U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi announced two senior hires for his congressional staff, naming veteran Long Island public official Jon Kaiman as chief of staff and Capitol Hill veteran Matt Gelman as deputy chief of staff.
Suozzi, a Democrat representing parts of Long Island and Queens, said the additions bring extensive government and legislative experience to his team at a time of heightened political division in Washington.
“I’m excited to welcome two seasoned professionals to lead my team,” Suozzi said in a statement. “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.”
Kaiman, who was the North Hempstead town supervisor for a decade and a Nassau County District Court judge, will oversee Suozzi’s operations as chief of staff.
He has also served as deputy Suffolk County executive, a special adviser to the New York governor on Superstorm Sandy recovery and chair of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority. Most recently, he has led the state’s Division of Tax Appeals and Tax Appeals Tribunal. Kaiman holds a law degree from Hofstra University and a master’s in public administration from Harvard University.
Suozzi described Kaiman as “a policy wonk” and “a trusted leader with a proven track record of delivering for our community.”
Kaiman said he is looking forward to returning to work alongside Suozzi.
“Tom Suozzi and I have traveled a long road together as allies, rivals and friends,” Kaiman said. “I am looking forward to joining with him on this journey.”
When Suozzi was Nassau County executive and Kaiman was North Hempstead supervisor, the two frequently worked together on local government coordination, including land and infrastructure agreements. The county transferred parkland to the town, while North Hempstead assumed responsibility for certain roads, allowing for faster paving and maintenance work.
Despite that collaboration, the two have also competed politically.
Source: LI Press
