NJEA Organizational Directory

The Affiliation Committee: 1. reviews, investigates, and makes recommendations on the applications of local, county and special interest associations requesting NJEA affiliation; 2. periodically reviews affiliation standards and a random sampling of local and county affiliates to ensure compliance with NJEA and NEA affiliation and Local Association Financial Assistance Program (LAFAP) standards; 3. reviews problems involving disaffiliation; 4. makes recommendations for appropriate action by the Delegate Assembly.

Chair: Gerard Campione, Middlesex

Staff contact: David Bander

Atlantic: Heather Flaim; Bergen: Thomas Schram; Cape May: Walter Johnson; Essex: Elaine Elliott; Gloucester: Collin Aregood; Hudson: Marquisha Reynolds; Mercer: April Licato; NJREA: Barbara Toczko; Ocean: Beverly Figlioli; Somerset: Daniel Epstein; Union: Keith Coston

Working with data and suggestions provided by staff, officers, the Executive Committee, the Delegate Assembly and other committees, the Budget Committee: 1. prepares and recommends an annual budget for consideration by the Delegate Assembly; 2. examines trends related to membership growth, revenues and program expenditures; 3. regularly reviews the expenditures within cost centers for compliance with D.A. policy; 4. makes recommendations to the Delegate Assembly or Executive Committee, as appropriate, for transfers between cost centers; 5. reviews the auditor’s report on all NJEA accounts and expenditures; 6. reviews NJEA investment policy; 7. reviews NJEA capital assets.

Chair: Secretary-Treasurer Petal T. Robertson

Staff contact: Karen Kryven

Atlantic: Melissa Tomlinson; Bergen: Thomas Papaleo; Burlington: Andrew Jacobs; Camden: Janelle Mungro; Cape May: Tammi Lee; Cumberland: Tiffanie ThrBak; Essex: Christine Candarella; Gloucester: Melba Moore-Suggs; Higher Ed: Peter Helff; Hudson: Kevin Reed; Hunterdon: Susan Vala; Mercer: Sandra Herrington; Middlesex: Michael Wildermuth; Monmouth: Robin Dreuer; Morris: Lisa Lamendola; NJREA: Robert C. Kapp; Ocean: Maria De Venecia-McFarland; Passaic: Patricia Kebrdle; Somerset: David Yastremski; Union: Ann Margaret Shannon

Certification, Evaluation and Tenure Committee: 1. studies, reports on and makes recommendations concerning program improvements, training opportunities and problems in pre-professional education, certification, evaluation and tenure; 2. monitors State Board of Education and other agencies related thereto; 3. develops strategies to educate the general population about the purpose and necessity of tenure, academic freedom and the evaluation process; 4. works in conjunction with the Instructional Issues and Professional Development committees to disseminate information to the profession.

Chair: Dayna Orlak, Bergen

Staff contact: Elizabeth Yucis

Atlantic: Malissa Ridley; Burlington: Lisa Chiavuzzo; Camden: Michele Ransone; Cape May: Catherine Krause; Essex: Sharon Ortiz; Hudson: Charlene Bini; Mercer: Melissa Watros; Middlesex: Hannah Pawlak; Monmouth: Elizabeth Semanchick; Morris: Mark Henaghen; NJREA: Martin Sharofsky; Passaic: Megan King; Somerset: Fontella Best; Union: Chrystal Parr-Allen

Composed of at least one representative from each county, the Congressional Contact Committee: 1. maintains contact with New Jersey’s congressional delegation regarding NEA/NJEA’s legislative program; 2. makes NJEA members aware of the Association’s federal legislative program and the need for membership activity in support of that program; 3. chairs screening committees in congressional races; 4. maintains a close working relationship with NJEA lobbyists and NJEA Government Relations.

Chair: Patricia Kebrdle, Passaic

Staff contact: Sean Hadley

Atlantic: Tim Mancuso; Bergen: Fanny Cruz-Betesh; Christopher Sheridan; Burlington: Jason Pope; Camden: John Senft; Cape May: Walter Johnson; Cumberland: Michael Morton; Essex: Joseph Dedalonis, Michelle Williams-Wong; Gloucester: Laurie Boyle; Higher Ed: Lori Podstupka-King; Hudson: Rosanne Versaci; Hunterdon: Marie Corfield; Mercer: Sandra Herrington; Middlesex: Chiarina Guzik; Monmouth: Jacqueline Kruzik, Marcella Slog; Morris: Christopher Hurd; NEA Directors: Brenda Brathwaite, Theresa Fuller, Laurie Gibson-Parker, Robert La Morte, Temika Langston-Myers, Sue McBride, Peter Moran, Barbara Rheault, Stacy Yanko; NEA Director at Large: Tarsha Lawson; NJEA Preservice: Matthew Yuro; NJREA: Susan Clark; Ocean: Elaine White; Passaic: Tara Temprano; Somerset: Gayle Faulkner; Union: James Frazier

The Constitution Review Committee: 1. reviews and coordinates suggestions for study of constitution or bylaw changes; 2. works in conjunction with other NJEA committees requiring their review of amendments; 3. prepares language for proposed constitutional changes; 4. reviews and makes recommendations to the Delegate Assembly concerning proposed amendments to the constitution or bylaws.

