GARY R. WILLIAMS
Bloomfield,NJ
Summary
Seasoned professional with extensive experience in government affairs, skilled in cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with government officials, community organizations, and diverse stakeholders. Proven track record in government and public policy highlights a commitment to advising executives and organizational leaders on critical policy and legislative agendas while shaping strategic direction. Expertise includes overseeing community projects focused on revitalization, economic growth, and workforce development. Dedicated to fostering authentic stakeholder relationships, anticipating challenges, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement effective solutions that align with organizational priorities and objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Public Affairs Manager
PSE&G
12.2023 - Current
- Serve as the primary liaison between PSEG and municipal, county, and community officials, strengthening relationships and securing support for high-priority infrastructure and policy initiatives.
- Develop and execute strategic outreach and communication plans that align local stakeholders with corporate goals, resulting in faster project approvals and enhanced public trust.
- Lead cross-functional teams to obtain necessary municipal and regulatory approvals, ensuring timely completion of major capital projects, while minimizing community disruption.
- Advise executive leadership on the political, regulatory, and reputational implications of corporate decisions, influencing strategies that reduce risk, and advance long-term business objectives.
- Represent the company before governing bodies, business groups, and community organizations to advocate for PSEG positions—achieving measurable support for multi-million-dollar projects and legislative initiatives.
- Manage contributions, sponsorships, and community partnerships to maximize return on investment and strengthen the company’s visibility and goodwill across service territories.
- Serve as the single point of contact for municipalities during storm restoration and emergency response efforts, driving coordination that improves restoration times and customer satisfaction benchmarks.
- Establish performance metrics for stakeholder engagement and project milestones, ensuring accountability and consistent progress toward corporate reliability and customer satisfaction goals.
- Developed and implemented public relations strategies to enhance company reputation.
Deputy Chief of Staff
Montclair State University
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Serves as a trusted adviser to the President and Chief of Staff, represent executive leadership in delegated projects and initiatives designed to achieve the University's priorities and objectives with an emphasis on community engagement initiatives.
- Champion university-community partnerships and projects, providing strategic guidance to various units and forging strong relationships with municipal, county, and state-level elected officials and community-based organizations.
- Develop and deliver collaborative projects with community action groups to improve outcomes related to education, health, economic growth, and community revitalization resulting in a 40% increase in community engagement activity and establishing the university as a leader in authentic community partnerships.
- Coordinate numerous multimillion dollar and high-priority projects aimed at achieving the university's mission and strategic vision, working closely with internal/external stakeholders to ensure timely completion of deliverables while exercising discretion to overcome issues of concern or significance.
- Coordinate and oversee the scheduling of strategic events, meetings with elected officials, strategic partners to balance and address key institutional objectives.
Senior Advisor/Senior Legislative Aide
Office of the Governor, Phillip D. Murphy
05.2019 - 01.2022
- Operated as a trusted and experienced advisor to the Governor and played a role in shaping the governor's policies, strategic direction, and budget priorities.
- Provided counsel to the Governor and executive staff on the impact of proposed legislation, resulting in informed decision-making and improved relationships with key stakeholders.
- Developed and implemented legislative strategies that led to the successful passage of key policy initiatives, including a multi-billion-dollar bonds and economic recovery package, launching the $305 million Affordable Housing Production Fund, adult-use cannabis legislation, expungement reform, and expanding access to higher education.
- Represented the Governor's office at legislative hearings and meetings, advocating for the Governor's positions and priorities.
- Developed and managed the Governor's legislative budget priorities, ensuring responsible use of resources while making historical investments in budgets FY20, FY21, and FY22 totaling $116B.
- Monitored, provided in-depth analysis and advised strategic steps on the implications of pending legislation.
- Facilitated effective communication between the administration, department officials, and the members of the legislature.
- Developed and maintained effective relationships with members of the legislature, legislative staff, stakeholders, and advocacy groups.
- Oversaw the implementation of passed legislation through collaborating with the relevant departments as they developed regulations, guidance and rules.
