Rising Stars 40 Under 40: Christopher Hahn

Vice President for Government and Public Policy, Tonio Burgos & Associates
Age: 39

Christopher Hahn

In his free time, Christopher Hahn moonlights as an improv comic. Hahn says that’s the perfect preparation for his frequent guest spots as a commentator on Fox News.

“There’s a lot of smart people who can’t string two sentences together,” Hahn said. “Doing comedy is what makes me good on Fox.”

A Long Island native and a lawyer by training, Hahn spent five years as the Long Island director for Sen. Chuck Schumer, whom Hahn described as “brilliant.” The job included dealing with everything from homeland security to environmental issues. He then served as deputy to Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi—the highest appointed job in the huge county—followed by a stint as president and CEO of the United Way of Long Island.

Hahn has spent the past year working for Tonio Burgos & Associates, where he advises clients on how to navigate complex local and federal bureaucracies, drawing on knowledge from both the public sector and nonprofit worlds.

“Over the past six years, I’ve really developed a diverse portfolio,” Hahn said.

How did your past jobs get you to where you are now?
“I’ve been volunteering for local campaigns and involved in Democratic politics since I was 16. I ran for local office in the Suffolk County Legislature right out of college.”

What will your business card say in five years?
“I just hope it says ‘employed.’ ”

If you weren’t in politics, what would you be doing?
“I’d be an improv comic. I’m part of a troupe out in Long Island, and if I could make more than twenty dollars a night, that’s what I’d be doing.”

What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Truth in Politics, a reference to the book Truth in Comedy, the bible of improvisational comedy.”