Chair: Scott Elliott, Warren

Staff contact: Cindy Matute-Brown

Atlantic: Alphonso Harrell; Bergen: Cean Spahn; Camden: Madeleine Leach; Essex: Enrique Manlapid; Gloucester: Dorothy Grieb; Hudson: Madonna Morris; Hunterdon: Robin Kiefer; Mercer: Deborah Goodkin; Middlesex: Valerie Nelson; Monmouth: Gail Maher; Morris: Lee Ann Brensinger: NJREA: Michael Kruczek; Ocean: Elissa Waller; Passaic: Tanisha Barkley-Johnson; Union: Alissa Valiante

The Convention Committee: 1. reviews themes and general convention program plans; 2. promotes and evaluates member participation and attendance; 3. develops procedures for and evaluates programs offered by NJEA-affiliated groups; 4. develops standards for exhibits and evaluates compliance of exhibitors; 5. evaluates overall program scheduling; 6. recommends to the Executive Committee the NJEA Convention dates, location, and program.

Chair: Catherine MacManiman, Burlington

Staff contact: Vicki Serreino

Atlantic: Cassandra Montague; Bergen: Susan Marinzulich; Camden: Sturae Meyers; Cape May: Stacey Salerno; Cumberland: Jaclyn Conahey; Essex: Sharon Johnson; Gloucester: Robert Sheridan; Higher Ed: Mickey Dickenson; Hudson: Nadine Collins; Hunterdon: Peter Moran; Mercer: Marlena Ventura; Middlesex: Devin Menker; Monmouth: Rachel Donovan; Morris: Guada Jacob; NJREA: Cynthia McCray; Ocean: Mitchel Gertner; Passaic: Lauren Spiller; Somerset: Patrick Frain; Sussex: Lisa Fahrenfeld; Union: Tonya Scott-Cole

The D.A. Rules Committee considers and recommends the rules under which the Delegate Assembly conducts its business.

Chair: Pending

Staff contact: Cindy Matute-Brown

Bergen: Kathleen Arlin; Burlington: Melissa Foremny; Mercer: Michele D’Angelo; Monmouth: Gail Maher; Passaic: Lori Lalama.

The Distinguished Service Award Committee considers and evaluates candidates for the NJEA Ruthann Sheer Distinguished Service
Award for Education and makes appropriate recommendations to the Executive Committee.  Chair: Danielle Clark, Camden

Staff contact: Steve Baker

Atlantic: Georgia Charles; Bergen: Argine Safari; Cape May: Alice Barnes-Vasser; Middlesex: Jennifer Olawski; Morris: Kerri Lee Farrell; NJREA: Stacy Morgan Santo; Passaic: Brenda Carswell-Avery; Somerset: Mary Macrae; Union: Lillian Alston 

The Editorial Committee: 1. supervises the NJEA Review and other Association publications designed for internal communications with the membership, within the framework of policy laid down by the Delegate Assembly and the Executive Committee; 2. reviews printing contracts, advertising rates, and policies; 3. sets and maintains a continuing evaluation of standards for articles, illustrations, and style; periodically reviews standards to make sure they actively promote content submissions from diverse member voices and that the standards do not create barriers to content from diverse member voices; 4. determines and recommends issues and ideas to be addressed to the membership through the Association publications and the website by: reviewing survey and polling data to maintain awareness of NJEA’s demographics to ensure equitable representation and identification of issues members wish to see addressed; staying abreast of trends in public education and union organizing; intentionally discussing publication and website content with members from diverse backgrounds and job categories; periodically reviewing content to ensure that diverse voices are represented; recommending strategies to amplify the voices of underrepresented members.

Chair: Lauren Greenfield, Essex

Staff contact: Patrick Rumaker

Atlantic: Alphonso Harrell; Bergen: Shari Mendelson; Gloucester: Salvatore Randazzo; Hudson: Linda Miller; Mercer: Hussain Haqq; Middlesex: Andrew Lewis; Monmouth: Steven Tetreault; NJEA Preservice: Catherine Gonzales; NJREA: Miriam Reichenbach; Passaic: Sonya Squitieri; Somerset: Daniel Cyckowski; Union: Marcy Helmstetter 

Consisting of representatives from support and teaching staff, the Educational Support Professionals Committee: 1. examines and makes recommendations on active-supportive member needs, services and programs; 2. recommends activities and programs to organize groups not yet affiliated with NJEA; 3. reviews efforts to develop all-inclusive local organizations; 4. gathers and reviews data related to privatization initiatives and reports these findings to the Delegate Assembly and Executive Committee; 5. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Joann Houck, Burlington

Staff contact: Robert Antonelli

Atlantic: Trina Jenkins; Bergen: Rommy Buttafuoco; Burlington: Sandra Wilcox; Camden: Pamela Clark; Cape May: Kenneth Bassett; Cumberland: Kathie Lynch; Essex: Sabina Ellis; Gloucester: Roberta Rissling; Hudson: Marquisha Reynolds; Hunterdon: Katherine Beggiato; Mercer: Antoinette Hopkins; Middlesex: Nancy Cogland; Monmouth: Regina Jagoo; Morris: Mark Eckert; NJREA: Barbara Newman; Ocean: Nancy Jubert; Passaic: Derrick Watson; Salem: Amy Tighe; Somerset: Nicky Neeraj Badlani; Sussex: Carla Brunelle; Union: Michael Boyd; Warren: Scott Elliott 

The Elections Committee: 1. sets standards and procedures, subject to the general policies of the Delegate Assembly, for all elections under the NJEA Constitution, and for the conduct and eligibility of candidates for elected office; 2. oversees NJEA elections procedures within counties or units; 3. conducts any necessary state elections; 4. provides oversight for the tabulation and certification of ballots; 5. resolves state elections disputes.

