Joseph A. Fiordaliso is a seasoned public policy professional with vast experience and expertise solving complex governmental issues. During a career that spans over twenty-five years, Joe has held prominent positions in and out of government. He has distinguished himself as a trusted advisor to Members of Congress, Governors, cabinet officials and clients, including corporate executives, business leaders, and heads of non-profit and charitable organizations.

He served as Chief of Staff of the New Jersey Department of Transportation under two Governors: Dick Codey and Jon Corzine. He began his tenure at the Department of Transportation as an aide to Commissioner Jamie Fox where he worked with the Blue Ribbon Transportation Commission to recommend long-term solutions to New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund. Joe began his career in Washington, DC holding senior positions including Legislative Assistant to then-United States Senator Bob Torricelli. Joe serves as Chief Executive Officer of NorthStar Strategies, the firm he founded with Jody Herkloz in July 2016.

Joe Fiordaliso believes strongly in the value of public service. He serves on the New Jersey Committee of the Regional Plan Association and previously served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. He served for six years as an elected member and President of New York City’s District 3 Community Education Council.

Joe shares his father’s commitment to delivering a clean energy future and healthy planet to our children and grandchildren. He wears his Dad’s signature windmill lapel pin not only to honor his father and to recognize how much we have already accomplished together, but as a reminder of how much work remains to be done.

Tim Sullivan currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), a role he has had since February 2018. As a member of Governor Murphy’s Cabinet, Tim oversees the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth and making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy.

During his tenure, Tim has led the NJEDA’s transformation into a comprehensive economic development organization dedicated to implementing Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey. Tim has overseen the creation of new programs that drive New Jersey’s innovation economy, strengthen emerging and historic sectors, support small businesses, and cultivate equitable community development.

Under his leadership, the NJEDA has led the development and implementation of more than 15 programs created under the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 ranging from real estate development to film industry support, provided more than $700 million in COVID-19 relief to small businesses impacted by the pandemic, facilitated the construction of the NJ Wind Port and growth of a robust offshore wind industry in New Jersey, launched the ground-breaking New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund, programmed $150M in support for main streets and small businesses, invested in economic security through programs recognizing maternal and infant health, child care, and food security as economic enablers, and helped municipalities revitalize brownfields and other underused spaces into valuable community assets.

Tim is native to Bergen County, NJ and is a graduate of Georgetown University.

James Manning has over 21 years of workforce development experience and is currently the Chief of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning at New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). He has served in this role since October 2018 and is responsible for overseeing and administering the various apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning grant programs awarded by NJDOL. Under his leadership, over $50 million in grant funding has been awarded since 2018.

Prior to joining NJDOL, James worked for 14 years for Jersey Central Power and Light and was Vice-President of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers Local 1309 where he represented over 400 union members.

James holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Thomas Edison University and obtained his Certified Public Manager certification through Rutgers University.

Dr. Elizabeth Cerceo is an Associate Professor and Director, Environmental Health at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Dr. Cerceo clinically practices as an academic hospitalist, but her research interests focus on the impacts of climate change on health and healthcare sustainability along with other population health issues including the impacts of gun violence on survivors and relatives.

She is currently integrating climate health across the four-year curriculum of medical school, residents, and practicing physicians. Elizabeth is also leading a study of perceptions of climate impacts on health among hospitalized patients and research on EJ community perceptions of climate impacts.

She is deeply committed to the Camden, NJ community and has ties with many community organizations there.

Nathaniel Mayo is Vineyard Offshore’s Director of Public Affairs a role he also fulfills for the Vineyard Wind 1 project. He oversees local policy issues for the company, heading outreach and coordination efforts with various stakeholders and works on permitting efforts at the state, regional and local level. Nate has over fifteen years of experience in public policy, politics and community engagement, having worked with coastal communities on environmental, energy and fisheries issues. He worked for U.S. Congressman William Delahunt and served as legislative director to former Cape and Islands State Sen. Robert O’Leary.

Nate holds a MA in Environmental Policy from Tufts University, and serves as vice-chair of the Conservation Commission in his hometown of Provincetown. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Cape Light Compact.

David Diamond is the Deputy Chief for Atlantic Operations in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM’s) Office of Renewable Energy Programs, where he manages renewable energy lease sale planning, site assessment, environmental analysis, and approval of construction and operations plans for wind energy projects. He started in that position in July of 2023, and he has more than ten years of leadership experience in energy and natural resources management at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Most recently he served as the Chief of Staff and Deputy Associate Director for Energy and Mineral Resources at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and he served previously at BOEM as the Chief of the Leasing Division for oil, gas, and marine minerals.

