About LICONY

Laura Evangelista is the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Life Insurance Council of New York (LICONY). She oversees the organization's operations and works directly with the LICONY Board of Directors to develop and guide its strategic mission to create and maintain a legislative and regulatory environment in New York that encourages LICONY's membership to conduct and grow their life insurance businesses.

Laura joined the association in September 2024 as the Managing Director of Regulatory Affairs, where she focused on regulatory issues of importance to the life insurance industry in New York. She was also responsible for regulatory advocacy and compliance issues involving the New York State Department of Financial Services. Laura has had a long relationship with LICONY, having previously served as its outside counsel and having worked closely with the association while at the Department.

Prior to joining LICONY, Laura was a Shareholder at the law firm Greenberg Traurig and focused her practice on insurance regulatory matters, serving as Global Co-Chair of its Insurance Regulatory & Transactions Practice Group.

Before joining Greenberg Traurig, Laura served as Executive Deputy Superintendent of Insurance at the New York State Department of Financial Services, where she led the Department's Insurance Division. In her role at the Department, Laura supervised all substantive insurance matters.  Laura also worked closely with regulated entities, trade associations, and consumer groups on policy initiatives, including the formulation of regulations and industry guidance.

Earlier in her career, Laura was a litigator at national and regional law firms, as well as legal counsel for a boutique international insurance broker. She is a graduate of Trinity College and Hofstra University School of Law.

Timothy Atkins is the Managing Director for Legislative Affairs and Counsel at LICONY. Tim's primary responsibilities include drafting legislation and lobbying on the bills that make up LICONY’s legislative program, analyzing bills and regulations for their impact on our companies, drafting analysis and position memos, and representing LICONY and its member companies at meetings with legislators, Executive Chamber staff, and the Department of Financial Services. Tim provides general legal counsel to the organization and is also responsible for managing LICONY’s political action committee.

Tim came to LICONY with more than a decade of experience in positions working in and around New York State Government. Prior to LICONY, he served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Dormitory of the State of New York (DASNY). There, he worked directly with the President and senior management to develop DASNY’s legislative agenda including soliciting legislative sponsorship and support. Tim guided DASNY’s proposals through the legislative process and successfully lobbied for the passage of several pieces of legislation critical to the authority. He has held several positions inside the New York State Senate including Senior Counsel and Parliamentarian where he assisted in developing the daily Senate floor agenda and provided counsel to the acting President of the Senate relating to the Senate Rules, parliamentary procedure, and the customs of the house.

Tim is a graduate of the University at Albany and Hofstra University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in New York and has been designated a Chartered Life Underwriter by the American College of Financial Services. Tim and his wife, Babette, reside in Delmar, New York, with their two daughters, London and Lucille.

Tonia Margiotta is the Administrative Assistant for the Life Insurance Council of New York. She joined the association in September 2024 and provides administrative support to LICONY Staff. Tonia is responsible for scheduling meetings, maintaining the calendar, coordinating annual membership updates and maintaining updated information. Prior to joining LICONY, Tonia worked for 10 years as a Patent Legal Assistant at Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti.

Tonia lives in Rotterdam Junction with her husband, Tim.

Liz Maxwell is the Manager of External Affairs for LICONY. She joined the association in September 2022. In her role, she organizes external LICONY events, maintains LICONY’s PAC, focuses on stakeholder communication, and updates the organization’s social media channels and website. Prior to joining LICONY, Liz worked in the publishing industry for six years.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Siena College. She resides in Guilderland, New York, with her husband, Steve, and their Siberian Husky.

Linda Nusbaum is the Director of Operations of the Life Insurance Council of New York (LICONY). She is responsible for supporting the President/Chief Executive Officer in planning efforts and managing the financial resources necessary for executing LICONY’s mission. She facilitates the annual financial audit process with an outside auditor, prepares the annual budget and periodic budget status reports in consultation with the President/CEO and manages LICONY dues calculations and assessment process.

She oversees the daily operations of LICONY and is responsible for accounting, bank relations, human resource administration and directing office workflow. Prior to joining LICONY, she worked for the New York State Assembly.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Empire State College. Linda and her husband reside in East Greenbush, New York, with their two children.

Patty Tario is the Executive Assistant for Richard Loconte. She joined the association in September of 2017 as an Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining LICONY, Patty worked for over 20 years in the New York State Assembly Speaker's Office as an Executive Assistant.

Patty resides in Saratoga Springs, NY with her husband, Dennis and has two adult children.