Chair: Eda Ferrante, Passaic

Staff contact: Katrina Homel

Atlantic: Katharine Watson; Bergen: Thomas Schram; Burlington: Maria Rivera; Cape May: Tiffany Lively; Essex: Shirley Henry; Gloucester: Brian D’Ottavio; Hudson: Diane Mackay; Hunterdon: Donna Pontoriero; Mercer: Kelly Susinski; Middlesex: Joe Toma; Monmouth: Allison Connolly; Morris: Jon Coniglio; NJREA: Toni Guerra; Ocean: Jim Lubrani; Passaic: Rosilind Abreu; Salem: Amy Tighe; Somerset: Jennifer Tuller; Sussex: Theresa Snyder; Union: Gary Mazurek; Warren: Russa Nollstadt 

The Exceptional Children Committee: 1. proposes and reviews legislation that impact children with special needs; 2. designs NJEA efforts to implement and enforce existing legislation, rules and regulations that require adequate programming; 3. relates such concerns to educational and community groups with similar interests; 4. disseminates information to school personnel regarding issues that affect programs and children with special needs; 5. coordinates efforts with affiliate groups on areas of concern; 6. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Tomeka Sanderlin, Atlantic

Staff contact: Camy Kobylinski

Atlantic: Marla Bennard; Bergen: Rick Gladstone; Camden: Tyeisha Jefferies; Cape May: Shawna Mulford; Cumberland: Carmen Porter; Essex: Lance Hilfman; Gloucester: Malika Moore; Hudson: John Marques; Mercer: Rhonda Williams; Middlesex: Francine Wilden; Monmouth: Elizabeth Lieberman; Morris: Anjali Kallianpur; NJREA: Shirley Hicks; Ocean: Ronald Donnerstag; Somerset: Gayle Faulkner; Warren: Russa Nollstadt

The Government Relations Committee: 1. reviews and considers state and national legislation; 2. carries out the legislative policy of the Association; 3. lobbies legislators and other political leaders and decision makers; 4. works with county and local education associations to establish continuous lobbying efforts with legislators and representatives of state agency policy-making boards and commissions; 5. oversees county and local legislative action team efforts; 6. educates leaders and members about the necessity of political action efforts to make legislative advances; 7. maintains a close working relationship with the NJEA lobbyists and NJEA Government Relations Division; 8. networks with other unions, organizations or special interest groups to secure legislative goals established by the Delegate Assembly; 9. chairs screening committees in N.J. legislative races.

Chair: Christina Dare, Gloucester

Staff contact: Marybeth Beichert

Atlantic: Maryam Sarhan, Erica Walk Polito; Bergen: Julia Guttilla, Howard Lipoff; Burlington: Christine Hewitt, Steven Nahill; Camden: George M. Kemery, Breanna Ratkevic; Cape May: Cynthia Rosenberg, Stacey Salerno; Cumberland: Sherman Denby, Temika Langston-Myers; Essex: Christopher Cannella, Nickarson Paul; Gloucester: Brian D’Ottavio, Stephen Whitehead; Hudson: Rosanne Versaci, Gene Woods; Higher Education: Lori Podstupka-King; Hunterdon: Marie Corfield; Mercer: Agueda Porras, Grace Rarich; Middlesex: Timothy Simonitis; Monmouth; James St. Angelo, Erin Wheeler; Morris: Brian Adams, Mark Eckert; NJREA: Susan Maurer; Ocean: Susan Morgan, Richard M. Ryan; Passaic: Tanisha Barkley-Johnson, Todd Pipkin; Salem: Leslie Wright-Pinheiro; Somerset: Daniel Epstein, Henry Goodhue; Sussex: Angela De Luccia; Union: Joanne Barrett, Jennifer Passuth; Warren: Erin Durkin 

The Health Benefits Committee: 1. reviews the operations and administration of the N.J. State Health Benefits Plan; 2. recommends changes needed in the N.J. State Health Benefits Plan’s administrative guidelines to ensure the highest quality coverage for NJEA members; 3. studies proposals relating to the health insurance funds and joint insurance funds offered by employers; 4. assesses members’ needs related to basic health insurance coverage and supplemental coverage; 5. reviews legislation and regulations governing health insurance coverage in New Jersey and makes recommendations for changes to better meet members’ needs; 6. proposes initiatives to ensure the maintenance of health benefits for retirees; 7. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Catherine Krause, Cape May

Staff contact: Michael Salerno

Atlantic: John-Fred Crane; Bergen: Susan Dziob; Cumberland: Nicole Carminati; Essex: Dawn Nichol-Manning; Gloucester: Renee Seabrook-Hart; Hudson: Elena Vizcarrondo; Hunterdon: Joann Gitto; Mercer: John Forte; Middlesex: Matthew Hrevnak; Monmouth: Tiffani Monroe; Morris: Laura Rivera; NJREA: Judith Ruff; Ocean: Cheryl Berman; Somerset: Martin Deutschman; Union: Carrie Odgers Lax

The Hearing Committee on Censure, Suspension and Expulsion: 1. conducts due process hearings when charges are filed against a member related to censure, suspension and expulsion; 2. reviews and considers proposed changes to the standards and procedures for censuring, suspending and expelling members; 3. reviews charges and hears cases, when appropriate, concerning censure, suspension or expulsion; 4. makes recommendations, as necessary, to the Executive Committee.

