James Capalino

Jim is recognized as one of New York’s premier urban problem-solving strategists. His background combines senior management roles in government, public relations, real estate, and construction management, with extensive public sector experience at senior levels of New York City government. Prior to establishing Capalino+Company he founded The Growth Strategy Group - helping senior corporate managers to refine growth strategy, manage change and increase returns – and served as COO of AJ Contracting, one of the nation’s largest minority owned contractors, increasing its revenues from $125 million to $400 million in three years. 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 29 (still, the youngest commissioner in City history). Jim managed 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. In addition to his position on the Friends’ Board of Directors, he also sits on the boards of Friends of the High Line and Safe Space.