About Us

Who We Are

Thorough Planning is a New Jersey-based consulting firm that has successfully navigated the intersection of government, community, and politics for over 30 years. The firm specializes in building bridges between public and private stakeholders to achieve sustainable, impactful outcomes.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver strategic solutions that address complex challenges while fostering meaningful partnerships that drive positive change.

Approach

We believe that the best outcomes are achieved through trust, collaboration, and a thorough understanding of each client’s unique needs. By combining decades of experience with fresh, innovative thinking, we guide our clients toward practical, actionable solutions.

T. Missy Balmir – Partner

Missy Balmir is a seasoned government affairs and strategic planning professional with over two decades of experience working at the intersection of government, community, and politics. Her career spans key leadership roles across New Jersey’s public sector, including serving as a borough administrator, senior advisor, and adjunct faculty member at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics. Throughout her career, Missy has built a reputation for creating practical solutions to complex challenges by fostering coalitions and cultivating meaningful partnerships.

Missy’s expertise lies in navigating government affairs, managing crises, and shaping public policy. Her ability to connect with key stakeholders and build consensus has made her a trusted advisor to elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and private sector clients alike. She is particularly skilled at providing steady leadership during high-pressure situations, ensuring that her clients remain focused on achieving long-term success even in the most challenging environments.

In addition to her government work, Missy is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders. As an adjunct faculty member at Rutgers, she helps students develop the skills needed to succeed in public service, reinforcing her commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Missy’s approach to consulting is grounded in a deep understanding of government operations and a belief in the power of collaboration. She brings both strategic vision and practical execution to every engagement, ensuring that her clients achieve sustainable, impactful outcomes.

Gerard M. Balmir, Jr. – Partner

Gerard M. Balmir, Jr. is a veteran public affairs and labor relations expert with more than 20 years of experience in government operations, issue advocacy, and workforce development. He has dedicated his career to fostering economic opportunities, creating lasting partnerships, and driving policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the workforce. His deep understanding of government processes, combined with his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, makes him a sought-after strategist for clients across a variety of sectors.

Gerard’s career has been marked by his ability to build relationships that drive change. As Director of the New Jersey Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJ BUILD), he led efforts to promote workforce diversity by creating training and apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented groups. His advocacy work with labor unions has resulted in the passage of Project Labor Agreements throughout New Jersey, increasing opportunities for women and minority union members.

Gerard’s leadership extends beyond labor relations. He has held elected and appointed positions, including serving as a Hudson County Freeholder, Chair of the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority, and Vice Chair of the Trenton Planning Board. These roles have given him a unique perspective on how to balance community needs with policy objectives, ensuring that his work benefits both individuals and organizations.

At Thorough Planning, Gerard leverages his extensive experience to help clients achieve their goals through strategic partnerships, effective advocacy, and community engagement. His focus on building sustainable solutions reflects his belief that meaningful change comes from collaboration, trust, and shared vision.