WPCNJ Leadership
The Executive Board
Eileen Kean, Esq.
Eileen Kean joined Komjathy & Kean, LLC in 2010 bringing her vast experiences lobbying in Washington, DC and Trenton. She is well versed and respected in New Jersey politics having excellent relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle. Eileen was confirmed by Governor Murphy to serve as a Commissioner of the Monmouth County Board of Elections. The Governor also appointed her to serve on the NJ State Board of Pharmacy. She also is a trustee for the Drumthwacket Foundation, the historic home of all NJ Governors.
Jayne O'Connor
Jayne O’Connor is Senior Vice President at Taft Communications, a purpose-focused consultancy, where she leads the Sustainability practice. Throughout her career, she has advised CEOs and political leaders in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Before joining Taft, Ms. O’Connor served as head of communications and marketing at Capital Health, and director of corporate affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb. Prior to those positions, she was press secretary to Gov. Christie Whitman. A community leader with a history of service on nonprofit boards, She holds an MA and BA in Political Science from Rutgers University. She has been recognized by a number of organizations, including NJBiz Top 50 Women in Business.
TREASURER
Liz Murray
Liz Murray is Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Comcast, the nation’s leading provider of broadband and entertainment products and services. She is responsible for coordinating regulatory strategy and advocacy in 15 states. Liz serves as Treasurer of the NJ Cable Telecommunications Association, is a member of Comcast’s Northeast Division Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and is a member of the Board of the Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania. Liz is an alumnus of Douglass College at Rutgers University and resides in Metuchen with her wife and adult children.
Grace Strom Power, Esq.
Grace Strom Power is a Partner at McCarter & English, LLP in the Government Affairs and Energy & Environment practice groups. She is a former Chief of Staff at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities during the Murphy Administration where she was responsible for the development and implementation of policy and chaired the 2019 State Energy Master Plan Committee. Active in state and local politics, she is a graduate of Rutgers University School of Law – Newark. She has a Master’s Degree from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers and an undergraduate degree from Rutgers College, and was affiliated with the Eagleton Institute of Politics as a graduate fellow and undergraduate associate. Grace lives in West Windsor with her husband Dennis and two children, Abby and Jack.
Sabeen Masih
SECRETARY
Scarlett Rajski
Scarlett Rajski is the Director of Legislative Affairs at the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, where she serves as the primary liaison between the Authority and members of the New Jersey State Legislature. She joined Governor Phil Murphy’s administration in January 2018 as the Director of Appointments and prior to that worked in the Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Department of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. She has also worked at MWW, a public relations and public affairs agency, and as Special Projects Director for United States Senator Robert Menendez. Scarlett holds a degree in Political Science and American Studies from Boston University and a Master of Public Affairs and Politics from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.
Scarlett resides in Hamilton Township with her husband, Jeff, and daughter Olivia, where she is involved in numerous community events and nonprofit organizations.
PAC TREASURER
Pamela L. Yuen
Pamela is the Director of Federal Government Relations, Policy and Advocacy at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) where she focuses on national priorities that help Clubs advance their mission and ensure youth reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. She has over a decade of government relations and advocacy experience and regularly liaises with Members of Congress and the Administration on a range of issues including federal appropriations, education, youth justice & safety, and childcare among other issues affecting youth today. Prior to joining BGCA, Pam served as the Senior Director of Government Relations at YWCA USA where she led the government relations & advocacy department and managed a wide portfolio including gender-based violence, childcare, federal appropriations & racial justice issues impacting women & girls of color. She also served at the American Association of University Women (AAUW) after completing her tenure as Scheduler and Staff Assistant to Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.
Pam is a graduate of The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management where she earned a dual degree in strategic public relations and campaign strategy. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Douglass College, Rutgers University. While at Douglass, Pam served two terms as president of the Rutgers Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey. During her tenure, the student organization doubled its membership and maintained an active role on campus, raising awareness for a greater need to have young women involved and active in the political process.
Board At Large
Alexis Bailey
Alexis Bailey joined Public Strategies Impact in 2023 after serving as Vice President of Government Affairs for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association. While at NJBIA, she covered labor and employment, workforce development and insurance issues impacting the state’s business community. Prior to joining NJBIA, Alexis worked as a Legislative Research Associate for the Kaufman Zita Group and as a Government Affairs and Communications Consultant for the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association.
