George Fontas
CEO and Founder
As Founder and CEO of Fontas Advisors, George has earned a reputation as an innovative leader and trusted strategist, advising clients across the corporate, real estate, technology, and nonprofit sectors as they navigate the complexity of New York City and State. Highly skilled in both the politics and policies needed to drive ambitious outcomes, he is among the region’s most respected government affairs advisors, having been named multiple times by City & State newspaper as one of New York’s most influential civic leaders.
George founded Fontas Advisors with a vision to build a firm that offers superior government affairs services and maintains a boutique culture, enabling a highly attentive approach and customized solutions for every engagement. With the ability to work seamlessly across jurisdictions in New York and New Jersey and diverse capabilities curated for today’s rapidly evolving public affairs environment, Fontas Advisors builds trusted, long-term partnerships with its clients.
With nearly 25 years in the government and politics sector and specifically 19 years in lobbying, George brings his diverse experience, political relationships, and legislative savvy to bear for every client. He has negotiated ambitious public policy initiatives and has represented tech firms such as Dell, Intel, and SAS Institute assisting them and others navigating regulatory hurdles and lay the groundwork for future growth. George has delivered success for more than 40 complex land use projects, including transformational developments and major rezonings throughout New York City. He and his teams have raised over $120 million in public sector funding for nonprofit organizations while helping them establish strong relationships with elected officials. Over his career, George has represented more than 140 clients in New York
George has been featured in City & State NY Magazine’s: “NYC’s 100 Most Powerful People”2024 and 2026; “NYC’s Top 50 Lobbyists” 2020-2026; “Manhattan Power 100” 2019-2026; PoliticsNY’s Power Players in Real Estate 2023-2024. His expertise is often sought as a source by journalists, and his work has been featured in all the major New York newspapers. As the Chairman of the Board for the nonprofit organization, “Friends of Plus Pool”, George secured the NY Swims Initiative with Governor Hochul; $100 million for swim lessons, lifeguard positions, water recreation, and pool construction across New York State.
George holds a B.A. in Government from Manhattan College and an M.A. in Government from St. John’s University. He is a graduate of CORO Leadership NY and is a frequent guest lecturer and speaker on the intersection of business and government. George is a native New Yorker born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.