Chair: Lori Lalama, Passaic

Staff contact: Aileen O’Driscoll

Burlington: Tomika Lamb; Essex: Sharon Ortiz; Higher Ed: Mecheline Farhat; Hudson: Edwinta Rhue; Middlesex: Jarrett Lampkin; Morris: Amal Hussein; Non-Classroom Teacher: Taysha Gateua-Barrera; Ocean: Ron Donnerstag 

The Higher Education Committee: 1. studies and reports on issues in higher education, such as member advocacy, funding, regulations and legislation; 2. monitors the Commission on Higher Education; 3. makes recommendations for appropriate strategies and actions; 4. assists in implementing NJEA policies on higher education; 5. reviews legislation impacting higher education; 6. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Mecheline Farhat, Bergen

Staff contact: Marcia Kleinz

Atlantic: Cheryl Garwood, Michelle Perkins; Bergen: Tobyn DeMarco, Michael Echols, Peter Helff, Alan Kaufman; Burlington: William Whitfield; Camden: Zaida Nogue; Cumberland: Arthur Horn; Essex: Michael Frank; Executive Committee: Peter Helff; Higher Ed: Christopher Muller, Anna Roth; Hudson: Michael Ferlise; Mercer: Edward Carmien; Monmouth: Brent Costleigh; Morris: Stephen Kaifa; NJREA: Paul Belmonte, Thomas Harrington; Ocean: Jayanti Tamm; Warren: Kerry Frabizio

The Human Rights Committee: 1. studies and recommends how members and their associations can contribute to equal opportunities and improved human relations; 2. develops and publicizes teaching strategies to promote diversity education for children and adults; 3. reviews timely issues such as diversity, ethnicity, human relations and discrimination; 4. conducts the annual human rights conference and recommends Human Rights Award winners, if any; 5. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Fayette Weatherington, Essex

Staff contact: Denise Graff Policastro

Atlantic: Karol Ball; Bergen: Kelly Lallave; Burlington: April Newman; Camden: Ebony Freeman; Cape May: Walter Johnson; Cumberland: Tiffanie ThrBak; Essex: Ikechukwu Onyema; Gloucester: Joyce Farr; Hudson: Rachel Blue; Mercer: Paige Hinton-Mason; Middlesex: Paul Bryant; Monmouth: Bridget James; Morris: Nanette Fandino Diaz; NJREA: Betty Meeks-Manning; Ocean: Dorothea Douglas; Passaic: Robert Sarti; Salem: Nicole Cerqueira; Somerset: Fawnya Gibson; Union: Kelee Mitchell-Hall

The Instruction Committee: 1. recommends programs to aid members with instructional issues and accommodating student learning styles; 2. recommends programs to be presented at NJEA conferences and the annual convention; 3. monitors activities of agencies related to instructional issues; 4. stimulates and reviews research and proven innovations in its area of interest; 5. identifies instructional concerns and researches solutions; 6. considers long-range problems and policies affecting the profession and the association; 7. works in conjunction with the Certification, Evaluation and Tenure and Professional Development committees to disseminate information within the profession; 8. studies, reports on, and makes recommendations concerning programs addressing problems in instruction.

Chair: June Camizzi, Cape May

Staff contact: Anna Muessig

Atlantic: Tamar Lasure-Owens; Bergen: John Sassi; Camden: Gregory Louie; Essex: Linda Johnson-Battle; Gloucester: Morgan Lamanna; Hudson: Chere Glover; Mercer: Elizabeth Brasor; Monmouth: Lisa Marie Varley; Morris: Ann Marie Finnen; NJREA: Iris Tonti; Ocean: Veronica Kriegl; Passaic: Melanie Vasa; Salem: Sophia Hovermann; Somerset: Loydes Lewis 

The Leadership Committee: 1. assesses training needs of NJEA affiliates and leaders; 2. makes recommendations concerning development, evaluation and revision of leadership training programs; 3. oversees the planning of the Summer Leadership Conference, its programs and logistics; 4. develops and initiates leadership training opportunities for association members and leaders.

Chair: Ann Kaspereen, Warren

Staff contact: Michael Saffran

Atlantic: Stacey Sweeny; Bergen: Fanny Cruz-Betesh; Burlington: Melissa Foremny; Camden: Asia Brown; Cape May: Jay Wynn; Cumberland: Nicole Carminati; Essex: Jessica Alvarez; Gloucester: Collin Aregood; Hudson: Mark Klein; Mercer: Twanda Taylor; Middlesex: Daniel Fields; Monmouth: Cheryle Haynes; Morris: Angela Cordova; NJREA: Minnie Mozee; Passaic: Maria Ross; Salem: Renee Jost; Somerset: Andrew Coslit; Sussex: Stacy Yanko; Union: Robert Mangel 

The Member Benefits Committee studies and makes recommendations on: 1. insurance programs; 2. education programs on financial products; 3. car leasing or purchasing; 4. consumer buying plans; 5. travel programs; 6. any other consumer service plans benefiting the membership; 7. retailers who offer discounts to members; 8. programs available to members provided by boards of education and local, county, state or national associations.