Alexis has been recognized as a leader in New Jersey, being named to ROI-NJ’s ROI Influencers: Women in Business list in 2023, the ROI Influencers: People of Color list in 2022 and 2023, and InsiderNJ’s Millennials to Watch list in 2020. Alexis was recognized as a 50 Under 30 Honoree by the Meadowland’s Chamber of Commerce in 2023. She was also honored as a Phenomenal Woman Under 40 by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore in 2022 and was named a Rising Star Award recipient by NJBIA in 2019.
Alexis is involved in her community as a member of the Toms River Zoning Board of Adjustments and Member-At-Large of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s Board of Directors. She also serves on Rider University’s Broncs of the Last Decade alumni committee.
She graduated with summa cum laude honors from Rider University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Zoe Baldwin
Zoe Baldwin leads research, planning, and advocacy activities in New Jersey, where she works to advance RPA programs that facilitate equitable, vibrant, and resilient communities through sustainable infrastructure and development. Zoe draws on her considerable experience in public policy and community engagement to build diverse support for policies that promote a stronger, more connected region.
Zoe works to implement key components of RPA’s Fourth Regional Plan – a blueprint for the region’s growth, sustainability, good governance and economic opportunity for the next 25 years. This includes building support for the Gateway Tunnel project and more NJ Transit funding, diversifying and expanding affordable housing through legalization of accessory dwelling units, and advancing policies that support climate change adaptation and clean energy.
Prior to joining RPA, Zoe was the Director of Government Affairs for the Utility & Transportation Contractors Association, and served United States Senators Cory Booker and Frank Lautenberg. Zoe got her start in infrastructure policy as the New Jersey Director for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and began her career as the Legislative Director for NJ State Senator Loretta Weinberg.
Rosemary Bernardi
Rosemary is the WPCNJ communications chairperson. Rosemary is a former elected official, elected three times to Evesham township school board and served as New Jersey School Board Association’s Vice President of Legislation. She was an Alt-delegate to the DNC in 2012.
Rosemary has 16 years of software development and project management expertise in the IT industry. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania, Rosemary is also a graduate of Leadership NJ, one of the most prestigious leadership development programs in the state. Rosemary currently resides in Evesham Township in Burlington County. She volunteers on local civic and school booster clubs, including a former role as PTA president. She is a proud mom of two young men.
Chrissy Buteas
Chrissy Buteas is the President and CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ), an organization founded in 1997 that serves as the trade association for the leading research-based biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies in New Jersey.
Buteas brings a wealth of leadership experience to her current role at HINJ. Her diverse career path includes serving as the Vice President of Government Affairs at Altice (Optimum), a major broadband communications and video service provider operating across 21 states. She also held the position of Chief Government Affairs Officer for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), where she influenced policies impacting one million employees of member companies and led the NEW JOBS PAC, New Jersey’s largest and most influential ideological business political action committee.
Prior to her tenure at NJBIA, Buteas made significant contributions as the President and CEO of the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey. In this role, she represented home health agencies, hospices, and healthcare service firms serving Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay patients across the state, leaving a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape.
In addition to her professional roles, Buteas contributes her expertise to several boards. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Middlesex College, Thanexus, Inc. (a funeral service cooperative), and the Northern Board of Junior Achievement. She is also a board member of Focus NJ, an independent research nonprofit, and the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University.
Her commitment to public service includes serving on the New Jersey Medical Assistance Advisory Council, formerly the New Jersey Small Employer Health Benefits Program, and the New Jersey Mandated Health Benefits Advisory Commission. She has also been part of the Board of the Associated Member Trust.
Buteas’ professional achievements have been widely recognized. In 2022, she was honored with the President’s Award from the Women’s Political Caucus of NJ. The previous year, she was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore and was featured in NJBIZ’s Next Generation of Leaders. Her contributions were also acknowledged by Jersey’s Best magazine, which honored her as a Barrier Breaker. Buteas has consistently been featured on ROI-NJ’s Influencers: Power List for Government Affairs and was listed among NJBIZ’s Best 50 Women in Business in 2018. She has also been named to NJBIZ’s 40 Under 40 and Power 50 Health Care lists and Insider NJ’s Insider 100 Policymakers list.
