Lauren Nathan-LaRusso
Lincroft,New Jersey
Summary
Accomplished legal and strategic leader with extensive experience in management and stakeholder engagement at top-tier public and private institutions. Successfully orchestrated the bid for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Match in New York and New Jersey, showcasing expertise in contract negotiation and community relations. Adept at public speaking, facilitating high-impact events within the sports industry, with a commitment to advancing large-scale initiatives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Host City Manager and General Counsel
New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host Committee
New York City
04.2023 - Current
- Founded a nonprofit local organizing committee and a charitable foundation to support New York City and New Jersey's efforts in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a projected $2 Billion economic impact.
- Achieved milestone by securing final match hosting privileges for FIFA World Cup 2026, expected to draw 3 Billion viewers.
- Managed Host Committee operations, planning logistics, and fundraising.
- Served as executive liaison between FIFA, and New York and New Jersey governmental agencies, businesses, and community organizations.
- Cultivated relationships with key sponsors, donors, vendors, and community/government leaders.
- Created commercial partnership proposals for international sports and media companies.
- Executed high-profile events with significant participation from business, community leaders, organizations, and media representatives.
- Delivered detailed updates and progress reports to the Board of Trustees on host city events for New York and New Jersey.
- Created planning infrastructure for comprehensive safety, security and transportation strategies for FIFA venues.
- Represented brand at regional and national events, speaking to business, community, and government audiences.
Senior Counsel
NJ Office of the Governor, Authorities Unit
Trenton, New Jersey
05.2019 - 04.2023
- Acted as Governor of New Jersey's representative on independent state and interstate authorities overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets.
- Directed various complex agency initiatives involving legal issues, legislative challenges, budgeting and personnel management.
- Facilitated cooperation among state agencies and commercial tenants, achieving successful completion of American Dream complex project after 20 years.
- Launched New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission as a new state agency.
- Brokered initial shared funding agreement between the States of New York and New Jersey for the Hudson Tunnel Project, valued at $16 Billion.
- Served as lead negotiator and co-organizer for the New York City and New Jersey bid committee to host FIFA World Cup 2026.
Litigation Associate
Koster, Brady & Nagler, LLP
Shrewsbury, New Jersey
02.2015 - 01.2018
- Handled motions practice, trial preparation, and settlement negotiations efficiently.
- Successfully advocated for corporate and individual clients in civil litigation matters, such as personal injury, premises liability, property damage, and construction defect claims.
Litigation Associate
Tompkins, McGuire, Wachenfeld & Barry, LLP
Roseland, New Jersey
11.2010 - 02.2015
- Managed diverse civil litigation issues such as professional malpractice and employment claims for clients in both federal and state jurisdictions.
- Managed cases from inception through trial preparation and settlement.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Seton Hall University School of Law
Newark, New Jersey01.2010
Master of Education - Social Studies Teacher Certification Program
Rutgers University, Graduate School of Education
New Brunswick, New Jersey05.2004
Bachelor of Arts with Honors - History and Political Science
Rutgers University, Douglass College
New Brunswick, New Jersey05.2003
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Legal Analysis
- Project Management
- Contract Drafting and Negotiation
- Corporate Governance
- Commercial Awareness
- Strategic Policy Development
- Public Speaking
- Risk Assessment
- Stakeholder and Community Relations
- Event Planning Expertise
- Board Relations
- Communication Strategist
Honors Recognitions
- New Jersey Power List 2025, 50th Most Influential Person in New Jersey
- New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce 2024, Ally of the Year
- New Jersey Chamber of Commerce 2024, Top 30 Champions of the C-Suite
Professional Community Memberships
Associate Alumnae of Douglass College, Board Member
Accomplishments
New Jersey Power List 2025 50thMost Influential Person in New Jersey
New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce 2024 Ally of the Year
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce 2024 Top 30 Champions of the C-Suite
Affiliations
- Associate Alumnae of Douglass College, Board Member
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Co-Host City Manager and General Counsel
New York New Jersey World Cup 2026 Host Committee
04.2023 - Current
Senior Counsel
NJ Office of the Governor, Authorities Unit
05.2019 - 04.2023
Litigation Associate
Koster, Brady & Nagler, LLP
02.2015 - 01.2018
Litigation Associate
Tompkins, McGuire, Wachenfeld & Barry, LLP
11.2010 - 02.2015
Juris Doctor -
Seton Hall University School of Law
Master of Education - Social Studies Teacher Certification Program
Rutgers University, Graduate School of Education
Bachelor of Arts with Honors - History and Political Science
Rutgers University, Douglass College
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