Chair: Diane Vistein, Monmouth

Staff contact: Beth Schroeder-Buonsante

Atlantic: Robin Moore; Bergen: Eugene Wojna; Burlington: Anthony Rizzo; Camden: Tyeisha Jeffries; Cape May: Jennifer Loper; Cumberland: Jennifer Pokrovsky; Essex: Donna Sabol; Gloucester: Stephen Balaity; Hudson: Jocelyn Martinez; Hunterdon: Carol Rocha; Mercer: Patricia Yaple; Morris: Samantha Selikoff; NJREA: Jeanne Kiefner; Ocean: Daniel Staples; Somerset: Renee Heller; Sussex: Michelle Visco; Union: Stacy Dauphin; Warren: Lisa Buhl 

The Membership Committee: 1. promotes and maintains unified association membership; 2. reviews appropriateness of membership and dues categories; 3. secures members for NJEA and the NEA; 4. reviews and studies the means used to orient members to the programs and services of NJEA; 5. gathers data on membership projections and makes recommendations for creating membership growth; 6. coordinates activities of county and local membership chairpersons; 7. reviews and maintains names, addresses and organizational information of NJEA members.

Chair: Kevin Bloom, Middlesex

Staff contact:  Jaime Valente

Atlantic: Jayne Carmen; Bergen: Jill Schwerd; Burlington: Anthony Rizzo; Camden: Joy Patterson; Cape May: Stephanie Greenberg; Cumberland: Mildred Johnson; Essex: Linda Kelly-Gamble; Gloucester: Eileen Healey; Hudson: Felicia Glover; Mercer: Karen Pouria; Monmouth: Louis Castagno; Morris: Amal Hussein; NJEA Preservice: Jessica Szpila; NJREA: Frances Davis; Ocean: Nancy Jubert; Passaic: Karen Cawthern; Salem: Michael Wichart; Somerset: Laurel Suk; Union: Arthur Rodgers; Warren: Valerie Gary 

The Minority Leadership and Recruitment Committee: 1. encourages multi-ethnic members to become active in all levels of association work; 2. recruits multi-ethnic members for association involvement; 3. identifies and recommends ways to attract multi-ethnic members to school employees’ professions; 4. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Tiffanie ThrBak, Cumberland

Staff contact: Eric Jones

Atlantic: Tomeka Sanderlin; Bergen: Michelle Hammond-Dudley; Burlington: Janet Adams; Camden: Brittany Lamb; Cape May: David Farrow; Cumberland: Nicole Kinsey; Essex: Jean Jackson; Gloucester: Shereen Ducasse; Hudson: Irene Pyke; Mercer: Aaryenne White; Monmouth: Mary Scott; Morris: Vilmary Hernandez; NJREA: Vires Simmons; Ocean: Maria DeVenecia-McFarland; Passaic: Aiat Oraby; Somerset: Aida-Janet Wahba; Union: Michael Boyd; Warren: Marc Derosiers 

The NEA Activities Committee: 1. promotes attendance and other activities of local and state association delegates to the NEA RA; 2. reviews and coordinates financial and logistical information related to NJEA’s delegation to the annual NEA convention.

Chair: Tamara Beatty, Burlington

Staff contact: Colleen Lopez

Atlantic: Karol Ball; Bergen: Mariann Kronyak; Camden: Sharita Stinson; Cape May: Tammi Lee; Cumberland: Taja Morton; Essex: Kiara Gary; Gloucester: Robert Scardino; Hudson: Andrew Bove; Mercer: Renee Szporn; Morris: Malani Leitzel; NJREA: John Zurka; Ocean: Gina Pizzuto; Passaic: Trent Johnson; Salem: Michael Wichart; Somerset: Marisol Espinoza; Union: Charisse Parker 

The NEA Issues Committee: 1. advises the association on issues relating to the NEA; 2. initiates the screening of candidates for NEA positions; 3. provides information to the NJEA delegation regarding issues and programs being promoted by NEA.

Staff contact: Colleen Lopez

NEA Directors: Brenda Brathwaite, Theresa L. Fuller, Laurie T. Gibson-Parker, Robert M. La Morte, Temika Langston-Myers, Sue McBride, Peter Moran, Barbara B. Rheault, Mark Richards, Stacy Yanko; NEA Director at Large: Tarsha N. Lawson; NEA Resolutions Committee: April N. Brown, Marilyn Edge, James R. Frazier Jr., Henry E. Goodhue III, Patricia Guerra-Frazier, Jaclyn A. Headlam, Chrissy K. Kosar, Diane Mackay, Cassandra Montague; Resource Person: Michael Wildermuth 

The NJEA PAC Operating Committee: 1. supports candidates for state and federal offices on a nonpartisan basis, who are proven or potential friends of education; 2. takes a leadership role in NJEA/NEA PAC fundraising; 3. coordinates candidate screening, selection, campaign and support efforts; 4. reviews PAC guidelines for appropriateness; 5. educates the membership about the need for political involvement and the rationale and process used for selecting endorsed candidates; 6. supports the general operations in statewide political action efforts and campaigns; supports efforts by local and county associations completing endorsements for candidates at the local and county level using the NJEA-PAC guidelines.

