516-747-0300 x 137
chahn@meltzerlippe.com
Christopher M. Hahn
Partner
Areas of Practice:
|
||
Christopher M. Hahn heads the Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs group for Meltzer Lippe. Christopher has held several high level positions in government and the Non-Profit world prior to joining the firm. In January of 2009, Governor David Patterson appointed Christopher a Trustee of the Long Island Power Authority where he helps oversee the second largest public utility in the United States. Christopher has worked with many top national, state and local elected officials during his career including United States Senator, Charles E. Schumer (D-NY).
Prior to joining the firm, Christopher led United Way of Long Island during one of the most critical transitions in its history. He tirelessly worked to effectively move the organization from a traditional allocation-based model to a Community Impact operational plan. Christopher is a true champion of optimization and collaboration among Long Island's nonprofit organizations, and has worked tirelessly to create efficient and effective non-profits. Prior to joining United Way, he served as Chief Deputy County Executive for Nassau County, the top appointed post in the Suozzi administration. He directed and managed the daily administration, communications and operations of Nassau County government, which consisted of a $2.6 billion budget, 8,700 employees and 47 departments. During his tenure, he helped to create the Nassau County Empire Zone and protect open space under the Environmental Bond Act; engaged in various downtown revitalization efforts; and proposed a no tax increase budget that was unanimously passed by the Legislature. Hahn was also charged with implementing and managing Suozzi's aggressive campaign to save the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Within weeks, Christopher raised more than $700,000 for the museum, which was more than the Cradle of Aviation had fundraised in the entire previous year.
Christopher's earlier career posts included working as a Senior Associate in the government group of Holland and Knight, LLP and serving as the Long Island Director for United States Senator Charles E. Schumer for five years. While working for Senator Schumer, Hahn facilitated all of the Senator's regional priorities. Among his accomplishments were coordinating and supervising all regional post 9-11 Homeland Security activities on the Senator's behalf; securing all of the permits for a massive beach re-nourishment project for Fire Island communities and a coastal preservation project from Montauk Point to Fire Island Inlet; spearheading the Senator's initiative to clean up Brookhaven National Lab; and assisting in the establishment of the Long Island American Viticulture Area for the Long Island wine industry.
Christopher is a graduate of SUNY Albany where he competed in NCAA Football and was Student Body President and St. John's University School of Law, where he received a Public Interest Fellowship. He lives in Setauket with his wife, Kara and daughters, Karina and Hope.