David is also a Captain in the U.S. Navy. He served six years as an active-duty submarine officer and continues to serve in the Reserve Component. David has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Rice University and a Ph.D. in public policy from George Mason University.

Bob Brabston is Executive Director of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). He leads and manages the technical divisions of the BPU (Audits, Clean Energy, Customer Assistance, Engineering, Rates and Revenues, Reliability and Security, and State Energy Services) as well as the Office of Cable Television & Telecommunications and the Office of Federal and Regional Policy. As Executive Director, Bob provides policy guidance and direction to the technical divisions and translates the decision-making and policy development of the BPU into operational activities.

Prior to joining the BPU, Bob was Vice President and General Counsel for American Water’s Eastern Division (NJ, NY, MD, VA) and at various times served as the lead for Business Development and Government/Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining American Water, Bob worked at the New Jersey Public Advocate, Division of Rate Counsel as Deputy Director.

Bryan Gray is the Development Director for Community Offshore Wind where he supports project permitting, stakeholder relations, safety, contracts and construction activities. He has ten years of experience with large scale infrastructure projects coupled with a background in leadership within military and civilian working environments.

Most recently, Bryan served as the Director of Gas Construction at National Grid where he was responsible for safety, health, welfare and productivity of underground construction crews across New York City and Long Island. Additionally he led teams in both Project Management and Operations roles at National Grid.

Prior to coming to the energy industry, Bryan held roles in the elevator industry and in the U.S. Army. Bryan’s career is supported by a bachelor’s in Logistics & Intermodal Transportation from the US Merchant Marine Academy and a MBA from St. Joseph’s College.

Paul Phifer is the Permitting & Development Director for Attentive Energy. A subsidiary of TotalEnergies, Attentive Energy holds one of the Bight lease areas and is actively pursuing projects in New Jersey. Paul spent 20 years working for the Federal government on environmental conservation and permitting issues, before moving to focus solely on offshore wind in 2019. Paul holds a PhD in Conservation Biology.

Wes Jacobs is Project Director for Leading Light Wind, the only American-led offshore wind project in the New York Bight. He is a respected energy professional and thought leader with more than 20 years of experience in developing and constructing large infrastructure projects. He leverages experience having previously worked for Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind and their successful power contract with the State of New Jersey, and prior to that, international leadership roles in support of other offshore energy projects.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree in business administration from the C. T. Bauer College of Business, Global Energy Executive MBA program, at the University of Houston.

A renewable energy veteran with more than 15 years’ experience, Abby has worked in nearly every aspect of the industry. Over her 11-year tenure at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) she spent six years leading government affairs for the North American region, building out the offshore wind policies of today's market. After supporting Mainstream Renewable Power as the Senior Executive for New Markets Strategy, Abby founded Groundwire Strategies. Their mission is to lead the energy transition by helping businesses and organizations solve their most challenging problems. 

Kris Ohleth has worked in the offshore wind sector for over 20 years, since the days of the industry’s inception in the United States, and is a true expert in the field. Holding senior positions with offshore wind developers, NGOs, and state agencies, she has gained critical insights into the policy and regulations that shape offshore wind activities at the state, regional, and federal levels. She has worked at the critical intersection of market development, stakeholder engagement, permitting, and regulatory affairs as one of the earliest adopters of and advocate for offshore wind in the US.

In her current role as the Director of the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind, she leads the organization to develop and implement strategies that support the responsible and sustainable development of the offshore wind sector. Originally from New Jersey, she is a Rutgers University graduate, has a Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, and currently lives in Morris County, New Jersey with her husband and retired-racing greyhounds.

Lauren joined the Vestas team in January of 2023 as their Senior Director for Offshore Public Affairs. In this role, Lauren leads all state and local government relations, stakeholder and community engagement for Vestas’ US offshore wind business.

Prior to joining Vestas, Lauren was Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at Ørsted North America, where she oversaw the company’s outreach, engagement and media relations at the national, state and local level. Leading public affairs campaigns, creative branding and strategic partnerships, she was responsible for bringing awareness to the economic growth, innovation, job creation and community benefits that the industry provides.

Lauren got her professional start on Beacon Hill where she served as an aide in both the legislative and executive branches of Massachusetts’ State government, including as a communications and legislative aide for two State legislators, a Massachusetts State Senator and Governor.

Lauren holds a degree in communications from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She lives in Hingham, MA with her husband and two young children. In her free time, Lauren volunteers with youth hockey and soccer programs on the South Shore of Massachusetts.