Chair: NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty

Staff contact: Deborah Cornavaca

The 125 member NJEA PAC Operating Committee consists of NJEA’s officers; the NJEA Executive Committee; NJEA Government Relations and Congressional Contact committee, the county association presidents, the president of NJEA Personnel, three (3) NJEA active support members, the NJREA legislative chairperson, vice chairperson, and three NJREA legislative regional coordinators, one representing north New Jersey, one representing central New Jersey and one representing south New Jersey.

The Paul Dimitriadis Rights Fund Committee: 1. investigates and recommends ways to raise funds for the Paul Dimitriadis Member Rights Fund; 2. oversees the expenditure of funds to locals and members in crisis; 3. identifies efforts required to raise these funds.

Chair: Peter Moran, Hunterdon

Staff contact: Dan Goldman

Burlington: Roxanne Jackson; Camden: Katrina Squire; Essex: Lance Hilfman; Gloucester: Roberta Rissling; Hudson: Erin Mooney; NJREA: Romaine Street; Somerset: Patrick Frain; Union: Kelee Mitchell-Hall 

The Pension Policy Committee: 1. studies and makes recommendations on problems and solutions relating to teacher retirement and other pension or benefit programs designed to help members and their dependents attain financial security upon retirement, disability and/or death; 2. reviews legislative proposals related to changes in the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund and Public Employees Retirement System pension systems; 3. reviews actions of the respective pension boards of trustees.

Chair: Howard Lipoff, Bergen

Staff contact: Sarah Favinger

Atlantic: Ashley Souders; Camden: Breanna Ratkevic; Essex: Rocio Lopez; Gloucester: Michael Acchione; Hudson: Mark Azzarello; Mercer: Daniel Siegel; Monmouth: Casey Barilka; Morris: Kathleen Paterek; NJREA: Irene Savicky; Passaic: Pamela Fadden; Somerset: Theresa Fuller; Union: Tanya Martin-Cooper 

The Professional Development Committee: 1. researches, initiates and promotes appropriate activities in continuing professional education, in-service professional development and professional standards; 2. stimulates research and proven innovations in its areas of interest; 3. considers long-range problems, policies and solutions required in areas affecting the profession and the association; 4. makes recommendations concerning programs to be presented at NJEA conferences and the annual convention; 5. works in conjunction with the Instruction and Certification, Evaluation and Tenure committees to develop recommendations related to furthering professional “best practices”; 6. reviews and recommends legislative and regulatory proposals; 7. disseminates such information among the profession; 8. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Jennifer Clemen, Bergen

Staff contact: Dawn Howlen

Atlantic: Brenda Brathwaite; Bergen: Caseen Gaines; Camden: Denise Jones; Cape May: June Camizzi; Essex: Toi Hinton; Higher Ed: Bridget Turner; Hunterdon: Donna Pontoriero; Mercer: Kathryn Graf; Middlesex: Joseph Landolfi; Morris: Angela Cordova; NJREA: Diane Stelacio; Ocean: Elisa Waller; Passaic: Shaye Brown-Crandol; Somerset: Louis Guglielmo; Sussex: James Marion; Union: Tonya Scott-Cole 

The Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee: 1. promotes and protects the legal and professional rights of members; 2. investigates the legal status of members who are in contest regarding their rights and responsibility as school employees and as citizens; 3. reviews cases involving affirmative litigation in such areas as rights for non-tenured employees, academic freedom, negotiations and hardship cases resulting from member rights efforts; 4. supervises staff investigations and assistance for members and associations, when warranted; 5. recommends appropriate action to the Executive Committee, including the granting of financial assistance.

Chair: Marguerite Cahill, Somerset

Staff contact: Kaitlyn Dunphy

Bergen: Andrew Policastro; Cape May: Kimberle Bruckno Moore; Cumberland: Rachel Reinhart; Essex: Michael Tedesco; Gloucester: Stephen Balaity; Hudson: Jose Garcia; Mercer: Michelle Marrazzo; Monmouth: James St. Angelo; Morris: Amal Hussein; NJREA: Arlene Volkin; Passaic: Lauren Chavis-Ferrer; Union: Lori Davis 

The Public Relations Committee: advises on NJEA’s statewide advertising and public relations programs; on affiliate organizations’ public relations projects and programs; on programs to improve the external public’s perception of public schools, school staff, NJEA and professional organizations as transmitted by the media -- newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and films; on media materials and organizational efforts to involve members and affiliate leaders in public relations, community action and association campaigns for reaching parents and other citizens; and on training opportunities for school personnel in public relations and community organizing.

