As Founder and CEO of Capalino, Jim has overseen the growth of the most well-respected government relations and strategic consulting practice in New York City. Under his leadership, Capalino has become the #1 lobbying firm in New York City, responsible for helping some of the most well-known companies achieve success in New York, such as Airbnb, Metropolitan Opera, Related Companies, and Uber.
Jim has been a key strategist in launching some of the City’s most widely recognized developments including The High Line, Guggenheim, MetroTech, St. Vincent’s, West Side Rail Yards and the rezoning of Coney Island and West Harlem.
Jim’s government career began in 1972 when he joined the staff of Congressman Edward I. Koch. In 1977, he co-managed the mayoral campaign of Congressman Koch when he was elected the 105th Mayor of the City of New York. He was named Commissioner of General Services, a 2,000+ employee, $750 million agency, at the age of 28 and is still the youngest commissioner in City history. Jim oversaw the Mayor’s successful third term re-election, which he won by the largest margin in the City’s history.
Jim holds an M.A. in Management and Urban Affairs from the New School University, and a B.A. in Political Science, cum laude, from Colgate University. He and his wife of 38 years have 3 children and reside in Manhattan, New York.
Jim has received numerous awards and honors, including City&State’s Power 100 List; 50 Over Fifty Awards; Responsible 100 Awards; the Human Services Council (HSC); Zoning Advisory Council; and the Lewis Rudin Award for Civic Leadership from Coro New York.
