JOSEPH P. ROSSI

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

jrossi@wladislawfirm.com

Mr. Rossi's primary focus is representing the interests of our clients in the halls of local and state government. His zealous advocacy and skills in maneuvering through the channels of government agencies, combined with his years of experience in the political arena and the public sector provide The Wladis Firm with a depth of understanding not readily found in the area.

Prior to joining The Wladis Law Firm, Mr. Rossi served as Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of the New York State Attorney General. In that capacity, he was the Attorney General's interface with elected officials and community organizations throughout twenty four counties in Upstate New York, coordinated public forums for the Attorney General and his senior staff, and assisted with the Attorney General's visits within the twenty four county region. Mr. Rossi represented the Office of the Attorney General on the Onondaga Lake Partnership Outreach Committee, the mission of which is to educate the public about the lake cleanup project. His earlier experience included being Political Director of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200 United and their 12,000 members in Upstate New York. In that role, Mr. Rossi was instrumental in coordinating support for endorsed candidates across Upstate NY, increasing the Local's COPE fund, and advancing its legislative agenda.

In honor of his late parents, Joe and his family founded the annual Dominic and Patricia Rossi Memorial Dinner, a fundraiser for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. His community involvement has also included serving on the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of Central New York, and as Vice-Chair of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee. He was selected for the CNY Business Journal's "40 Under 40" Award, and is a member of the University College at Syracuse University Thursday Morning Roundtable.

Mr. Rossi obtained his B.A. in Political Science from the State University of New York, Cortland. Elected Chapter President of the Pi Kappa Phi leadership fraternity, he also served an internship in the New York State Assembly.