NJF Team and Contact Information
General Contact Information and Directions
New Jersey Future
16 W. Lafayette Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
p: 609-393-0008
General email (admin
njfuture
org)
Media Inquiries
Valerie Merritt (vmerrittnjfutureorg)
609-393-0008 x 1005
Donations, Sponsorships, Events
Susan O’Connor (soconnornjfutureorg)
609-393-0008 x 1018
Website
Alyssa Zabinski (azabinskinjfutureorg)
609-393-0008 x 1021
Administrative, Financial, and Other Inquiries
Ron Dukes (adminnjfutureorg)
609-393-0008 x 1001
Peter Kasabach, Executive Director
Pete is the executive director of New Jersey Future, a nonprofit statewide policy and practice organization that advocates for strong, healthy, and resilient communities for everyone. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Pete served as the chief of policy for the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, and prior to that led all planning and real estate programs at the Trenton-based community development organization Isles. Pete lives and works in Trenton and has been actively engaged in the areas of planning, community redevelopment, finance, and housing for over 30 years. He is a licensed New Jersey Professional Planner and holds a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Email Pete (pkasabachnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1004.
Sara Barreiros, Development and Administrative Coordinator
Sara works collaboratively with the team to provide New Jersey Future with support for a variety of tasks relating to development, events, and administration. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, she worked for five years as an administrative assistant for a waste management and environmental services company that specializes in wastewater treatment and disposal. Sara holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a concentration on Diplomacy and minor in Spanish from The College of New Jersey, as well as an M.S. in Global Affairs from Rutgers University-Newark. Email Sara (sbarreirosnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1020.
Cassie Bolinger, Program and Capacity Building Coordinator, Lead-Free NJ
Cassie provides administrative, operations, and communications support to the Lead-Free NJ (LFNJ) collaborative. She assists with digital and print materials for program-specific events, campaigns, social media, and websites. Cassie’s work also includes coordinating meetings and events and providing on-site support for LFNJ events. She has prior work experience supporting the public sector through the federal government and a consulting firm. Cassie holds a B.A. in Planning and Public Policy from Rutgers University. Email Cassie (cbolingernjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1014.
Deandrah Cameron, Policy Manager
Deandrah develops and advances state policies that affect health, water infrastructure, and redevelopment, with a primary focus on lead in drinking water. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Deandrah worked as a case investigator at the Monmouth County Health Department to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Deandrah holds a B.S. in Public Health from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, as well as a Master of Public Health focused on Health Systems and Policy with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Nutrition from the Rutgers School of Public Health. Email Deandrah (dcameronnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1022.
Lee Clark, Program Manager, Funding Navigator
Lee is responsible for managing the New Jersey Future Funding Navigator program, a statewide effort to help under-resourced localities access funding for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater needs. His main focuses are engaging with municipal officials and stakeholders and designing solutions for water utilities serving overburdened communities. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Lee worked in the Green Acres program at New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, handling land acquisition and project contracts on behalf of the state of New Jersey. Prior to entering state government, Lee worked at New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, managing their environmental justice policy agenda, conducting municipal outreach, and stormwater advocacy. A local elected official, Lee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, concentrating in Political Communication, and a Master’s degree in Business Communication from Rider University. Lee also holds a Certificate in Board Leadership & Governance through the DiverseForce Program from the University of Pennsylvania. Email Lee (lclarknjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1026.
Ron Dukes, Director of Finance and Administration
Ron oversees and implements New Jersey Future’s financial and administrative operations, including accounting, human resources, risk management, information technology, and business planning. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, he worked as the interim Chief Financial Officer at the Trenton-based organization, Shiloh Community Development Corporation. For a decade, Ron has worked as a certified public accountant (CPA) and certified information systems auditor (CISA) for public accounting firms, including PwC and Verizon. Ron holds an M.A. in Accountancy and Professional Consultancy from Villanova University as well as a M.Div. and M.A. in Christian Education and Formation from Princeton Theological Seminary. Email Ron (rdukesnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1001.
Benjamin Dziobek, Community Outreach Specialist
Ben is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing community outreach and engagement plans for the Local Assistance Program, and the Funding Navigator program. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Ben worked in the Governor’s Office for the State of New Jersey. He is a leading youth advocate in New Jersey for a greener future. Ben earned his B.A. in Environmental Science and Political Science from Stockton University. Email Ben (bdziobeknjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1019.
Tim Evans, Director of Research
Tim is responsible for the original research and data analysis that support New Jersey Future’s policy development. He regularly documents his research results in a variety of products, including full-length research reports and the monthly email newsletter. He also ensures that all of New Jersey Future’s products and media communications are quantitatively accurate and defensible. Tim frequently provides data and advice to colleague organizations, serving as an informal research consultant to the smart growth community at large. His analysis and commentary have been featured by a wide range of state and national media outlets. Tim holds a B.S. in mathematics from Ursinus College, an M.S. in statistics from the University of Virginia, and a master’s in city and regional planning (M.C.R.P.) from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Tim worked for six years as a mathematical statistician for the Bureau of the Census in Washington, D.C. Email Tim (timevansnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1003.
