Our Team

Our Team

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ABOUT THE WRIGHT GROUP

The Wright Group NY offers both New York City and New York State representation with two fully-staffed offices: one located in Manhattan, and the other in Albany. The firm’s size and its unique focus on New York’s non-profit organizations allow for an unusual amount of in-firm collaboration. As a result, clients reap the benefits of the collective professionalism, experience and insight of each member of the firm.

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John Wright

is a seasoned government affairs expert with a proven track record in servicing the needs of not-for-profit organizations throughout New York. John is particularly adept at developing successful collaborations between not-for-profit organizations and 

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government officials to assist under-served communities. Within government, John has a reputation for effectiveness, cooperation, geniality and the ability to help elected officials understand how collaborations with his clients can advance both the clients and elected official’s agendas and public priorities. John’s in-depth understanding of the not-for profit-community is based on his front line service in several social agencies. John served as Assistant Executive Director for the Center for Children and Families/Safespace, Inc. He was also the Assistant Executive Director of New York City’s oldest African-American-run child welfare agency, the Harlem Dowling-Westside Center.

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Larisa Wick

is a strategic, effective and committed government relations professional with a diverse and accomplished professional background in government affairs, regulatory affairs and public education marketing.  As a lawyer and government relations professional,

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 Larisa has dedicated her career to helping not-for-profit organizations navigate legislative, policy and procurement channels. Through her representation, she has successfully led large-scale capital campaigns for some of New York City’s largest cultural institutions and has developed multiple citywide funding initiatives to support community programming for some of the City’s most underserved residents. Larisa’s career in government relations began as an Associate attorney with Wilson Elser. Larisa subsequently led the Government Relations practice at Emmis Communications in Los Angeles, working to create and develop social marketing campaigns for California State initiatives.  Larisa is the incoming President to the Junior League of the Oranges & Short Hills (JLOSH) and has served as a JLOSH Board Member for the last several years. She is currently a member of the State Council of New Jersey Junior Leagues’ Nominating Taskforce. Larisa is also a member of the Township of Maplewood’s Census Count Committee.

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Kristin Ruggles

is an experienced and capable government relations specialist. Kristin spent 14 years as Legislative and Committee Director to Senator Serphin Maltese. During her time in the Senate, Kristin researched, drafted and amended legislation, 

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prepared the Senator for floor debates, and met with interest groups and individuals regarding budgetary and policy priorities and issues. Following her tenure with the Senate, Kristin worked for Cordo & Company and State & Broadway. As a Government Relations Specialist at The Wright Group, Kristin provides services for clients in the areas of social, health and environmental justice, civil legal services, healthcare and cultural affairs. She also develops strategy to advance clients legislative priorities, while identifying and tracking legislation on their behalf.

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Emily Contillo

serves as the firm’s Chief of Staff, and brings with her a professional background in government and political work, as well as within the nonprofit sector. Her experience includes on-the-ground campaign work in Virginia

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for Barack Obama’s 2008 election campaign, led her to Capitol Hill. During her time in Washington D.C. she staffed several Members of Congress, including now-Senator Chris Van Hollen. After serving as Community Relations Director for a State Senator in New Jersey, she transitioned over to nonprofit work, where she joined the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center in New York City. Emily brings with her a unique perspective and offers clients strategic insight into advancing their goals, while assisting the firm at large in her capacity as a detail-oriented project manager.

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Kayele Spencer

Kayele Spencer serves as the firm’s Administrative Coordinator. Kayele graduated with a B.S in Human Resource with a minor in Psychology. During college, she was a student leader on campus,

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cultivating relationships with current and former students through their mentorship program. Her interest in the philanthropic sector led to a leadership role at a campus organization where she helped elevate  various causes, includingwomen’s empowerment, domestic violence awareness, and others. Kayele’s work experience includes time at a non-profit organization, where she was responsible for developing and implementing programs designed to provide meaningful opportunities for the program alumni. 

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Racquel Saddler

began her professional career as Legislative Counsel and Legislative Director for Former Senator Velmanette Montgomery, former Chair of the NYS Senate Standing Committee for Children and Families.

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Through her work with Senator Montgomery, she was exposed to the legislature, various state agencies, and not-for-profit entities in a unique way, shaping how she views the role of the advocate in the legislative process.  This has also afforded her the opportunity to cultivate and nurture relationships on the local and state level.  As a graduate of Albany Law School, Racquel has dedicated most of her professional career to advocating on behalf of those who need it the most. She served as the President of the Albany Law Black Law Student Association, as well as the Convention Coordinator for the Northeastern Regional Black Law Students Association. She lives by the words former President Barack Obama told her during her time as a White House Intern, “You get into the line of work you do not to be somebody, you do it to do something. You do what you do to make a difference.” 

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Nancy Montanez

 joined our team in June, 2021, serving as Accounting and Finance Administrator. Nancy comes to the TWG with a long history of direct service work, focused on Youth and Families within Community-Based Organizations.

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Starting in 1981, in North Philadelphia and later, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, were she served long-term as Director of New Life for New York City’s Youth Recreation Center and it’s After-School Learning Center Programs. Nancy has been an advocate, nationally, for inner-city youth and has trained “on the ground” workers, for underserved communities throughout the northeast region of the United States. In 2002, Nancy transitioned from Direct Services to Contract Management, working for The New York State Department of Health’s Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program at Services and Food for the Homeless and to Independent Contractor work, as a Finance Administrator for Non-Profit Organizations. Most recently, Nancy served as a Family Outreach Specialist, first, at Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics for The Art of Problemsolving Foundation and in January, 2016 at The New York City’s Department of Education’s Bronx Alternative Learning Centers.

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Zachary Rubin

supports the city practice as the Government Relations Assistant. He received his B.A. in Political Science from CUNY Baruch College, and his professional background focused primarily on campaign work.

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Prior to joining TWG, he worked as a field organizer and policy advisor on multiple local campaigns across the city as well as a presidential campaign. In his current role, his focus includes monitoring City Council hearings and analyzing legislation. His deep understanding of City politics and relationships makes him particularly adept at helping clients navigate their strategic budget and policy goals.

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Patricia P. Pulvirenti

has been with The Wright Group since its inception in 2010. Patricia is a well-rounded professional bringing diverse experience from a variety of industries, both in the public and private sector.

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Patricia has a background in Science and Technology and holds advanced degrees in both Physics and Materials Engineering. She has worked at nascent IT start-ups, the Ames National Laboratory, as well as various private firms, including as a Transformer Design Engineer and a Materials Physicist. Patricia is also an inventor, and holds a materials improvement patent. As the Operations Manager at The Wright Group, Patricia draws on her past experience with Technological and Project Leadership, Scientific Research and Analysis, and Administration to form a core structure for The Wright Group. As an Administrator, Patricia heads Human Resources, Budget, Office Management. Patricia serves Wright Group clients as Lobbying Compliance adviser and compliance liaison. As the resident IT person, Patricia serves as Domain Administrator and Technical support.