Mike Braun leads Kasirer Strategic Advisors (KSA), the firm's new division providing comprehensive strategic advisory services beyond traditional government relations to organizations worldwide seeking to succeed in New York. In this role, he directs a best-in-class team of advisors who help clients navigate New York's complex business, government, and nonprofit landscape through relationship mapping, partnership development, political intelligence, and strategic positioning guidance.
Previously serving as Kasirer's Chief Strategy Officer, Mike directed the firm's business development efforts, advised principals on key operational activities, led communications, and supported recruitment and professional development. He also led government and community relations on challenging client projects including labor unions and high-profile procurement initiatives, while overseeing the firm's political analysis unit to ensure strategies aligned with the city's changing political dynamics.
Mike's strategic leadership has resulted in numerous successes, from designing systems that increased firm efficiency and substantially grew revenue, to achieving landmark client victories. He helped pass wage theft and prevailing wage legislation in Albany, supported a Foundation's COVID vaccine access initiatives, and led the government relations strategy that resulted in the New York Climate Exchange being selected for Governor's Island.
He remains heavily involved in civic work, serving on multiple boards including the 5Boro Institute, New York Building Congress and committees for Citizens Budget Commission, Variety Boys & Girls Club, Special Olympics of New York, Association for a Better New York, and Long Island Association.
Mike has been recognized on City & State's Queens Power 100 list, Crain's 2024 20 In Their 20's, and received awards from the New York Building Congress, amNew York/Politics NY, and more. Before joining Kasirer, Mike served as President of the SUNY Student Assembly and SUNY Board of Trustees, representing 1.4 million students while managing a 40-person team and overseeing advocacy strategy. He also worked with United University Professions and North America's Building Trades Unions on state and federal labor issues.
A Long Island native now residing in Astoria, Queens, Mike holds a Bachelor's in Political Science from SUNY Cortland and a Master's in Public Administration from the University at Albany's Rockefeller College.