- Collaborated with other members of the Governor's senior staff on cross-functional initiatives and projects.
Projects Specialist
United States Senate, U.S. Senator Cory Booker
08.2016 - 05.2019
- Coordinated and managed over 30 projects to support the legislative and constituent service goals of the Senator's office in issue areas related to economic and business development, labor and workforce development, social justice and anti-poverty initiatives.
- Conducted research and analysis on various policy issues to inform the Senator's decision-making process and provide recommendations for potential legislation or amendments.
- Collaborated with numerous federal and state government departments and agencies, statewide and local community organizations, and stakeholders to build partnerships that advanced the Senator's priorities; this resulted in securing over $5M in federal appropriations for key projects and programs.
- Monitored federal appropriations and grants processes to identify funding opportunities and support the Senator's efforts to secure funding for key projects and programs including $500M for The Gateway Tunnel, $15M for Community Development Block Grants, and $60M for lead water line replacement.
- Drafted and edited correspondence, speeches, and other written materials on behalf of the Senator to communicate legislative positions and engage with constituents.
- Planned and executed events and meetings, including roundtables, briefings, and town halls, to gather feedback from constituents and stakeholders and provide updates on the Senator's work.
- Represented the Senator's office at public events and meetings, demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to the Senator's values, principals and goals.
Policy Analyst
New Jersey General Assembly
03.2013 - 08.2016
- Crafted and implemented evidence-based public policy initiatives, resulting in a 35% increase in positive public perception of the assembly's legislative agenda.
- Conducted comprehensive analyses of proposed legislation to evaluate potential implications on the state's economy, education system, and social welfare programs, providing legislators with professional counsel for informed decision-making.
- Articulated and negotiated the Assembly Majority's legislative agenda with the executive branch, the Senate, legislators, local elected officials, interest groups, private interests, community leaders, and constituents.
- Advised Chairs of assigned committees as well as the other 48 legislators by crafting, researching, evaluating, and coordinating public policy initiatives.
- Collaborated with community organizations, non-profit foundations, and academia to develop and execute successful policy campaigns that improved the lives of constituents across the state.
- Partnered with the communications team to advance policy priorities through broad-based public education efforts and targeted messages to vested constituencies.
- Produced written reports to the leadership team, caucus and committees.
Outreach Director
New Jersey General Assembly
10.2012 - 05.2013
- Facilitated all constituent-related affairs for the Assembly Majority Office
- Operated as the lead liaison in outreach efforts for our 48 Members and their constituencies
- Fostered specific projects to increase public awareness of certain policy initiatives.
Legislative Aide
Office of Assemblywoman Sheila Y Oliver
11.2010 - 03.2013
- Developed and implemented a strategic policy agenda for established issues of priority
- Conducted and oversaw policy research and drafting
- Served as a communicator between the Assemblywoman and constituents
- Met with advocates and stakeholders regarding public policy initiatives and pending legislation
- Facilitated community projects and drafted comprehensive reviews of projects and legislation as well as manage constituent correspondence.
Education
Masters - Public Policy, Government and Leadership
Rutgers University
Newark, New JerseyBachelor of Arts - undefined
Rutgers University
Newark, New JerseySkills
- Policy analysis
- Government relations
- Public policy advocacy
- Excellent communication
- Relationship building
- Public relations
- Project management
- Political acumen
- Problem-solving abilities
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Regional Public Affairs Manager
PSE&G
12.2023 - Current
Deputy Chief of Staff
Montclair State University
01.2022 - 12.2023
Senior Advisor/Senior Legislative Aide
Office of the Governor, Phillip D. Murphy
05.2019 - 01.2022
Projects Specialist
United States Senate, U.S. Senator Cory Booker
08.2016 - 05.2019
Policy Analyst
New Jersey General Assembly
03.2013 - 08.2016
Outreach Director
New Jersey General Assembly
10.2012 - 05.2013
Legislative Aide
Office of Assemblywoman Sheila Y Oliver
11.2010 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Rutgers University
Masters - Public Policy, Government and Leadership
Rutgers University