Brendan is known for his open-door policy and being available, accessible and responsive to his constituents. He chairs the Board's Anti-Gun Violence Committee, led efforts to adopt best practices to ensure the security and integrity of Essex County elections, and was an early proponent and driving force behind the creation of the Essex-Hudson Greenway. He serves on the New Jersey Bike/Walk Coalition, is a weekly panelist on WOR's NJ NOW public affairs program, and is member and generous supporter of the NAACP, Seton Hall University Alumni Association, St. Theresa Calcutta Church, Blue Wave NJ, Toni's Kitchen and NJ Policy Perspective.

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Brendan chairs the Essex County Board of Commissioners annual celebration recognizing the dignitaries of Essex County’s three St. Patrick’s Day parades;

Brendan was named Essex County Irishman of the Year 2018; 2016 Irishman of the Year of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians Montclair Division 9; St. Joseph’s Hospital 2019 Irishman of the Year and Grand Marshal of the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2014.

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Professionally, Brendan is the founder and CEO of the Montclair-based public affairs firm The BGill Group, where he is professionally recognized as one of the most influential political operatives and public affairs consultants in the industry.  His 20 years of experience in federal, state, and local government include serving as a senior advisor to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, state director for U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, senior advisor to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, district director for U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell and Steve Rothman, chief of staff to Assemblyman Peter Eagler, and communications director for the New Jersey Department of Transportation under two commissioners.

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As the architect of the historic 2017 campaign of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Brendan led the team that shepherded an unknown candidate from political obscurity to an unprecedented 14-point victory. Brendan has served in a leadership role in every successful statewide Democratic campaign in New Jersey within the past two decades, serving as campaign manager for U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg in 2009 and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker in 2014.

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Brendan is regularly ranked as a top consultant on the power and influencer lists published annually by New Jersey's leading business and political publications. 

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Brendan is a lifelong resident of Essex County, born in Belleville and raised in Montclair, where he is currently raising his own family. He is a graduate of the Montclair public school system and of Seton Hall University in South Orange, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in political science. 

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