Chair: Debra Baer, Mercer

Staff contact: Meredith Barnes

Atlantic: Jayne Carmen; Bergen: Donna West; Burlington: Kimberly Niehaus; Camden: Felicia Cade-Turner; Cape May: Cynthia Rosenberg; Cumberland: Christopher Mohan; Essex: Lauren Greenfield; Gloucester: Eileen Healy; Hudson: Edwinta Rhue; Hunterdon: Devon Emerick; Middlesex: Noelle Ebler; Monmouth: Patricia Dasaro; Morris: Ann Marie Finnen; NJREA: Susan Vigilante; Ocean: Chris Loeffler; Passaic: Heather Polk; Somerset: Randi Lee Childers; Union: Annice Benamy 

The School Finance Committee: 1. studies school funding proposals; 2. reviews the source of revenues used to provide state, county, and local funding to public education – nursery through graduate level; 3. develops strategies to create community and citizen awareness as to how educational funds are utilized; 4. suggests legislative changes or modifications required to ensure adequate funding for our public education system, nursery through graduate level; 5. makes recommendations regarding legislative initiatives designed to improve the financing of all forms of public education in the state.

Chair: Mariann Kronyak, Bergen

Staff contact: Dan Goldman

Atlantic: Tim Mancuso; Camden: Veronica Bishop; Cumberland: April Stevenson-Kinder; Hudson: David Streater; Mercer: Pasqualin Adonizio; Monmouth: Cheryle Haynes; Morris: Laura Rivera; NJREA: Michelle Fox; Passaic: Theodore Graham; Somerset: Jessica Crutchlow 

The committee deals with sexual orientation and gender identity/expression issues pertaining to all persons in the school community.

Chair: Christopher Cannella, Essex

Staff contact: Michael Rollins

Atlantic: Karen Williams; Bergen: Maika Schulman; Burlington: Tiffany Harris-Greene; Camden: Sofia Capinha; Cape May: Kenneth Bassett; Cumberland: April Stevenson-Kinder; Essex: Sidney Flournoy; Gloucester: Chrissy Kosar; Hudson: Edwinta Rhue; Hunterdon: Katherine Beggiato; Mercer: Irene Allesee; Middlesex: Susan Waldron; Monmouth: Allison Connolly; Morris: Meryl Ironson; NJREA: Karen Hughes; Ocean: Jennifer Ansbach; Passaic: Erin Kelly; Salem: Nicole Cerqueira; Somerset: Max Rodriguez; Sussex: Patrick Hanson; Union: Terron Singletary; Warren: Denise Probasco 

Chair: NJEA President Sean M. Spiller

Staff contact: Kristen Sherman

The Board of Directors of the NJEA Employees Retirement System is responsible for administering and carrying out the provisions of the pension program for NJEA staff members.

The Technology Committee: 1. studies the impact of technology on educational programs; 2. reviews technology curricula proposals and initiatives for educational appropriateness; 3. reviews state-supported funding proposals and makes recommendations for funding improvements to provide the equipment, personnel, programs and training necessary to institute all aspects of technology education; 4. educates NJEA members, legislators and policymakers about the varied components of technology education; 5. recommends the types of programs needed in every school district to ensure students become technologically literate; 6. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Sabina Ellis, Essex

Staff contact: Anna Muessig

Atlantic: Maryam Sarhan; Bergen: David Ahn; Burlington: Christopher Bowman; Camden: Dali Kilpatrick; Cape May: Julie Stratton; Gloucester: Kevin Jablonowski; Hudson: Daniel Abbadessa; Hunterdon: Peter Moran; Mercer: Olive Giles; Middlesex: Pallavi Shetty; Monmouth: Laurie Floyd; Morris: Raymond Vikete; NJREA: Patrica Jones; Ocean: Melissa Krupp; Passaic: Lori Lalama; Salem: Bethany Hannah; Somerset: Daniel Cyckowski; Union: Annice Benamy; Warren: Karen Wester

The UniServ Committee: 1. hears suggestions and appeals, and makes recommendations about the UniServ Program to NJEA’s Executive Committee; 2. collects the data needed to effectively evaluate current program and service offerings to local and county affiliates and members; 3. evaluates the UniServ staff’s training program; 4. evaluates the entire UniServ Program in terms of service to unified local and county associations.

Chair: Ellen Ogintz, Mercer

Staff contact: Patrick Manahan

Atlantic: Barbara Rheault; Bergen: Marie Papaleo; Burlington: Stacey Williams; Camden: Katherine Morris; Cape May: Patrick Holden; Cumberland: Deanna Nicosia-Jones; Essex: Michael Byock; Gloucester: Anthony Cappello; Hudson: John Marques; Hunterdon: Carol Rocha; Middlesex: Carolyn Muglia; Monmouth: Louis Castagno; Morris: Brian Adams; NJREA: Frank Harsanyi; Ocean: Jodi Dotts; Passaic: Francis Koterba; Salem: John Romano; Somerset: Daniel Mayer; Union: Alissa Valiante.

Identify solutions to improve educational equity issues in urban school districts. Study pertinent data and members’ needs in order to elevate the voices of all of the stakeholders in urban education to build long-term sustainability that impacts systemic issues. Study strategies and programs needed to address the barriers that prevent students in urban settings from receiving opportunities suitable for all students to achieve their potential. Develop relationships with other entities that support NJEA’s goals in urban education. Collaborate with other appropriate NJEA committees.

