2025 Labor Power Players

Jim leads REBNY’s work to promote effective public and industry policy, support REBNY members with resources and educational opportunities, and foster partnerships between industry leaders and other stakeholders. He previously served in various private sector and government roles including chief of staff for Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Daniel Doctoroff. He was executive director of the Hudson Yards Coalition and the first executive director of the Downtown Brooklyn Council.

What are your organization’s goals for 2025?
REBNY is focused on working with government and other stakeholders to further New York’s post-pandemic recovery. 2024 marked a strong upturn for segments of the City’s commercial market, but a broader recovery is warranted. Significant strides were made in 2024 to address the City’s housing supply crisis, but we are a long way off from achieving the goals set by the Governor and Mayor. Finally, a thoughtful, balanced approach for MTA funding is needed.

How can policymakers support your organization?
A progressive New York City requires a prosperous New York City. As a result, policymakers and stakeholders, like REBNY, need to focus on data-driven solutions for such issues as the creation of new, good-paying jobs; the production of much more housing; thoughtful investment in infrastructure; and more support for proven models that provide supportive services and housing for those in need.

What is your favorite part of your job?
REBNY advocates on a broad array of complex public policy issues. This entails managing an incredibly talented staff; working with a diverse range of board members who are successful, brilliant and demanding; and engaging a very broad array of policymakers and other stakeholders who often have different priorities or approaches. As a result, our work is much more akin to chess than checkers.

Michelle Zettergren is the president of labor and chief sales and marketing officer at MagnaCare. With over 25 years of experience in health care and labor, she is recognized for her dedication to ensuring that labor organizations receive the tailored health care solutions they need to navigate complex challenges. Under her leadership, MagnaCare has expanded its services into national markets, growing from a New York-based health plan into a company that serves labor organizations across the country.

What are your organization’s goals for 2025?
We will focus on continuing to enable our customers to deliver high-quality, high-value health care to their members. Specifically, we are enhancing technology and tools so members have the information they need to make the most of their health care benefits. We’re also expanding care management services to identify gaps in care while ensuring members receive first-class chronic condition management support. Finally, we’ll continue our work supporting behavioral health services with additional network providers and virtual options.

How can policymakers support your organization?
We hope policymakers will collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including labor trust funds, employers, providers, payers, medical researchers, and of course, health care consumers, to stay informed and understand the complexities of health care.

What is your favorite part of your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the close personal relationships I have established over time with our clients. Because I know how much their members and members’ families depend on high-quality health care benefits, I am proud to support them, as is the entire MagnaCare team. Every day, our team is committed to delivering efficient, scalable solutions and innovative technology to help our labor clients and their members receive the best possible health care.