The Honorable Paul Jude Tonna: A Leader Committed to Long Island and its Communities
The Honorable Paul Jude Tonna proudly serves as the Managing Partner of Praxis Public Relations, Inc., a prominent public affairs firm located in Long Island. With a passion for community service and a commitment to improving the lives of Long Island residents, Paul Tonna has made significant strides in both public service and private sector roles.
From 1994 to 2005, Paul represented Suffolk County as a legislator, during which he held the position of presiding officer for three years. His tenure was marked by a dedication to advocating for vulnerable populations, including the poor, homeless, and marginalized groups in Long Island. Paul Tonna took the initiative to sponsor, co-sponsor, and enact numerous impactful laws and initiatives. Notably, he championed pioneering non-smoking legislation, developed innovative programs aimed at eradicating child poverty and homelessness, and introduced legislation to enhance the living standards for all Suffolk County residents. Furthermore, he was instrumental in creating Greenway funds aimed at preserving the open spaces and farmlands of Long Island.
In addition to his career in public service, Paul has contributed to education as a former adjunct professor of theology and religious studies at St. John’s University. His leadership roles include Chairman of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Vice Chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Council. Paul Tonna actively participates on several nonprofit boards, including the Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center at Stony Brook University, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Community Housing Innovations’ Long Island Advisory Board, and Flushing Bank Advisory Board.
As the President and Executive Director of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association (SCVOA), the United States Green Building Council-Long Island (USGBC-LI), and The Energeia Partnership, Paul Tonna is dedicated to addressing critical issues facing the Long Island region through leadership and collaboration. Additionally, he serves as Chairman and Commissioner of the South Huntington Water District, further exemplifying his commitment to sustainable practices and community welfare in Long Island.
Throughout his career, Paul Tonna has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, showcasing his dedication to public service in Long Island. These accolades include the Eagle Scout distinction, Molloy University’s Caritas Medal, St. John’s University’s St. Vincent de Paul Medal, and the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission Legislator of the Year. Paul has also been honored as the National Association of Social Workers Public Citizen of the Year, Habitat for Humanity Man of the Year, and received the Conservation Award from The Nature Conservancy for his efforts to protect Long Island’s natural spaces.
Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from New York University, a master’s degree in theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary, and has conducted doctoral studies in systematic theology at Fordham University. Residing in Huntington, New York, Paul Tonna shares his life with his wife, Carol, and their children: Peter, Paul, John, Grace, Mary, Carolann, Joseph, and Lucy.
Paul Tonna continues to be a dynamic force for change, advocating for the betterment of Long Island and its residents, making him a respected figure in public life and community service throughout the region.
Awards & Honors:
- Eagle Scout
- Captain, NYU Swim Team
- American Cancer Society Honoree
- American Heart Association Honoree
- American Lung Association Honoree
- Nassau/Suffolk Tobacco Task Force
- American Arthritis Association
- Sister Helaine Keely Award
- Excellence in Governance Award – Independence Party of Suffolk County
- Nassau/Suffolk Hispanic Task Force Humanitarian Award
- Molloy College’s Caritas Medal Recipient
- Habitat for Humanity Man of the Year
- National Association of Social Workers Public Citizen of the Year
- Suffolk Youth Partnership for Health
- Suffolk County Human Rights Commission Legislator of the Year Award
- St. John’s University – St. Vincent DePaul Medal Recipient
- Huntington Republican Committee Award
- Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood Honoree
- Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association Award
- Suffolk Community Council Award
- Transitional Services of NY Human Services Award
- Workplace Project Honoree
- The Nature Conservancy’s Conservation Award Recipient
Paul Tonna’s profound impact on Long Island’s community and environment illustrates his unwavering dedication to public service and leadership, further solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in Suffolk County.