Paula Figueroa-Vega, Director, Jersey Water Works Collaborative and Organizational Development
Paula co-leads New Jersey Future’s Collective Impact program areas with primary responsibility for managing the Jersey Water Works (JWW) collaborative, including new programs and projects, while also advancing organizational development goals of NJF. Paula facilitates JWW’s diverse statewide network of people who are shifting the culture and thinking around one of the state’s leading policy issues: water. Paula has directed various programs in the nonprofit and higher education sectors, and dedicated close to 10 years working on community engagement initiatives at The College of New Jersey. In 2019, Paula cofounded MAPA Collaborative, a management consulting firm. Paula received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University. Email Paula (pfigueroanjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext 1012.
Helen Kioukis, Policy Manager, Housing and Land Use
Helen works to advance New Jersey Future’s land use and housing policy agenda, including the priorities of the Great Homes and Great Neighborhoods for All initiative, and policies that advance age-friendly communities. Helen began her advocacy career as a labor union organizer and served as lead organizer of New Jersey’s redistricting reform campaign, Fair Districts NJ. Helen also worked as a Policy & Planning Specialist in the Commissioner’s Office at the NJ Department of Community Affairs. Helen holds a B.A. in Sociology from Boston University and a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on community development from Rutgers, where she was also a Graduate Fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics. Email Helen (hkioukisnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext 1002.
Lindsey Massih, PP, AICP, Program Manager, Climate Adaptation Policy
Lindsey manages the New Jersey Future Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure (MGI) program, working to move green stormwater infrastructure practices into common practice. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, she worked on environmental policies and long-range planning efforts as the Environmental Planner for the City of Jersey City. She is a certified professional planner and holds a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University. Email Lindsey (lmassihnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1009.
Valerie Merritt, Communications and Press Manager
Valerie leads press outreach and communications strategy at New Jersey Future, advancing the organization’s mission through compelling storytelling, brand alignment, and strategic media engagement. With a distinguished career that includes spearheading communications and policy initiatives at New Jersey Transit, Newark Public Schools, and the Camden City School District, Valerie has consistently driven impact at the intersection of public service and community engagement. She is a Leadership Newark Public Policy Fellowship alumna, Dare to Lead-trained professional, and a champion of the “service above self” philosophy. Valerie holds a Master’s in Organizational Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Centenary University. Email Valerie (vmerrittnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext 1005.
Susan O’Connor, Director of Development and Outreach
Susan manages the team responsible for NJF’s development and marketing activities and events. She manages and implements corporate sponsorship, fundraising, and relationship-building activities and works with the program teams on grant management and the communications team on related projects. Her career experience includes several years leading marketing, membership, and sponsorship activities for the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits. She is on the advisory board of Women’s Enterprise Action Loan Fund (WEALF) and holds a B.A. from Monmouth University in English with a concentration in Journalism. Susan studied international public relations and event management at New York University and is a Master Gardener through Rutgers University Cooperative Extension. Email Susan (soconnornjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext 1018.
Sneha Patel, Communications Coordinator
Sneha works to implement diverse communication strategies, support teammates in shaping their messages, and assist with project-specific needs at New Jersey Future. Before joining New Jersey Future, Sneha worked at an environmental non-profit focused on advocating for sustainability through multiple avenues of environmental policy. She has previous experience in research, writing, as well as participating in and producing academic conferences. Sneha graduated from Rutgers University in 2023 and holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration on Environmental Health. Email Sneha (spatelnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1025.
Molly Riley, Project Manager, Climate Adaptation
Molly works part-time at New Jersey Future, advancing Climate Adaptation policy goals, and supporting the New Jersey Future Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure (MGI) program. Most recently, Molly worked at a nonprofit in Virginia Beach, which orchestrates mass tree plantings and installs GSI projects with the goal of improving local water quality and community resilience, while providing essential habitat. Prior to her position in Virginia, Molly worked for New Jersey LCV managing their Flood Defense NJ campaign and related advocacy efforts. She also spent a year interning in the New Jersey Senate Majority Office and worked on several political campaigns in the Morris County area after graduating from Roanoke College in 2016 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Political Science. Email Molly (mrileynjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1006.
Sabrina Rodriguez-Vicenty, Advocacy and Government Affairs Manager
Sabrina coordinates and manages the organization’s advocacy agenda and implements the government affairs program. She also facilitates community-oriented partnership campaigns that bridge local engagement with state policy change. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Sabrina worked as a legislative aide for the Puerto Rico Senate and as a nonprofit program manager for startup businesses. Sabrina holds a B.S. in political science from the University of Puerto Rico, as well as a Master’s in Public Policy focused on evidence-based policymaking from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. Email Sabrina (srodrigueznjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1024.
