Guest Speakers Include Rahm Emanuel, Kevin McCarthy
The Long Island Association (LIA) announced that Rahm Emanuel, former Mayor of Chicago, White House Chief of Staff, and U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and Kevin McCarthy, 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will headline its 2026 Spring Luncheon. The event will take place on June 15 at the Heritage Club at Bethpage.
Emanuel is a former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, mayor of Chicago, White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama and a member of Congress representing Illinois’s 5th Congressional District. As White House Chief of Staff, Emanuel played a central role in advancing major legislative initiatives, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Affordable Care Act. During his tenure in Congress, he served as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and was instrumental in advancing measures such as the Great Lakes Restoration Act and bipartisan budget agreements.
Earlier in his career, Emanuel served as senior advisor to President Bill Clinton, where he worked on key legislative efforts, including the Balanced Budget Act and the Violence Against Women Act. Across public service roles, Emanuel has focused on leadership, crisis management, urban policy, and the intersection of government and business.
“I’m looking forward to joining the Long Island Association at a moment when local economies are facing real pressure and real opportunity,” Emanuel said. “The challenges we face aren’t theoretical — they’re driving outcomes for communities across the country. I’m eager to engage in a conversation about how leadership and pragmatic decision-making can help move regions like Long Island forward.”
McCarthy served as the 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in California’s 22nd Congressional District and held multiple leadership roles in the House Republican Conference over nearly two decades in Congress. Throughout his tenure, McCarthy served under four U.S. presidents and played a central role in major legislative negotiations during periods of economic and political volatility. Known for his focus on coalition-building and legislative strategy, he rose quickly through Republican leadership ranks, ultimately serving as Speaker.
After his election to speaker, McCarthy went on to secure $2 trillion in deficit reduction. McCarthy’s experience in Washington has centered on fiscal policy, governance, and institutional reform, with a long-standing emphasis on government efficiency and accountability.
“Long Island has long been a bellwether for the kinds of economic and policy challenges facing communities across America,” McCarthy said. “I’m glad to join this discussion with the Long Island Association to discuss where Washington is headed, how we can promote effective governance, and what it will take to strengthen economic growth, stability, and opportunity for working families and job creators alike.”
Emanuel and McCarthy will offer perspectives from both sides of the aisle in a moderated conversation on the future of bipartisan governance in America, the evolving geopolitical landscape, the policy issues shaping the nation’s economic trajectory, and how all this impacts Long Island and its business community. The discussion will be moderated by LIA Acting President and CEO Stacey Sikes and will focus on their experiences throughout their careers and explore how government can effectively respond to the needs of Long Island’s economy and businesses.
LIA Board Chairman Lawrence J. Waldman added, “As the Long Island Association marks its Centennial year, this discussion reflects the level of dialogue our region needs at a consequential moment for the economy. Bringing together these two leaders with firsthand experience navigating complex political and economic challenges at the highest levels of government creates a unique opportunity for Long Island’s business community to hear thoughtful perspectives on the issues shaping our future.”
“Each year, the LIA’s Spring Luncheon allows our members to engage with prominent leaders who can offer a unique perspective on Long Island’s future, and this year is no exception,” said Sikes. “Rahm Emanuel and Kevin McCarthy bring distinct and significant perspectives on governance, policy, and leadership that will help inform how our region navigates a rapidly changing economic environment.”