “I am thrilled to be included with so many wonderful friends and colleagues!”

One of Hughes’ proudest accomplishments is her successful strategy, working in partnership with New York City, to establish its first ever policy for the use of drones. With OD&A client Pixis, a leading global light show company, Hughes worked with the Adams administration on a one-of-a-kind public-private collaboration for the first drone shows in New York City. Pixis designed and executed bespoke stories in the sky to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

“Kara makes things happen,” says Managing Partner Jack O’Donnell. “It’s such a privilege to learn from her, work with her, and solve problems together.”

Hughes has more than two decades of experience in public policy and government relations at the federal, state, and local levels. She specializes in helping corporations and advocacy groups translate broad policy goals into real world action.

Her government experience includes working as Acting Director of City Legislative Affairs for the Mayor, Senior Adviser for City, State, and Labor Affairs at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Director of Economic Development for then-U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

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