Harry E. Giannoulis - President

Harry Giannoulis has provided the strategic vision that transformed the Parkside Group from a small startup company into a multi-faceted strategic communications and public affairs firm employing a diverse team of professionals on behalf of more than 100 clients. His clients include Fortune 500 companies and major real estate firms seeking an understanding of the intricacies of government and representation before key decision makers.

From his first involvement in politics as a member of Governor Michael Dukakis' National Finance Committee during the 1988 Presidential campaign, he went on to serve as an aide to a New York State Senator and as Governor Mario Cuomo's Ombudsman, where he managed the Governor's twenty-one Regional Constituency offices throughout the State. In the non-profit sector, he served as an executive of a leading provider of services to the developmentally disabled and mentally ill. He continues his public service as a Commissioner of the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission.

William T. Driscoll - Partner

A wide array of non-profit organizations turn to Bill Driscoll for advice and counsel on their budgetary, programmatic, and legislative priorities, because, with service in the legislative branches of city, state, and federal government, he has been a vital part of New York politics and government for three decades.

An attorney by background, he served as Counsel to the Queens County Clerk and as Chief of Staff to members of the New York City Council and New York State Assembly. At the federal level, he served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Thomas Manton and Counsel to Congressman Joseph Crowley, both of whom served as Chairman of the Queens Democratic Party. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Democratic Committee.

Evan Stavisky - Partner

One of the northeast's best-known political and legislative strategists, Evan Stavisky has been integrally involved in campaigns to preserve the environment, protect consumers, reform government, and improve the standard of living for working families. Under his direction, unions have defeated massive corporations such as Wal-Mart, public health groups have beaten the tobacco industry, and scores of political candidates have won hard-fought victories on Election Day.

Formerly Special Projects Director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, and Chief of Staff to a New York State Assemblyman, he was a key organizer of the 1992 Democratic National Convention that nominated Bill Clinton. His insights into government and politics are routinely featured on NY 1, the New York Times, and other major media outlets.

 

Barry Grodenchik - Vice President

As a public official, Barry Grodenchik was praised by editorial writers for being savvy and possessing a deep knowledge of government. At the Parkside Group he puts this expertise to work, helping clients tackle complex public policy issues such as health care, gaming, economic development, and the budget.

During his tenure as a Member of the New York State Assembly, Barry Grodenchik won recognition for his efforts to reform nursing home finance, to enable the state's Off-Track Betting system to survive in the 21st century, and to reform public authority lease arrangements. Prior to his election to the legislature, Barry Grodenchik spent nearly two decades in senior positions in New York City and New York State government, including serving in Governor Mario Cuomo's administration and more than a decade at Queens Borough Hall as a top aide to Borough Presidents Claire Shulman and Helen Marshall.

 

Damon Stewart - General Counsel

An accomplished attorney in both private practice and public service, Damon Stewart was an architect of New York State ethics and lobbying laws, advised multiple majority leaders of the New York State Senate on the successful operation of legislative sessions, counseled Senators and Senate staff on ethical practices and tackled complex litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts.

In state government, he served as Assistant Counsel to the New York State Senate Majority, where his responsibilities included areas such as insurance, lobbying regulation, ethics and government operations. He served as the Senate Republican Conference’s Counsel to the Legislative Ethics Commission and eventually became floor counsel for the Senate Majority. Prior to joining state government, he practiced law and held several development and public affairs positions in Capitol District hospitals.

 

 

Joe Qualls - Creative Director

Even before joining the Parkside Group, Joe Qualls lent his creative flair and strong design esthetic to award-winning print, radio, television, and outdoor advertising campaigns for DIRECTV.  He also served as Creative Director for Catalina–a national magazine targeted to Latinas.  And, beyond his in-depth knowledge of branding, marketing, and advertising, he did extensive work in event management and public relations for several non-profit organizations. Joe is an active member of the Ad Club of New York.  His work has been featured in the New York Times, has won 5 Pollies from the American Association of Political Consultants, and has won an ADDY from the American Advertising Federation.  As Creative Director of the Parkside Group, Joe runs our Advertising Division.

Joe Reubens - Political Director

The Washington Post called Joe Reubens a campaign veteran while he was still just 25 years old. By the time he turned 29, he'd helped defeat nine incumbent officeholders in multiple states.

Joe Reubens has earned this reputation as one of the Democratic Party's top political operatives by consulting on, and winning, some of the toughest electoral contests in the nation. A graduate of New York University's prestigious Masters program in political campaign management and a former consultant to progressive organizations like EMILY's List, the Human Rights Campaign and 21st Century Democrats, he has worked on competitive state legislative, countywide, congressional, and statewide political and 527 campaigns in seven states, from the streets of Brooklyn to the deserts of Nevada.

 

Maria Acosta - Executive Assistant

Whether it's helping our clients deal with the complexities of ever-changing lobbying regulations or coordinating the busy schedules of our staff, Maria Acosta is the glue that holds the Parkside Group together.
After receiving a degree in Finance from York College of the City University of New York, Maria Acosta began an extensive career in the financial services industry, including six years at Merrill Lynch, one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies. In the public sector, she served as Interagency Planning Coordinator for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

 

Mike Barfield - Associate

Mike Barfield’s skills as a political strategist and field tactician have won major campaigns against tough odds and helped elect candidates and advance issues throughout New York and New Jersey.

Cutting his political teeth in the Garden State, he took on, and defeated, some of the state’s most powerful entrenched interests. In the NJ Senate, he worked on sweeping legislation to reform the state’s antiquated health insurance laws and expand coverage to children and the elderly. In Democratic politics, he has advised Edison, NJ Mayor Jun Choi and managed campaigns for Mayor Choi’s allies, including an unprecedented primary victory against one of the most powerful County Democratic Organizations in the state.

In New York, he has managed or consulted on campaigns for Congress, the New York State Legislature, and the New York State Supreme Court; and in so doing helped Democratic candidates win unprecedented successes.