Buteas holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Rutgers University-Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Rowan University. She is a graduate of Leadership New Jersey, a leadership development program, and served as a Raimondo Fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics, where she is a member of the Alumni Association.
Lisa Chapland, Esq
Lisa is an attorney and a government affairs agent. She is the Senior Managing Director of Government Affairs of the New Jersey State Bar Association. Lisa is also of counsel to Hill Wallack LLP in Princeton. Prior to her work at the NJSBA, she was a full-time attorney at Hill Wallack where she focused her practice on commercial litigation. She specialized in election law, having represented clients on a number of issues related to ballot access, campaign finance matters, pay-to-play issues, and election day matters. In 2009, while at Genova Burns, Lisa developed and oversaw the election day volunteer attorney network for the Corzine for Governor campaign managing over 80 attorneys statewide. Prior to practicing law, she was a political consultant for Message & Media in New Brunswick, where she helped to develop multi-media campaigns for private corporations, special interest groups, and high profile federal, state and local candidates throughout the country. Lisa is also Vice Chair of the Staffing and Oversight Review Subcommittee of the New Jersey Task Force on Abuse and Neglect; a member of the Middlesex County Board of Ethics; and a trustee of Embrella. Outside of her work with the NJSBA, Lisa focuses her work on child welfare issues, focused on improving New Jersey’s child welfare system and resource parent rights.
Eileen Della Volle
Eileen currently serves on the board of the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey, on the Brick Board of Adjustment. S. She also has served on numerous industry-specific boards, including Women in Transportation Seminar and the Society of Marketing Professionals. She was named one of the “Top 50 Women in Business” by NJBIZ Magazine and was the recipient of its “40 Under 40” award; earned the SMPS New York City Chapter Marketing Achievement Award; was named “Outstanding Woman” by the Women’s Building Council; and received an “Award of Excellence” in recognition of her commitment to maximizing contracting opportunities for women and minority owned firms.
Eileen is a recognized business development executive and community leader with professional experience in business development in the A/E/C industry. She maintains an extensive network of influential business leaders, government officials, diversity representatives, and trade organizations to create change and results in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Within this network she is committed to helping to shape public policy and contribute to the education of stakeholders related to business diversity in public project delivery at state and municipal levels. In addition Eileen also serves on the DEI committees of WTS and Women Builders Council.
Athina Fassu
Athina Fassu moved to the United States (Hamilton, NJ) in October of 2005 from Cameroon and was a proud resident until 2019. She Graduated from Steinert High School in 2013 and continued her academic endeavors at Rider University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and American Studies in 2017.
Her political career started with an internship for Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo in the spring of 2016. Athina then started her first political job at The Middlesex County Democratic Organization as an Assistant. Then she worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Assembly Majority Office for two years. She later joined the office of Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli for a year. Most recently, she served as Legislative Director to Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo.
In April of 2019 Athina successfully rebooted the Mercer County Young Democrats and was elected as Chair. She continues to serve as Chair for the 2022-2023 year. In 2020 she was named Young Leader of the Year by the Mercer County Democratic Committee. She was named a Rising Star on the InsiderNJ’s 100 Millennials List. She was also awarded 30 under 30 Trendsetter Award by SNJ Millennials in 2022. Athina is currently a Senior Legislative Aide to Governor Phil Murphy and resides in Ewing.
Jeanne Fox, Esq.
Jeanne is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (2015 – present). Ms. Fox is a co-founder and Board member of the non-profit Center for Renewables Integration. She served as a Commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (January 2002 -September 2014) and was its President and a member of the Governor’s cabinet (January 2002 – January 2010). The NJBPU has regulatory jurisdiction over telephone, electric, gas, water, wastewater and cable television companies and works to ensure that consumers have proper service at reasonable rates.
She is a member of: The National Academies of Science Panel on Resiliency of the Transmission and Distribution System; the Carnegie Mellon University’s Advisory Board for the Center for Climate Energy Decision Making: GRID Alternatives Tri-State Board of Directors; Rutgers University Trustee Emerita; Associate Alumnae of Douglass College President; Women’s Political Caucus of NJ Board; New Jersey AARP’s Executive Council; and the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern NJ Board Development Committee.
