NJPSA is pleased to announce the addition of a new member of its advocacy team after a broad national search. We are pleased to introduce Chris Nelson as a new member of the Government Relations Department who will serve alongside Debra Bradley, Director and Jennie Lamon, Assistant Director.
Chris brings extensive legislative and education policy experience to his new position. He is a veteran staff member of several key legislative offices and specializes in policy development and constituent relations. In his most recent role as Legislative Policy Director to Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt, the Chairwoman of the Education Committee, he helped develop legislation to address the educator shortage, address inequities in school funding, expand access to mental health care, and expand access to fertility care, among many other critical policy areas.
Prior to that, he was the Legislative Policy Advisor to Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, the Assembly Budget Chair. He has also worked as an aide for former Senate President Steve Sweeney, Assemblyman John Burzichelli, and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro. His pre- government professional experience is diverse and includes everything from working as a mechanic to managing a boutique running store. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Susquehanna University and a master’s degree in public relations from Rowan University.
Chris is a life-long New Jersey resident. He grew up in Scotch Plains, but education and family roots drew him back to South Jersey in his adult life. He currently lives in Mount Royal in Gloucester County with his wife and 6-year-old son. They welcomed a new baby boy on February 5. Outside of work he runs, bikes, and tinkers with just about anything mechanical. He has played trumpet in various ensembles for over 30 years.
Please join us in welcoming Chris Nelson to the NJPSA Family!