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James Capalino
Jim Capalino's professional background combines senior management roles in government and public relations, real estate brokerage and development, and construction management, with extensive public sector experience at senior levels of New York City government. In addition to Beckelman+Capalino, Jim is the founder and President of Capalino+Company, a leading government and community advocacy firm, which provides a full range of business advisory services in four fields: advocacy before government agencies, municipal service delivery problem solving, community relations project management and government procurement advisory services.
Previously, Jim established The Growth Strategy Group, which assisted senior corporate managers refine core growth strategy, effectively manage change and realize a bottom line return on investments in growth. Drawing upon its experience and resources in five disciplinary strengths - communications management, public affairs advocacy, business development management, strategic partnering and information technology - The Growth Strategy Group offered an integrated and well-coordinated approach to business building. From 1993 to 1997, Jim served as Chief Operating Officer of AJ Contracting Inc., where he had responsibility for the firm's administrative and project management operations, as well as its business development group. (Founded in 1917, AJ was one of the oldest companies in New York City providing construction management and general contracting services. Under his leadership, the firm's revenues grew from $l25 million to $400 million, ranking it 86th out of the nation’s top 400 contractors.) Before joining AJ in 1992, Jim founded and served as President of Capalino, LoCicero, Marino & Tan, Inc., a leading government, public relations and real estate advisory firm. Prior to CLM&T, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Capalino & Company, Inc., a commercial real estate development and investment management concern affiliated with Forest City Ratner Companies, the developer of Metrotech, a 4.5 million square feet commercial complex in downtown Brooklyn. From 1984-87, he served as Senior Vice President and Co-Managing Director of the Edward S. Gordon Company's Financial District office, where he initiated more than one million square feet of commercial office leases and assisted developers in launching two major Brooklyn office developments. From 1982-1984, Jim was President and CEO of Lincoln West Associates, sponsors of one of the country’s largest mixed-use development projects on the 76.5 acre former Penn Yards in Manhattan.
Jim's government career began in 1972 when he joined the staff of Congressman Edward I. Koch, as Executive Assistant with responsibility for district office operations. He left the congressional staff in 1976 to become the full-time coordinator of Congressman Koch’s successful mayoral campaign and then served as Director of Transition between the Beame and Koch administrations. As one of Mayor Koch’s principal assistants, Jim was responsible for coordinating neighborhood service delivery. In 1979, Mayor Koch named Jim Commissioner of General Services, an agency of 2,000 employees and a budget of $750 million. At 29 years of age, Jim was the youngest commissioner in City history. In 1985, Jim managed the Mayor’s successful re-election campaign for a third term, winning by the largest margin in City 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.