Luke has been a Staff Representative of the United Steelworkers (USW) for the past eighteen years, and District Education Coordinator for the past three. Previously, he was an International Representative with the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers International Union (PACE), until that union merged with the United Steelworkers of America in 2005. PACE itself was the result of a merger between the United Paperworkers and the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, in 1999. Luke had been an International Representative with the Paperworkers since 1985.

As Staff Representative with the USW, Luke represents over 1,800 union members in New York and New Jersey in a variety of industries, ranging from General Manufacturing, Paper & Printing, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Maintenance, and Non-Profit Organizations in over 24 different bargaining units. As District Education Coordinator, he is responsible for providing training and education to Local Unions throughout District 4, which encompasses New Jersey, New York, the New England States, Delaware and Puerto Rico.

In his off hours, he is very active in Freemasonry, and has previously served as Chair of the Warwick NY Town Democratic Committee. He enjoys combining travel and photography, and his work has been published in a variety of books and magazines.

Luke grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and attended the State University of NY at New Paltz, SUNY Empire State College, the National Labor College and the Cornell University – New York State School of Industrial & Labor Relations. He lives in Warwick, NY and is married to Lucinda Fleming, the Chair of the Business Department at SUNY Orange. They have two daughters, Amelia (a Registered Nurse) and Sarah (a College Professor), and two grand-sons, James III and Nicholas, as well as one very attention-starved cat.

Ray Henderson is the Business Agent for the Seafarers International Union in the New York and New Jersey area. He takes immense pride in representing the largest maritime union in the United States. His journey in the maritime industry began in January 2015 when he stepped into the role of a union official. Prior to that, Ray was an active member who worked on U.S.-flagged cargo vessels, traveling to various corners of the world.

Beyond his professional life, Ray finds joy in the simple pleasures of reading and spending quality time with his children. His dedication to the maritime industry and his role in the union is matched only by his commitment to his family. Ray sees his life as an incredible voyage, and he is excited to continue navigating the waters of the seafaring world, both professionally and personally.

Robert Mazzuca is a Sr. Staff Engineer with the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP). He is responsible for developing Offshore Wind Policy for NJMEP, and supports the OEM’s, Primes and sub tier vendors in the state. Robert assists companies as they execute the supply chain mapping of in-state manufacturers and develop expansion of OSW workforce development and the required training & education.

Robert also serves as Deputy Director for the SMART Congressional Initiative. A bi-partisan collaboration among multiple levels of government, SMART was founded as a Federal effort.

Before joining NJMEP, Robert had a 25-year career as a DOD Government Contractor for the Defense Industrial Base, working for Fortune 10 companies such as RCA, GE Aerospace, Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin.

Nicole Miller is a parent, business owner and advocate who lives in Newark, NJ. Principal of MnM Consulting, Nicole specializes in strategic communications and branding. Nicole advocates across New Jersey in various roles including as a member of Clean Energy Action Now (CLEAN), Vice-Chair of the NJ Progressive Equitable Energy Coalition (NJPEEC), a member of the Newark Environmental Commission and Chair of the Newark Green Team.

Reverend Ronald Tuff was born and raised in Newark N.J. He is a graduate of West Side High School. He is also a graduate of Wilberforce University. He has two children and two grandchildren. He currently resides in Belleville N.J. and has been working in the not-for-profit sector for 30 years.

His personal goal has been to advance the community and develop jobs as well as bring funding. Ronald believes in educating and supporting families to further promote their economic as well as personal growth.

Ronald has served as the former president of the NAACP, Paterson branch, Paterson Great Fall Lions Club and Associate Ministers Association of New Jersey. He is an active member of the Paterson Rotary Club as well as the National Community Action Association.

Reverend Ronald Tuff is an avid fighter against climate change. He is the coordinator of Black Church development in the New Green Economy as it relates to Offshore Wind, electric vehicles and solar installation for Greenfaith Inc. He believes the low and moderate income as well as the black and brown community has a say so and right to jobs in this New Green Economy program. He also believes a cleaner climate will increase better health in those communities affected by climate.

Halimah is an environmental justice advocate. Her background as a sustainability professional allows her to intersect with environmental and human systems. She has a LEED Green Associate Certification, which foundationally introduces aspects of how the built environment has created disparities within marginalized communities. She has experience working in local government and the nonprofit space, fostering programs and operations around climate change and environmental justice.

Halimah earned a Master of Science in Sustainability Science, Sustainability Leadership from Montclair State University. Her previous work focused on brownfield redevelopment, environmental justice, social equity, and renewable energy.

Kaleem Shabazz is a longtime resident of Atlantic City, New Jersey. A graduate of Rutgers University, Councilmember Shabazz is a product of local schools and a proud graduate of Atlantic City High School.

