Called an “influential lobbyist,” “key player,” and an advocate who can “deliver for a wide range of clients spanning business and labor,” by City & State, John Cordo is Principal of Cordo & Company.
John has spent over 25 years shaping public policy and political results in Albany, from both the public and private sector. John’s expertise has achieved outstanding results for his clients, and C&C has thrived in effectively working with administrations and legislative leaders of all political stripes. John’s understanding of Albany is informed by his unique experience at all levels of the process including time spent inside and outside the Capitol, as well as directing public relations and media campaigns.
Since establishing C&C, John has worked on numerous successful advocacy and procurement projects, including Genting New York’s winning bid to build and operate Resorts World New York Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, the merger of Amerigroup Community Care and Heath Plus, and 1199 SEIU’s success in securing homecare workers in New York City a living wage. John has recently featured on the Albany “Power 100” List.
John established the firm in 2007, following a successful tenure as partner at the law and lobbying firm Featherstonhaugh, Wiley, Clyne & Cordo. Prior to his time at FWCC, John served as Special Counsel to the State Senate Majority where he played an integral role in the development and implementation of labor and pension policy, as well as shaping education, transportation, and health policy.
A native of New York City, John earned his B.S. and J.D. from Cornell University, and holds an M.A. from Rockefeller College. He is admitted to practice in the New York State and Federal Courts and is a member of the New York State Bar Association.
With over 20 years’ experience navigating the intricacies of the Albany process, Steve Harris is President of Cordo & Company.
Steve has expertly represented the interests of private sector companies and trade associations before the New York State Legislature and Executive for the past two decades, achieving consistent results for his clients. Steve’s experience both inside and outside of state government provides a foundation for the nuanced and dogged advocacy he employs on behalf of his clients.
Steve represents key players in the insurance, telecommunications, education, and entertainment fields, including the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and the Fantasy Sports Trade Association. He is the President of the New York State Beer Wholesalers Association and operates as the Association’s principal lobbyist and Executive Director.
Steve’s career started in public service, beginning under Senator Roy M. Goodman in 1987 and later serving as Counsel to Senator Michael J. Tully, Jr. Steve entered the private sector, eventually becoming principal in the firm of Vacek, Harris & McCormack P.C., where he provided legislative representation to industry leaders in real estate, banking, and insurance sectors.
A graduate of SUNY Oswego (1987) and Albany Law School (1990), Steve is a long-time resident of the Capital Region.
With over a decade of experience in New York State government and politics, Adam Richardson is Senior Vice President of Cordo & Company.
Having started his career with the New York State Senate Majority Counsel’s Office, Adam was quickly appointed Floor Counsel where he oversaw and managed all aspects of procedure as well as the day to day operations of sessions of the Senate. Adam was then elevated to First Assistant Counsel and served a vital role with regard to the coordination of more than 20 attorneys, handling the full spectrum legislation and policy affecting New York.
During his time with the Senate, Adam also served as’s policy Labor Counsel and specialized in areas including pension policy, economic development, corporations and authorities, and energy.
Since entering private practice, Adam has effectively advocated for companies ranging from tech start-ups to large Fortune 500 corporations.
Adam is graduate of SUNY Geneseo and Albany Law School and is admitted to the New York State Bar.
With outstanding experience in Business Management & Operations, Amy Folger is the Vice President of Operations at Cordo & Company
Amy has spent her career honing her abilities in business management and serves as second in command for operations of Cordo & Company. She ensures the company's operational procedures are sustainable to achieve organizational goals and serves as the firm’s gatekeeper for financial communication between clients. She is a critical part in the planning, direction and coordination of decisions for Cordo & Company.
Additionally, she is an integral part of the team’s legislative tracking team, and is adept in the use of State Watch, the New York State Legislative Retrieval System and oversees compliance for the firm with The Joint Ethics Commission as well as The Board of Elections.
Amy attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Small Business management 2009. She is a native of the Capital Region.
Kristin brings over 30 years of New York State government experience and is known for developing effective budget and advocacy strategies for nonprofit organizations. She returns to Cordo & Company after serving as Executive Vice President and Director of State Government Relations at The Wright Group, where she helped establish the firm’s statewide practice. She has also supported clients at Hollis Public Affairs, including SOMOS and other nonprofits.
Earlier in her career, Kristin spent 14 years as Legislative and Committee Director in the New York State Senate, overseeing legislative drafting, research, and floor preparation, and contributing to major wins such as the Long-Term Care Facilities Bill of Rights and the Restoration of Honor Act.
A Capital Region resident, Kristin balances a committed professional life with an active personal one, bringing passion and clarity to her role at Cordo & Company.
Ali started her legal career as an Associate Counsel with the New York Senate Counsel’s Office, where she handled a variety of issues, including health, higher education and mental health. During her time in the Legislature, Ali also assisted with the floor operations, where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of session in the Senate.
Ali is a longtime resident of the Capital Region, growing up in Greenwich, NY. She holds a B.A. in English and Legal Studies from St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY and a J.D. from Albany Law School, Class of 2021. She is admitted to the New York State Bar.
She is joining C&C as Associate Counsel and will be working on a variety of issues in our Health and Gaming practices.
As the central hub of communication at Cordo & Company, Adrian plays a crucial role in assisting coordination of operations within our team and for our clients.
Adrian has spent the past ten years navigating through the healthcare system. For the last two years, she has been in the role of a surgical scheduler for a high-volume office where she served as the key liaison between the surgeons and hospitals. With exceptional organizational skills and a keen understanding of client needs, she leads the charge in managing all client requests as well as office management for the team. Adrian is eager to make the transition into the lobbying field as the Client Coordinator for Cordo & Company, bringing her extensive healthcare experience into her new role. Her proactive approach is vital in helping our team continue to navigate the complexities of government affairs and making her an invaluable asset to Cordo & Company.
Adrian is a Capital Region native, growing up in Troy, NY. She has a bachelor’s degree in health management from SUNY Canton.