Consortium staff

Ayinde Merrill, Program Officer

Ayinde Merrill is a lifelong Camden resident, activist, and organizer. His work has centered on increasing civic engagement within the city of Camden, New Jersey. He is the founder of non-profit organization Watu Moja, an organization dedicated to connecting African American and Afro-Latino young adults to the global Afrikan community through arts and service. He received a bachelor’s degree in Afrikana Studies from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. He has served as a teacher at Rutgers Future Scholars facilitating courses on ‘artivism,’ identity, and visual storytelling.

Ayinde can be reached at [email protected].

Madison McCool, Grants + Communications Manager

Madison McCool is the grants and communications manager for the NJ Civic Information Consortium, providing administrative support for the Consortium’s grant work and leading its communication efforts as it continues to broaden its reach in New Jersey. Madi has a background in office management and communications and has an affinity for list-making and organization.

Madi can be reached at

Lindsay McNamara, Development Associate

Lindsay McNamara is the development associate for the NJ Civic Information Consortium, responsible for spearheading the Consortium’s fundraising efforts and donor relations activities for the Press Forward New Jersey chapter, seeking to expand its impact and support for local journalism projects. As a born and raised Jersey Girl, Lindsay feels that the Garden State is such a special place, from the Meadowlands to Cape May. She is passionate about creating stronger, healthier ecosystems, communities, families and individuals throughout the state. Lindsay has 12 years of experience working in nonprofit fundraising and communications. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and an M.A. in Public and Organizational Relations from Montclair State University. In her spare time, you can find her photographing birds, reading or kayaking.

Lindsay can be reached at [email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Molly de Aguiar

Molly de Aguiar

President, Independence Public Media Foundation

Speaker Appointment

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    Kevin Belfield

    Kevin Belfield

    Dean, College of Science and Liberal Arts

    New Jersey Institute of Technology Appointment

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      John R.D. Celock

      John R.D. Celock

      President, Celock Media Group

      State Senate Minority Leader Appointment

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        Christopher J. Daggett

        Christopher J. Daggett

        Independent consultant

        Montclair State University Appointment

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          Matthew Weber

          Matthew Weber

          Associate Professor of Communication

          Rutgers University Appointment

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            Kim Pearson

            Kim Pearson

            Professor of Journalism and Professional Writing

            TCNJ Appointment

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              Carl Hausman

              Carl Hausman

              Professor of Journalism

              Rowan University Appointment

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                Dena Mottola Jaborska

                Dena Mottola Jaborska

                Associate Director, New Jersey Citizen Action

                Governor Appointment

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                  Marisol M. Peron

                  Marisol M. Peron

                  Senior Vice President, Global Investor Relations & Communications, Genmab US, Inc.

                  Board Appointment for Technology Sector

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                    Charles W. Powers

                    Charles W. Powers

                    President, Bergen Grassroots Inc.

                    State Senate President Appointment

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                      Mike Rispoli

                      Mike Rispoli

                      News Voices Program Director, Free Press

                      Governor Appointment

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                        Kevin J. Rooney

                        Kevin J. Rooney

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                          Robin Wilson-Glover

                          Robin Wilson-Glover

                          Director Digital Opinion, NJ Advance Media

                          Board Appointment for Media Sector

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                            Maria Lopez-Nunez

                            Maria Lopez-Nunez

                            Deputy Director of Organizing and Advocacy, Ironbound Community Corporation

                            Public Appointment

                              Therise Edwards

                              Therise Edwards

                              President, Teshley Solutions LLC

                              Public Appointment

                                Audrey Kelly

                                Audrey Kelly

                                Executive director, Kean Board of Trustees

                                Kean University Appointment