Our Company
NorthStar’s team of experts leverages incredible know-how, strategic thinking, a deep network of relationships, and a team-oriented approach across a diverse set of practice areas to deliver superior results to clients. Our team is ready to help your organization navigate any challenge.
I’ve always been a team guy, whether it’s on the athletic field or in the board room. The entire NorthStar team - with its combined expertise, experience and dedication - is here to help you navigate any challenge.
– Joe
Our Team
“The strength of the team is each individual member.
The strength of each member is the team.”
– Phil Jackson
#NavigateAnyChallenge
Joe Fiordaliso
Founder, Chief Executive Officer
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Joe is a seasoned public policy professional with vast experience and expertise solving complex governmental issues. During his twenty-five year career, Joe has held prominent positions in and out of government. He has distinguished himself as a trusted advisor to Members of Congress, Governors, cabinet officials and clients, including corporate executives, business leaders, and heads of non-profit and charitable organizations.
Avery Pontell-Schaefer
Chief Marketing Officer
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Avery is an award-winning marketer. For over a decade she has launched products and marketing initiatives for Fortune 100 companies. She earned her MBA in Marketing and International Business from Rutgers Business School and specializes in strategic marketing and leadership development. Avery's marketing and communications expertise directly supports client advocacy efforts and facilitates marketing of NorthStar's qualifications and expertise to prospective clients, stakeholders and key decision-makers.
Avery Pontell-Schaefer
Chief Marketing Officer
Avery is an award-winning marketer. For over a decade she has launched products and marketing initiatives at Fortune 100 companies. She earned her MBA in Marketing and International Business from Rutgers Business School, and specializes in strategic marketing and leadership development.
Thomas "TJ" Mann
Director, Government Affairs
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TJ is a respected and seasoned professional with deep New Jersey roots who adds significant government and political experience to the NorthStar team. He leads the firm's Government Affairs practice area and helps clients navigate challenges before the New Jersey Legislature; government agencies; and county and municipal governments. TJ served as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Robert D. Clifton for ten years before joining NorthStar Strategies in 2021.
Denise Peck
Principal Manager, Public & Community Outreach
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Denise joined NorthStar Strategies following a distinguished 36-year career with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. She manages client relationships and is responsible for delivering an essential scope of services to clients and teaming partners through the firm’s Public & Community Outreach practice. During her accomplished career in public service, Denise played a meaningful role in the delivery of hundreds of Federal, State and Local Aid projects. She served in a variety of senior positions in the Right of Way; Access Management; and Government & Community Relations units within the Department, giving her a keen understanding of the Department's operations and a unique ability to navigate challenges.
Deborah Hirt
Community Engagement Representative
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During a 25-year career with NJDOT, Deborah helped lead the Department’s Office of Community Relations as a Regional Manager covering Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. She managed all facets of community engagement for complex infrastructure projects. She also served her community as an elected member of the Union Township (Hunterdon County) Township Committee and was elected to serve as Mayor three times.
Thomas "TJ" Mann
Director, Government Affairs
TJ is a respected and seasoned professional with deep New Jersey roots who adds significant government and political experience to the NorthStar team. He leads the firm's Government Affairs practice area and helps clients navigate challenges before the New Jersey Legislature; government agencies; and county and municipal governments. TJ served as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Robert D. Clifton for ten years before joining NorthStar Strategies in 2021.
Denise Peck
Principal Manager, Public & Community Outreach
Denise joins NorthStar Strategies after a distinguished 35-year career with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. She manages client relationships and is responsible for delivering an essential scope of services to clients and teaming partners through the firm’s Public & Community Outreach practice. During her accomplished career in public service, Denise played a meaningful role in the delivery of hundreds of Federal, State and Local Aid projects. She served in a variety of senior positions in the Right of Way; Access Management; and Government & Community Relations units within the Department, giving her a keen understanding of the Department's operations and a unique ability to navigate challenges.
Deborah Hirt
Community Engagement Representative
During a 25-year career with NJDOT, Deborah helped lead the Department’s Office of Community Relations as a Regional Manager covering Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. She managed all facets of community engagement for complex infrastructure projects. She also served her community as an elected member of the Union Township (Hunterdon County) Township Committee and was elected to serve as Mayor three times.
Lauren Cranmer
Executive Operations Manager
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Lauren Cranmer is a seasoned operations professional who previously served as Executive Assistant to a C-suite executive at a prominent Philadelphia law firm. Lauren directly supports members of the NorthStar team and is committed to providing a seamless collaboration between the NorthStar team and its clients. Lauren’s organizational skills, project management experience, and ease performing in high pressure environments make her an ideal fit for the NorthStar team.
Lauren Cranmer
Executive Operations Manager
Lauren Cranmer is a seasoned operations professional who previously served as Executive Assistant to a C-suite executive at a prominent Philadelphia law firm. Lauren directly supports members of the NorthStar team and is committed to providing a seamless collaboration between the NorthStar team and its clients. Lauren’s organizational skills, project management experience, and ease performing in high pressure environments make her an ideal fit for the NorthStar team.
Mike Klein
Founder, Urban Strategies
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Mike has distinguished himself as a strategic leader with a keen ability to identify and mitigate risks during a career that spans over 30 years in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Mike's public sector career includes numerous high profile executive positions, including Deputy County Executive, Deputy Director of the NY/NJ Office of Drug Control Policy, and Chief in the City of New York Parks & Recreation Department. Mike has consistently delivered successful outcomes for clients in New York City, throughout New York State and the Northeast. Urban and NorthStar frequently collaborate to provide clients a talented advocacy arsenal with broad regional reach.
Mike Klein
Founder, Urban Strategies
Mike’s career spans nearly 30 years in the public, private and non-profit sectors, and has distinguished himself as a strategic leader with a keen sense of identifying and mitigating risks. Mike has worked under many prestigious New York officials, and has also served as Deputy County Executive, Deputy Director of the NY/NJ Office of Drug Control Policy, and Chief in the City of New York Parks & Recreation Department.
Founding Members
The Honorable
John Amodeo
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John is a founding member of the firm, helping to launch NorthStar Strategies following a distinguished career as a Member of the New Jersey General Assembly. He played a critical role in our launch, the development of our corporate culture, our mission and vision. He traded dress shoes for flip flops and clients for grandchildren but he continues to inspire us and will always be part of the NorthStar team.
The Honorable
John Amodeo
John is a founding member of the firm. He played a critical role in our launch, the development of our corporate culture, mission and vision. He traded dress shoes for flip flops and clients for grandchildren but he continues to inspire us and will always be part of the NorthStar team.