Petra Gaskins
Petra Gaskins is the Chief of Staff to Senator Andrew Zwicker after undertaking a historic campaign for then Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker to become the first Democrat Senator in New Jersey’s 16th Legislative District. She is responsible for increasing his profile and creating opportunities for him to lend his voice to critical issues such as passing early voting and fostering New Jersey’s innovation economy. Driven by a desire to help others effectuate policy change, she takes great pride in mentoring the next generation of civic leaders by serving as the Director Emeritus of New Leaders Council-New Jersey.
Previously, she served as Director of Outreach & Programming for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and as an Aide to Governor Phil Murphy. She is most known for creating outside-the-box opportunities to elevate those whose voices have been systemically ignored. Petra was sworn in on January 2, 2023 to the New Brunswick City Council; she is the first black woman and the youngest in history to serve on Council.
Kate Gibbs
The Deputy Director for the Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative, ELEC 825, Gibbs leads Business Development for the organization by promoting economic development and advocating for investments in all types of infrastructure. She has established a strong record of shaping policy, building coalitions and implementing successful strategies and tactics that include political advocacy, government relations, communications and social media in pursuit of organizational goals.
In November of 2015, Gibbs was elected to the Burlington County Board of Freeholders; becoming the youngest woman in NJ to be elected to countywide office. During her first two years in office, Gibbs served as Deputy Director before being elected in January of 2018, in a unanimous and bi-partisan vote of her peers to serve as Freeholder Director.
Prior to joining the Freeholder Board, Gibbs served on the Board of Trustees for Rowan College at Burlington County, where she worked closely with the County’s new Workforce Development Institute and played an active role in establishing the College’s partnership with Rowan University.
Gibbs actively participates on boards and committees for various Chambers of Commerce and business and industry organizations throughout the entire State of New Jersey. Gibbs earned her Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, graduating Summa Cum Laude and a B.A. from The American University, with a Double Major in Public Communications and Political Science.
Jeanette Hoffman
Jeanette Hoffman, President of Marathon Public Affairs, specializes in strategic messaging, crisis communications and public affairs campaigns. An experienced government relations professional and statewide media spokesperson, Jeanette enjoys strong relationships with elected officials and key decision-makers on both sides of the aisle – in New Jersey and beyond. She has over twenty years experience in issues advocacy, politics, policy and state government.
Jeanette was awarded the Carol Murphy Award by Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey, and she’s been named to ROI-NJ’s Top Women in Business, as well as NJBIZ’s prestigious Forty Under 40 list. Since 2012, Democratic State Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-37) has consistently featured Jeanette on her New Jersey Women of Power List. She’s also been named one of the Right Women to Watch and one of PolitickerNJ’s top political operatives several times.
Jennie Lamon
Jennie Lamon is the Assistant Director of Government Relations for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. Prior to joining NJPSA, Jennie spent thirteen years working for the New Jersey Senate as an aide and Chief of Staff to retired Senator Diane B. Allen. Ms. Lamon completed her undergraduate work in Political Science at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, NJ in 2000. Jennie received her J.D. from Rutgers School of Law in Camden, NJ in 2003.
Jeralyn Lawrence, Esq.
Jeralyn is the Managing Member and Founder of Lawrence Law, and devotes her practice to matrimonial, divorce, and family law, and is a trained collaborative lawyer, divorce mediator, and arbitrator. Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, Jeralyn represents clients with matrimonial and family law needs. Jeralyn is President of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA), where she is slated to become its President in 2022. She is Vice President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers New Jersey Chapter and is certified by the Academy as a Family Law Arbitrator.
Jeralyn was selected by the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey to receive their Carol Murphy Award and received the 2014 New Jersey Professional Lawyer of the Year Award from the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law. She was honored by NJBiz as one of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business and was selected as a Kean University Distinguished Alumna. Jeralyn was honored as an Outstanding Woman in Somerset County by the Somerset County Commission On the Status Of Women. She received the NJSBA’s Young Lawyers Division’s Professional Achievement Award and received three Annual Legislative Recognition awards from the NJSBA. She was named a 2019 New Jersey Legal Trailblazer by the New Jersey Law Journal and is one of the New Jersey Super Lawyers in the Family Law section.