Andrea Sapal, Program Manager, Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers
Andrea manages the Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers campaign, a coalition of community and advocacy organizations raising awareness and encouraging solutions to sewer overflows into streets, waterways, and basements. Previously, she supported the operations of the Jersey Water Works collaborative. Before joining New Jersey Future, Andrea served as a communications and development assistant for Sustainable Jersey City and as a research intern for The Millennium Project. Andrea is a 2024 graduate of the Environmental Leadership Program and holds a B.S. in international business from LIM College New York. Email Andrea (asapalnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1013.
Diane Schrauth, Policy Director, Water
Diane manages program staff responsible for New Jersey Future’s Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure program, stormwater utilities, lead in drinking water policy, and general water policy. Diane plays a leadership role in policy development and advocacy, provides technical assistance, and works to advance program goals. She has over 20 years of experience in water and sustainability issues. In addition to her work as a consultant for organizations and agencies focused on water resources and sustainable development, Diane also served as a program officer at the William Penn Foundation. She holds a B.A. in anthropology and geology from Vanderbilt University, as well as a Master of Regional Planning with a concentration in land use and environmental planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Email Diane (dschrauthnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1010.
Jessika Sherman, Policy and Program Coordinator
Jessika manages the day-to-day functions of the Funding Navigator Program, which aims to help localities access funding for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater needs. Jessika was a former research intern for the Brookings Institution and the Wealth Disparity Taskforce in the NJ Office of the Governor. Jessika earned a dual Master’s degree in Public Policy and City and Regional Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from Ramapo College. Email Jessika (jshermannjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1031.
Heather Sorge, Program and Community Organizing Manager, Lead-Free NJ
Heather is the Lead-Free NJ program manager and oversees its day-to-day operations. Lead-Free NJ is a new inclusive and equitable collaborative focused on addressing lead hazards and preventing childhood lead poisoning. Heather’s work is centered on facilitating a diverse statewide network that hopes to ultimately ensure the eradication of childhood lead poisoning in New Jersey within 10 years. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Heather was the organizer for Healthy Schools Now with the New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC), a coalition of over 80 organizations representing a diverse set of stakeholders dedicated to ensuring all New Jersey children and school employees learn and work in safe, healthy, modernized school buildings. Heather graduated from Churchman Business School with a degree in Accounting Finance. Email Heather (hsorgenjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1016.
Chris Sotiro, Policy and Program Coordinator
Chris coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure (MGI) Program, which fosters community resilience to climate change while promoting economic, environmental, and social benefits. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Chris served as a NJ Watershed Ambassador through AmeriCorps and interned with the New Jersey Legislature and Raritan Headwaters Association. Chris holds a B.A. in Political Science from The College of New Jersey. Email Chris (csotironjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1030.
Chris Sturm, Policy Director, Land Use
As New Jersey Future’s Policy Director for Land Use, Chris leads the team working to ensure every New Jerseyan can live in a community that is climate-safe, well-connected, healthy, and prosperous. Previously, she spearheaded NJF’s efforts to transform water infrastructure, working with colleagues to launch successful collaborations: Jersey Water Works, Lead-Free NJ, Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers, and the Clean Water, Healthy Families, and Good Jobs campaign. Chris has achieved lasting change in state laws, rules, and spending through policy development and advocacy, informed and strengthened by many partners, including those directly impacted. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, where she concentrated in Urban and Regional Planning. Email Chris (csturmnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1027.
Alesha Vega-Levy, Program Coordinator
Alesha works to provide New Jersey Future with administrative, operations, and communications support. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, she worked in youth development and marine and coastal sciences at Rutgers University as a Community Engagement, Education, and Outreach Coordinator. Alesha also served as an assistant director who founded and co-led social and environmental justice campaigns for The Coalition for Peace Action. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Monmouth University. Email Alesha (aveganjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1029.
Jyoti Venketraman, Director of Collaborations and Organizational Equity
Jyoti co-leads New Jersey Future’s Collective Impact program areas with primary responsibility for overseeing Lead-Free NJ, Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers, and the data dashboard Jersey WaterCheck. Jyoti also leads the organization’s efforts on equity and health. She has expertise in program evaluation, policy research, and public health. She is a 2020 graduate of the Environmental Leadership Program and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, a postgraduate degree in Health Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology from India. Email Jyoti (jvenketramannjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1017.
Zeke Weston, Policy Coordinator
Zeke coordinates New Jersey Future’s land use policy initiatives. Prior to joining NJF, he held multiple internships within the New Jersey Legislature. Most recently, Zeke served as a research assistant at Rutgers University, where he investigated the nationwide racial wealth gap. Zeke is a graduate of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University with a Master’s of Public Policy. During his studies, he focused on the economic and social barriers faced by marginalized and underserved communities in NJ. Email Zeke (zwestonnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1028.
Alyssa Zabinski-Abrams, Digital Communications and Marketing Manager
Alyssa manages the organization’s digital communications, coordinates marketing strategies, and provides support to the New Jersey Future team. She is responsible for projects including social media strategy, digital and print designs, multimedia content production, website maintenance, email design and execution, and event support. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Alyssa gained experience in communications, campaigns, and events while working with environmental nonprofits focused on conservation and sustainability. She earned her B.A. in psychology with a minor in biology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Email Alyssa (azabinskinjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1021.
