THE CITY & STATE TEAM
ZACH VAN LULING
Director of Advocacy
Responsible for strategic implementation and support of the firm’s public advocacy, and community engagement initiatives. Zach is a political strategist with deep experience in communications, issue management and political campaigns. He builds effective outreach, engagement, and collateral content for our partners across diverse geographies, platforms and issue interests.
Zach brings over a decade of experience in various capacities for political campaigns across Congressional, state, and local levels after getting his start as an organizer in Jacksonville, Florida with Obama for America. Later, he spent time in Washington DC providing communications support on a diverse range of issues and industries for Forbes-Tate Partners. Prior to joining City & State, Zach was actively engaged in regional environmental issues, where he developed and implemented agile grassroots engagement on policy issues as an independent consultant.
ADAM WOOD
Principal
Adam Wood served on Governor Ned Lamont's transition committee. He has worked in the past as Chief of Staff of the New York State Thruway Authority (overseeing the country's largest public infrastructure project – construction of the new Tappan Zee "Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge") and the City of Bridgeport (Connecticut's largest city). He also worked as Director of the Connecticut State Democratic Party, State Senate spokesman, senior advisor, strategist, and campaign manager for numerous statewide campaigns, including Governor Ned Lamont's.
He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Haverford College, an MBA from the State University of New York, and a Master's Degree in International Business and Policy from Georgetown University.Adam has strong relationships with tri-state area public officials, policymakers, reporters, and key constituency groups across the region. He also has over 20 years of experience in conducting successful media advocacy campaigns and government relations working for clients including the Pew Charitable Trusts, The Third Way, the American Association for Justice, TESLA, the Sierra Club, and Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation. Most recently, he led the successful effort to legalize Marijuana in the region and an advocacy campaign that led to two major environmental wins, the Connecticut Clean Air Act and Senate Bill 10, which set a zero carbon target of 2040 for all electricity supplied to Connecticut customers.
NIKOLE BURNES
Urban Outreach & Events Coordinator
Highly skilled administrative and marketing professional with over a decade of experience in team environments. With expertise in event planning, community outreach, and vendor management, she has successfully executed and managed a wide range of events, including concerts, festivals, and community cabinet meetings.
Nikole's exceptional organizational skills, creativity, and poise under pressure make her a valuable asset as the Urban Outreach and Events Coordinator for City & State Public Affairs. Her passion for public speaking and commitment to building relationships make her a competent and reliable liaison for engaging with diverse stakeholders.