Fontas Advisors Adds Frank Ricci, 40 Year Veteran of NY Real Estate Politics
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Leading boutique government affairs consultancy expands its senior consulting team with the addition of a New York City and State real estate expert and veteran advocate
New addition enables Fontas Adivsors to enhance its reputation for best-in-class client services for their real estate and political consulting practice
Fontas Advisors, a leading boutique government affairs consultancy serving New York, New Jersey and California, announced today the addition of a senior appointment to the firm. Former Rent Stabilization Association Executive Vice President Frank Ricci has joined the firm as Senior Advisor focused on real estate advocacy and electoral campaign strategy.
“I am thrilled to welcome Frank to our team and look forward to leaning on his incredible experience solving difficult political environments to ensure our clients receive best in class service,” said George Fontas, Chief Executive Officer of Fontas Advisors. “For nearly 40 years, Frank Ricci has walked the halls of Albany and New York City Hall as one of the most well-versed and respected housing and real estate advocates in New York. He will add significant real estate advocacy expertise, historical context, and deeply rooted relationships to serve our clients well.”
Frank's knowledge of the real estate community, public policy, and political landscape is unrivaled in New York. He has a reputation as a careful tactician and strong negotiator, equal to the task of both policy wonk and political advisor.
Frank Ricci joined the Rent Stabilization Association (RSA) in 1986 and served as Legislative/Political Director and Executive Vice President. After merging and becoming the New York Apartment Association in September, 2024 he became Senior Vice President for Business Operations. During his tenure, he spearheaded lobbying operations at the Governor’s Office, New York State Legislature, and New York City Hall. He’s lobbied on over 100 bills in Albany and New York City. In addition, he was responsible for lobbying all of the agencies that implement the various laws that affect the real estate industry. As a veteran of dozens of political campaigns Frank was responsible for coordinating and facilitating the organization’s electoral and political strategy.
Frank has also been a building owner in NYC for decades and has lived with and navigated the NYC rent laws and the numerous maintenance requirements mandated by NYC as an owner. In 1984 along with a dozen other small owners they founded the Small Property Owners of NY (SPONY).
Read “Four Questions with Frank Ricci” to learn more about Ricci’s perspectives on state and local government affairs.
Fontas Advisors was founded in 2017 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 client engagement. With the ability to work seamlessly across jurisdictions in New York, New Jersey, and California and diverse capabilities curated for today’s rapidly evolving public affairs environment, Fontas Advisors builds trusted, long-term partnerships with its clients across the tech, corporate, real estate, and nonprofit sectors.
About Fontas Advisors
Fontas Advisors is a boutique government affairs consultancy serving the next-generation needs of corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations operating in and partnering with New York, New Jersey, and California. We leverage our robust network, strong knowledge of state and municipal administrations, and decades of combined experience representing innovative leaders to drive results for our clients. With Fontas Advisors there is always a path forward. Learn more at fontasadvisors.com.