Andrea Martinez-Mejia
Leveraging a diverse skillset that includes work in the public and private sectors, Martinez-Mejia is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, whose mission is to work collaboratively to improve systems and community and individual conditions for optimal health and well-being. She served as Chief of Staff for the NJ Department of Health from 2018 to 2023; during this time, she led operations for eight offices within the Department (HR, Ethics, Communications, Equal Opportunity, Legislative Affairs, Management, and administration, Minority & Multicultural Health & Research Initiatives). In addition to playing a vital role in public awareness initiatives related to maternal and children’s health, COVID-19, and vaping, Martinez-Mejia advocated for Spanish-speaking populations by shaping partnerships with Latino media outlets to expand the reach of the Department.
Previously, Martinez-Mejia served as Coordinator of Community Health Services for the City of Trenton’s Department of Health & Human Services; Community Recovery Director with the American Red Cross following Superstorm Sandy; and as a Family Worker for the Black United Fund (BUF) Health & Human Services. Starting out in public service, MartinezMejia also served in several positions within the State of New Jersey, including with the Department of Health & Senior Services, Office of the Governor, and Department of State.
Martinez-Mejia has a Master of Public Administration in Healthcare Management and Policy, along with a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations, from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Outside of the workplace, Martinez-Mejia is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of Latina Civic and as Chair of the Latina Civic Foundation, Inc. and formerly serving as Volunteer Mentor Coach with America Needs You. Martinez-Mejia is bilingual in English and Spanish and is driven to bring inclusive healthcare opportunities to all parts of the community.
Marcela Ospina Maziarz
Marcela Ospina Maziarz, MPA, serves as vice president for Community and Government Affairs. Reporting to the president and serving on President’s Cabinet, Maziarz leads the University’s efforts advocating for TESU’s mission and students on the federal, state and local levels and plays a pivotal role in expanding Trenton and Mercer County relations for the University.
Prior to joining the University, Maziarz served as deputy commissioner (Health Systems) for the New Jersey Department of Health, where she oversaw licensing, inspections and enforcement of regulations for approximately 4,000 licensed healthcare facilities, the certificate of need program and major funding programs such as charity care and graduate medical education. She played a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic response and vaccination rollout among the state’s underserved communities; leading community outreach, door-to-door campaigns in Trenton and directing a team in successfully increasing vaccination rates for traditionally at-risk communities across 30 of the state’s municipalities with the highest social vulnerability index. During her tenure, Maziarz led a strategic plan focused on restructuring government policies and interventions to address poor outcomes for minority mothers in the state. The strategic intervention led to the creation of the New Jersey Maternal Care Quality Collaborative and the award of $12.75 million for the state to create replicable health interventions to eliminate preventable deaths and morbidities
She has strong experience working within and across the government and community affairs landscape having served as assistant director of Budget and Fiscal Analysis in the New Jersey Senate Democratic Office as well as a public information officer for the New Jersey Department of Labor.
Maziarz holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers University-Newark and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Her professional accolades include Senator Loretta Weinberg’s Women of Power List (2016 – 2020); ROI Influencers – People of Color, 2020; and the Rutgers Faculty Award for Academic Excellence (2010). Noted for her expertise in government administration, public policy and analysis with a focus on health equity, Maziarz has a wealth of experience in legislative affairs and consensus building.
Kaylee McGuire
Kaylee McGuire is a dedicated professional in the field of policy and public service. Her background includes working with individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs. Personal caregiving experiences with aging family members and extensive work with children with complex needs led her to public service. McGuire has more than ten years of experience in leading disability services, community programs, and providing recreational therapy and child life services in hospitals and long-term care.
She is now the Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services at the Department of Human Services. Before joining the Department, McGuire worked as a Senior Health Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Murphy and supported the Governor’s COVID-19 response. Before joining the Murphy Administration, she served as a policy analyst and Health Committee Aide in the Assembly Majority Office under Speaker Craig Coughlin, and formerly held a management role at one of the largest pediatric rehabilitation systems in the nation.
McGuire received her Master’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is dedicated to advancing both women and the Millennial generation in leadership roles in government and politics in New Jersey. McGuire was raised in Ocean County, is a loving aunt of seven, and enjoys outdoor activities and hiking with her rescue dog, Louna.
