NJF Team and Contact Information
General Contact Information and Directions
New Jersey Future
16 W. Lafayette Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
p: 609-393-0008
f: 609-360-8478
General email (admin
njfuture
org)
Media Inquiries
Michael Atkins (matkinsnjfutureorg)
609-393-0008 x 1006
Donations, Sponsorships, Events
Michele Glassburg (mglassburgnjfutureorg)
609-393-0008 x 1007
Website
Alyssa Zabinski (azabinskinjfutureorg)
609-393-0008 x 1021
Administrative, Financial, and Other Inquiries (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.
Suzanne Aptman, Program Manager, Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers
Suzanne leads New Jersey Future’s Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers campaign. In this role she manages the day-to-day operations, collaborates with a coalition of partner organizations and shapes the campaign’s direction alongside the Advisory Board. She has led environmental health, sustainability, and climate mitigation policy development and initiatives in New Jersey and serves as co-chair of her town’s environmental commission. Suzanne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish from Tufts University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia University. She is a graduate of the Green Infrastructure Champions Program at Rutgers University and the Educating for Sustainability Program with The Cloud Institute. Email Suzanne (saptmannjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1002.
Michael Atkins, Communications Director
Michael oversees external and internal communications for New Jersey Future and coordinates a collaborative approach across the team to raise awareness for the organization’s mission, goals, and successes. Before joining New Jersey Future, Michael advocated for a holistic watershed approach to address environmental inequities in the Los Angeles River watershed and transportation alternatives in LA County. In addition to being an environmental justice advocate, he is an accomplished multimedia producer who has interviewed a broad array of subjects including academics, musicians, historians, active military, elected officials and Indigenous tribal representatives. Michael studied Politics and History at New York University. Email Michael (matkinsnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1006.
Sara Barreiros, Development and Administrative Associate
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 Coordinator
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.
Gary Brune, Senior Policy Advisor
Gary Brune provides expert support to the organization’s work on lead in drinking water and water financing policy. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Gary was the chief financial officer at the New Jersey Department of Transportation. He also served as the executive director of the Transportation Trust Fund, developing policy options for program reauthorization. Prior to DOT, Gary worked at the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget, rising to the position of associate director. At OMB, he was responsible for developing budget recommendations for transportation, environmental protection, and capital/infrastructure, among other areas. During this time, Gary also served on the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning. Gary received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Dayton in Ohio and Master’s in Public Administration from Baruch College, City University of New York. Email Gary (gbrunenjfutureorg) .
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.
Patricia Dunkak, Policy and Program Coordinator
Tricia coordinates New Jersey Future’s Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure program, aimed at moving green stormwater infrastructure practices into the mainstream. Tricia also coordinates the Green Infrastructure Committee of the Jersey Water Works collaborative. She previously provided support for activities in development, administration, and communications at NJF. Tricia earned her B.S. in Environmental and Resource Economics with a concentration in Sustainable Development from the University of Delaware. Email Patricia (pdunkaknjfutureorg) or reach her by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1018.
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.
Evan Garcia, Community Planner
Evan promotes great places to live and age by conducting research, engaging with stakeholders and partners, and drafting planning reports to provide technical assistance to communities. He has worked as a long-range planner for a municipality in North Texas, and as a consulting cartographer with a school district. Evan is a certified planner and holds a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Email Evan (egarcianjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext 1008.
Michele Glassburg, Director of Development and Outreach
Michele manages the team responsible for NJF’s development and marketing activities and events. She is responsible for managing and implementing corporate outreach, fundraising, and relationship building activities and working with the program teams on grant management and the communications team on related projects. Her career experience includes several years leading marketing and membership activities for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. She holds a M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing from Temple University, and a B.A. in political science and economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Email Michele (mglassburgnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext 1007.
Sneha Patel, Communications Specialist
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.
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 her by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1024.
Tanya Rohrbach, Community Planning Manager
Tanya uses her experience ensuring accuracy and targeted approaches to land-use initiatives to help communities implement smart planning policies and practices that foster resilient and vibrant places for all community members. Her main focus areas include climate change adaptation and aging-friendly neighborhoods. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, she was a senior planner in the Somerset County Planning Division, where she managed the division’s GIS initiatives, supervised GIS staff and assisted with development of regional plans and policies. She was responsible for data analyses to perform regional wastewater planning, flood risk research, and transportation assessments, and to provide local technical assistance. Tanya also has experience working at New Jersey land trusts, where she identified and prioritized lands for preservation at local and regional scales. Tanya is also an adjunct associate professor at Raritan Valley Community College, teaching courses in geography and environmental issues. She holds a master of science degree in Geography and a B.A. in Biology, both from Rutgers University and is a Certified Floodplain Manager. Email Tanya (trohrbachnjfutureorg) or reach by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1005.
Andrea Sapal, Program Coordinator
Andrea facilitates the day-to-day operations of the Jersey Water Works collaborative through outreach and communication to the members’ network. She assists with digital and print materials for program-specific events, campaigns, and websites. She previously served as a communications and development assistant for Sustainable Jersey City and worked as a research intern for The Millennium Project. Andrea holds a B.S. in international business from LIM College New York. Email Andrea (asapalnjfutureorg) or reach her 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 her by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1010.
Lindsey Sigmund, PP, AICP, Program Manager
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 (lsigmundnjfutureorg) or reach her by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1009.
Heather Sorge, Program 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 her by phone at 609-393-0008 ext. 1016.
Chris Sturm, Policy Director, Land Use
Chris leads the team responsible for New Jersey Future’s land use policy and research. Previously, Chris directed the organization’s water programs and policy, and led efforts to transform water infrastructure through the adoption of ground-breaking laws, regulations, and hundreds of millions of dollars of funding. Chris and the water team launched successful collaborations including Jersey Water Works, Lead-Free NJ, Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers, and the Clean Water, Healthy Families and Good Jobs campaign, and she directed the organization’s work on green infrastructure, stormwater utilities, and lead in drinking water. She has also achieved innovations in climate resilience; state and regional planning; land preservation; and compact, equitable growth. Her career experience includes serving as the assistant director of the Capital City Redevelopment Corporation. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and 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 Associate
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.