Chair: Todd Pipkin, Passaic

Staff contact: Amanda Adams

Atlantic: Lateefah Scott; Bergen: Alison Morgan-Black; Burlington: David Parker; Camden: Crystal Love; Cumberland: Sherman Denby; Essex: Christal White; Gloucester: Melba Moore-Suggs; Hudson: Samantha Pelletreau; Mercer: Ruth Orama; Middlesex: Paul Bryant; Monmouth: Felicia Hardman; Morris: Kevin Rooney; NJREA: Geraldine Lane; Passaic: Nicole Fuller; Somerset: Gayle Nelson; Union: Tanya Tenturier.

The Vocational, Career, and Technical Education Committee 1. makes the Association aware of changes occurring in vocational education; 2. reviews federal and state legislative proposals and regulations that impact vocational education and educators; 3. reviews certification requirements and makes recommendations for improvements; 4. considers problems in vocational education in New Jersey; 5. makes recommendations for solutions to the Executive Committee and Delegate Assembly.

Chair: Erin Wheeler, Monmouth

Staff contact: Francine Pfeffer

Bergen: Kevin Rager; Burlington: Larry Tisdale; Bergen: Kevin Rager; Camden: Andrew McAlpin; Cape May: Michael Crane; Cumberland: Timothy Campbell; Essex: Joseph Dedalonis; Hudson: Robert Meyer: Mercer: Asra Mazhar-Uddin; Middlesex: Frank Paprota; Morris: Colleen Pascale; NJREA: Renee Mengistab; Somerset: Sheila Sullivan; Sussex: Deborah Wakefoos; Union: Julie Klikus

The Women in Education Committee: 1. reviews organizational and social policies for their impact on gender equity; 2. reviews curricula and instructional programs and their impact on health and social issues; 3. recommends strategies, programs and policies promoting gender equity; 4. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Lisa Veit, Bergen County

Staff contact: Meredith Barnes

Atlantic: Sandra Peart; Bergen: Lauren Zucker; Camden: Jacquelyn Mancinelli; Cumberland: Martha Arrizón; Essex: Jessica Cavagnaro; Gloucester: Joyce Farr; Hudson: Katharine Chao; Mercer: Dana Lakins; Monmouth: Sarah Reichenbecher; Morris: Kathleen Harrington; NJREA: Joan Jensen; Ocean: Susan Morgan; Passaic: Kerrian Palmieri; Somerset: Aida-Janet Wahba; Union: Lillian Alston; Warren: Amanda Best.

The Working Conditions Committee: 1. studies and recommends procedures for collective negotiations, salaries and fringe benefits and seniority rights; 2. studies working conditions problems and issues identified by the Delegate Assembly or other NJEA committees; 3. reviews and makes recommendations for improvements in all matters relating to the working conditions of school employees in order to improve their employment status and working environment; 4. recommends training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Barbara Rheault, Atlantic

Staff contact: Jennifer Raike

Atlantic: John-Fred Crane; Bergen: Susan Dziob; Camden: Lisa Campisi; Cape May: Crystal Hutchinson; Essex: Evan McLaughlin; Gloucester: Michael Acchione; Hudson: Beverley Senior; Mercer: Lynda Walsh; Monmouth: Felicia Hardman; Morris: Guada Jacob; NJREA: Frank Foulkes; Ocean: Brenda Douglas; Somerset: Cheryl Mitchell; Union: Katherine Lewis.

The Worksite Safety and Health Committee: 1. serves as a watchdog on environmental issues; 2. monitors and recommends policy regarding environmental health issues in school facilities; 3. monitors curricular developments in New Jersey and the nation; 4. recommends training programs and the dissemination of pertinent instructional information in the interest of all members.

Chair: Keith Hinton II, Essex

Staff contact: Michael Rollins

Atlantic: Ashley Vitullo; Bergen: Deborah Rick; Burlington: Tomika Lamb; Camden: Madeleine Leach; Cape May: Heather Sekela; Cumberland: Christopher Mohan; Gloucester: Robert Scardino; Hudson: Anna Picca; Mercer: Corey Schrier; Middlesex: Andrew Lewis; Monmouth: Mary-Margaret Kurta; Morris: Eugene Behme; NJREA: Rhonda Sherbin; Ocean: Brenda Douglas; Passaic: Robin Holcombe; Somerset: Genifer Leimbacher; Warren: Kristin Smith. 

The Youth Services Committee: 1. recommends and implements initiatives, strategies, and programs related to vandalism, alcoholism, drugs, physical abuse, and other areas affecting children’s school life and ability to learn; 2. develops and reviews legislation impacting children in correctional institutions; 3. recommends improvements and appropriate funding of social support programs; 4. disseminates information to educational and community groups with similar interests; 5. develops and initiates training opportunities for school personnel.

Chair: Cheryl Willis, Middlesex

Staff contact: Amanda Adams

Atlantic: Trina Jenkins; Bergen: Martha Martinez; Burlington: Saidah Hart; Camden: Shawn Harvey; Cape May: Tiffany Lively; Essex; Leah White; Gloucester: Ta’Neeka Weathers; Hudson: Ellen Glover; Mercer: Rhonda Williams; Middlesex: Noelle Ebler; Monmouth: Mary Scott; Morris: Lee Ann Brensinger; NJREA: Regina Andrews-Collette; Passaic: Susan Butterfield; Somerset: Christa McLaughlin; Union: Kelly Katrus.