Congressman Suozzi Announces New Leadership on Government Staff

Washington, D.C.-Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) announced two new hires for his government staff. Jon Kaiman, former Supervisor for the Town of North Hempstead, Deputy County Executive of Suffolk County, and Commissioner of the New York State Tax Appeals Tribunal with a law degree from Hofstra Law and a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard, will lead the team as his incoming Chief of Staff. Matt Gelman, former Senior Adviser to House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), Senior Floor Assistant to House Majority and Minority Whip David Bonior (D-MI), and Special Assistant to House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO), will lead his Washington, D.C. Office as Deputy Chief of Staff.

"I'm excited to welcome two seasoned professionals to lead my team," said Congressman Suozzi. "I have known Jon Kaiman as a friend and colleague for decades. He knows our district inside and out and shares my philosophy of working with anyone of goodwill, Democrat or Republican, to get things done. Jon is a policy wonk; he's a trusted leader with a proven track record of delivering for our community. I'm excited to have him lead our team."

"Matt Gelman is one of the most seasoned professionals in Washington. He is known for getting things done in a sharply divided Congress. His wealth of experience will be a huge asset to my team," Suozzi continued.

"Tom Suozzi and I have traveled a long road together as allies, rivals and friends. He is now working to meet the vast and chaotic challenges we face as a nation, one that is still filled with promise, hope and opportunity. I am looking forward to joining with him on this journey," said Jon Kaiman.

"I'm honored to join Rep. Tom Suozzi's team and return to public service," said Matt Gelman. "I'm excited to put my experience to work advancing the Congressman's legislative priorities and delivering results for the third district."

Congressman Suozzi's outgoing Chief of Staff, Matt Fried, will be joining his fiancé in Jackson, Wyoming. They look forward to new adventures out west and will be missed dearly.

"Matt Fried has been instrumental in leading my office over the last two years. We will miss him tremendously, but I wish him all the best as he joins his fiancé and they build their new life out west," said Suozzi.

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Background

Jon Kaiman is an attorney who has served as a Nassau County District Court Judge; North Hempstead Town Supervisor; Deputy Suffolk County Executive; Special Advisor to the NYS Governor for Superstorm Sandy relief; Chair of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA); and presently as the President of the NYS Division of Tax Appeals and Tax Appeals Tribunal. He earned his law degree from Hofstra University Law School and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard.

Matt Gelman will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff to Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), leading the legislative team in DC. He brings decades of experience on Capitol Hill, having previously served as a senior adviser to House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), a senior floor assistant to House Majority and Minority Whip David Bonior (D-MI), and a special assistant to House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO). Most recently, Gelman retired from Microsoft after 22 years, where he led the company's Congressional Affairs Team. He is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and is married to Meredith Gelman, a clinical social worker. He is a proud father to Lindsay, Gracie, and Jack.