Crystal Pruitt
Crystal Pruitt currently serves as External Affairs Lead for New Jersey for Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind LLC., a 50/50 joint venture between Shell New Energies and EDF Renewables. A graduate of North Carolina State University (Bachelor of Science, Criminology – 2007) and John Jay College of Criminal Justice (Master of Arts, Forensic Psychology – 2009; Master of Arts, Forensic Mental Health Counseling – 2014), she has worked for the Forensic Intensive Recovery Program in the First Judicial District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services, Bronx TASC Mental Health Court Diversion Program, Bo Robinson Assessment and Treatment Center and Amplify Incorporated.
Ms. Pruitt would officially transition to politics in 2017 as Director of Constituent Relations and Community Outreach for then Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker. After which, she moved into the Murphy Administration to work as Legislative Liaison for the New Jersey Department of Human Services before returning to the Legislative Branch as a Chief of Staff for then Assemblyman Zwicker, prior to his becoming a State Senator.
In addition to her work in government, Ms. Pruiit would be appointed to fulfill an unexpired term on the Franklin Township Council in Somerset County in January of 2019 and go on to be elected to a full term as Councilperson At Large that November. During her tenure, she was the youngest member of the Township’s council and concluded her term at the end of 2023.
Ms. Pruitt. serves as a board member for the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and the New Jersey Family Planning League. She has also previously served on the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s CLEAR – Law Enforcement and the Black Community workgroup, the Workgroup on Harassment, Sexual Assault and Misogyny in NJ Politics, and New Jersey Abortion Action Fund. Other leadership positions of note include her previous roles as Diversity Co-Chair on the executive board of New Jersey Chapter of the New Leaders Council, Vice-President of the JFK Democratic Club of Franklin Township, and President of the Somerset County Young Democrats.
Antonia Ricigliano
The first woman Mayor of Edison Township from January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2013. An Edison resident who served on the Township Council from 1998 to 2001 and again from 2006 to 2009. She and her late husband of more than 65 years, have nine children, sixteen grandchildren most of whom live in Edison and one great-grandson. Antonia holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary & Secondary Education, K-12 certification with a focus on History from Kean University.
Christine Shipley
Christine has more than 25 years of strategic advisory experience in New Jersey state government. With a reputation among policy makers as a trusted, bipartisan advocate for pragmatic solutions, she assists businesses and trade organizations with their legislative and regulatory priorities and guides them through the complexities of state government. Christine advises clients across industries on key executive proposals and legislative developments that may impact their businesses and markets.
Christine served for 10 years as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Senate Republican Office where she developed close ties with legislators and staff on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, she served the Senate Republican Caucus as Deputy Executive Director, Director of Research and Chief Counsel, and as an Assistant Counsel in the Office of Chief Counsel for Governor Christine Todd Whitman. Her experience also includes working in Pennsylvania state government as a Legislative Analyst in the Office of Legislative Affairs in the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Governor Tom Ridge and interning with the Pennsylvania General Assembly Republican Legal Staff.
Christine has spoken at a variety of events sponsored by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. As a strong believer in mentoring up and coming leaders, Christine has presented at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship, NEW Leadership® at the Center for American Women and Politics and the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Leadership Academy.
Shari Weiner, Esq.
Shari Weiner, Esq. is a partner with the law firm of Murphy McKeon P.C. where she specializes in municipal and land use law. Ms. Weiner followed a career in government relations as an elected official with a second degree in the field of law in 1986. She served as Mayor of Livingston, New Jersey, after serving as Deputy Mayor and Councilwoman. In 2002, she was appointed Livingston Township Attorney, a position she held until her retirement last year.
Ms. Weiner is the past chair of the Local Government Law Section of the New Jersey Bar Association and is assistant counsel to the New Jersey League of Municipalities. Shari was awarded a Diplomate in local government law by the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys and she was recognized as one of New Jersey’s best 50 women in business by NJBIZ.
Shari is past President of the WPCNJ, has remained active in the Caucus by chairing its Political Resource Committee.
Alix James, Esq - Board Counsel
Alix has served as WPC NJ’s Co-Board Counsel since 2014. Working as an in-house attorney for an international real estate investment trust, Alix manages corporate legal matters and specializes in obtaining construction and land use approvals. She also oversees government affairs and community group engagement. Alix brings with her over a decade of experience working in a law firm, government agencies, start-up ventures and politics. While attending law school, Alix worked in the Constitutional Litigation Clinic on congressional redistricting and voter protection issues, where she was awarded the Mark J. Lopez Civil Liberties Award and the Frank and Marilyn Askin Award for Excellence in Clinical Studies. A graduate of Vanderbilt University and Rutgers University School of Law, Alix enjoys skiing, cooking and travel in her spare time. She lives in Jersey City with her husband and daughter.