First elected in 2015, as Third Ward Councilmember for the City of Atlantic City, he was re-elected in 2019. Councilmember Shabazz also serves as Vice President of City Council and Co-Chair of the City Council’s Planning and Development Committee.

A longtime civil rights advocate, Mr. Shabazz is also an adjunct professor at Stockton University. He is President of the Atlantic City Branch of the NAACP and serves as President of Bridge of Faith; Advocacy Committee Chair and Board Member for the Atlantic County Coalition for a Safe Community; and member of the Coalition for Good Government.

Mr. Shabazz is the recipient of many distinguished awards, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award; the Father Thom Schivago Humanitarian Award (from Beth El Synagogue); the Community Service Award from the Mainland NAACP; and the Community Service Award from the Fellowship of Churches. Councilmember Shabazz says one of his “proudest moments” was speaking at the United Nations in efforts to successfully stop a South African-based casino from coming to Atlantic City during the time of apartheid.

Councilmember Shabazz has been married to his beautiful wife, Yolanda, for more than forty years. They have one daughter, Anjail, and two grandsons, Emanuel and Emil. Mr. Shabazz is a self-proclaimed “nerd” who is an avid reader of the New York Times, Star Ledger, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Press of Atlantic City on Sunday mornings during breakfast or brunch.

Since August 2014 Rev. Dr. Kevin M. Peterson, PhD has served as the Servant Leader / Pastor of The Second Baptist Church of Pedricktown, New Jersey in Salem County. Dr. Peterson retired in 2013 from the Pleasantville Police Department after 25 ½ years of service as a Patrol Captain. He is married to his best friend Lady Stephanie and the stepfather of one daughter, an exceptional educator in Atlanta, Ga.

Dr. Peterson earned an Associate in Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Atlantic Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Aspen University, a Master of Arts Degree in Human Services, Executive Leadership from Liberty University and in 2012 a PhD in Leadership with an emphasis on Church Administration from Carolina University in Winston-Salem, NC. Dr. Peterson is a proud member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Past Asst. Grand Chaplin for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey.

Dr. Peterson currently serves as a Community Representative on the New Jersey Wind Port Diversity & Local Engagement Advisory Committee where he advocates for training and job opportunities for the least, lost and forgotten of the local community. Dr. Peterson prayers that the residents of the local community truly benefit the economic impact of such a momentous project in our region.

Anjuli is the State Director for the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, and both a long-standing environmental scientist and activist. Anjuli earned her bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico before getting her M.S. in Environmental Chemistry and Air Pollution Science and Technology from Rutgers University. With previous experience at the NJ Department of Environmental Protection as both a climate change researcher and air quality specialist, Anjuli has in-depth knowledge of how the climate crisis impacts residents right here in New Jersey.

In her time at the NJ Chapter, Anjuli has served for several years as the Air Quality Issues Coordinator, and as Chapter Director has led and mobilized hundreds of volunteers to stand for offshore wind and clean energy, fights to shut down the expansion of natural gas power plants, and marked the end of coal in New Jersey forever at the closure of the Logan and Chambers facilities.

Moira Cyphers leads the ACP Eastern Region State Affairs program, including lobbying, regulatory, grassroots and media. She coordinates with regional trade association partners and other advocacy organizations on policy priorities in PJM, NY-ISO, and ISO-NE to maintain a high industry profile and expand opportunities for clean power projects on the East Coast.

Over the course of a 25-year career, Ayelet Hines has directed community organizing, engagement and public acceptance campaigns in more than thirty states and internationally, covering the clean energy, food, education, labor, health and manufacturing sectors.

In addition to her work for Tigercomm, she teaches community engagement strategies and mentors mid-career professionals at Johns Hopkins University.

As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Campaigns Manager, Sunni Vargas ,is responsible for leading, organizing and growing New Jersey LCV’s offshore wind, community solar, and Activist Leads campaigns. She also works to collaborate with other staff organizers and allies to plan education, advocacy, and outreach events with in the organization. Sunni also has assumed a significant role in New Jersey LCV’s growing volunteer initiative, working to recruit, train, and manage volunteers for effective collective action.

Sunni attended Monmouth University, as a first-generation college student, where she received a Bachelor’s in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, and also involved with the university’s policy debate team and completing an independent study on Palestinian-Israeli multi-state sustainable and equitable policy solutions. A Washington Center alumnus, Sunni is passionate about policy research and analysis, democracy, social justice, grassroots organizing, and has worked in a number of campaigns doing organizing and advocacy.