Robert J. Bellafiore, Moderator
Senior Partner/Director of Public Affairs
Over the past 25 years our 2009 summit moderator has had experience as a journalist, strategist, senior gubernatorial advisor and issues manager, Bob has seen and helped solve many difficult problems. His experience includes tenure as press secretary and, later, deputy chief of staff, to New York Governor George E. Pataki and statehouse reporter for The Associated Press. Today, Bob is partner-in-charge of Eric Mower and Associates (EMA) Albany office and also leads the public affairs practice across EMA’s seven offices. His specialty is devising and executing strategic communications plans surrounding tricky legislative, governmental or policy matters; managing crises; and building positive images. Bob has helped clients in such areas as: energy, healthcare, manufacturing, non-profits, education, mergers and acquisitions, crises communications, and government affairs.
Bob holds a BA from the University at Albany and is a Political Commentator on “Capitol Tonight”. He also serves as a member on the Board of Trustees for the State University of New York; is a founding member of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers; is a member of the Journalism Program Advisory Board at the University at Albany and a member of the National Education Advisory Council for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
“Whether in journalism, government, politics or business, it takes experience to learn how to think through complex problems, identify the paths to a solution, recognize opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and turn ideas into messaging that builds support and marginalizes opposition. The key element is clearly articulating what victory means, defining clear goals and objectives, and then focusing on tactics that lead to winning – all while working within a collaborative team environment.” -Robert J. Bellafiore