Megan Hutton - Board Administrator
Jade Bechelli - DTF Co-Chair
Jade has over 15 years of experience in public policy and government affairs. Currently, she serves as a policy advisor working on issues related to children, families, women, food security, and agriculture. Previously, Jade served as Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society after a long tenure as the Director of Policy to Majority Leader Louis Greenwald in the General Assembly Majority Office and a Democratic Committee Aide to many committees including the Assembly Education Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee. Jade is a graduate of The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management where she earned a master’s degree in political management. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Arcadia University in political science and women and gender studies. Jade is active in the Cherry Hill and Camden County Democratic parties. She previously served as the Executive Vice President and Women’s Caucus Chair to the New Jersey Young Democrats. She lives in Cherry Hill with her husband, daughter, and stepson.
Erin Rice - DTF Co-Chair
Erin serves as Director of Strategy at Lenox Consulting, a New Jersey and Ireland based communications firm. Before joining the Lenox team, she served as Chief of Staff to Senator Richard J. Codey, former Governor of New Jersey. Her work covered all aspects of legislation, especially before the Environment and Energy and Health Committees. Erin previously served as Community Relations and PAC Coordinator for the I.U.O.E, Local 825.
Prior to this role, Erin was an aide to Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. In addition to her governmental posts, Erin also served as Campaign Manager for numerous legislative and congressional campaigns and has volunteered for candidates at all levels of office. Erin is a founding Board member of Irish Network’s NJ Chapter and was named an Irish American Youth Ambassador by the Irish Echo. She was an elected delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. She has been recognized for her efforts to support women in organized labor, and is a longtime member of the numerous Democratic women’s groups. She earned a BA in English with a journalism concentration from Montclair State University. A lifelong New Jersey girl, Erin currently lives in Madison.
Samantha DeAlmeida - RTF Chair
Samantha DeAlmeida Roman is President of the Associated Builders and Contractors, New Jersey
Chapter (ABC-NJ). ABC is a national association representing more than 21,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 69 chapters across the United States. ABC-NJ’s membership represents all specialties within the construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors. ABC is the industry’s liaison to federal, state and local governments and the public at large. ABC-NJ is the largest ABC Chapter with over 1,300 members and DeAlmeida is the youngest ABC Chapter President in the country.
As the leader of one of the state’s most prominent trade associations, DeAlmeida is a powerful
advocate for the construction industry in New Jersey. Her leadership capabilities and political expertise bring merit shop business owners a strong voice in Trenton and in Washington, D.C.
Samantha works tirelessly to ensure her members have equal opportunities to bid on public contracts
and to provide good jobs for their employees as the state begins to recover from the COVID-19
pandemic. She also works closely with educational institutions and statewide organizations, including the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, to bring ABC-NJ’s apprenticeship training program to under-served communities throughout the state. She serves as a leading voice in changing the culture of the construction industry to gain more female and minority participation.
Samantha is a seasoned public affairs professional with 10 years of experience in issues advocacy,
politics, policy, and state government. Previously, she served as second vice president and government affairs liaison of ABC NJ.
Before joining ABC, DeAlmeida served as the New Jersey government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, where she worked with stakeholders across the political spectrum to achieve legislative support for the organization’s key initiatives, resulting in several bills being signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
She also served as deputy director of government relations and policy for the New Jersey Hospital
Association, and as a policy analyst for the New Jersey State Legislature.
She is a graduate of Monmouth University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s
degrees in homeland security and public policy.
DeAlmeida is widely recognized as one of New Jersey’s most influential young professionals. She has
been named to Insider NJ’s 2019 Insider 100 Millennials, 2020 Insider 100 Millennials, 2021 Insider 100 Millennials, Insider NJ’s 2021 Insider 100: Power Publication, ROI-NJ Influencers: Women in Business 2022 and Save Jersey’s “Right Women to Watch” for the last 4 years. She also a finalist nominee for the Monmouth County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious ATHENA award for women’s leadership.
Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, John and daughter, Reagan. She also has a
menagerie of animals including a horse, pony, goat and French Bulldog.
