Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City announced Thursday it has named Ginger Gold Schnitzer the new executive director for the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership, effective March 4.
Schnitzer is the current director of government relations for the New Jersey Education Association. She’s spent 22 years with NJEA, helping shape education policy in New Jersey.
“Ginger has more than two decades of experience as a respected leader of one of the most important unions in our state,” Eugene J. Cornacchia, president of Saint Peter’s University, said. “We are confident that her experience and connections will be a tremendous asset to the growth and success of the Guarini Institute.”
The Guarini Institute provides a non-partisan forum for discussion of key public policy issues, Saint Peter’s said. It sponsors lectures and programs throughout the academic year to promote critical thinking, debate and careers in public service.
“The Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership at Saint Peter’s University is an ideal place to explore critical public policy issues and inspire the next generation of leaders, advocates and policy experts,” Schnitzer said. “This is important work and I am excited to leverage my experiences in state and local politics to raise the bar for the Institute.”
Schnitzer has also served in a number of other public service roles. In 2008, she was named a member of the United States Electoral College for New Jersey. She also served on the Plainsboro Township Committee for eight years and was president of the Plainsboro Public Library Foundation and vice chair of the Plainsboro Township Zoning Board. She currently serves as a visiting associate at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.
Schnitzer earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers University, a master’s degree in government administration from University of Pennsylvania and a juris doctorate from Villanova University School of Law.
