Maria Rodriguez-Gregg has been named director of government relations and community affairs by Montclair State University, the school announced Thursday.
Rodriguez-Gregg will be tasked with providing strategic direction and leadership on behalf of the university in promoting relations within state and federal government. She will act as Montclair’s liaison and primary point of contact with elected and appointed officials and staff and seek opportunities to collaborate with government agencies and external organizations to advance the institution’s capabilities.
She will report to President Jonathan Koppell.
“I am excited to welcome Maria to Montclair State University, and for her to assume this critical role,” Koppell said. “Her leadership and advocacy will help us to become an even greater solutions engine for New Jersey, and to create and cultivate relationships that will further serve the public good.”
A former member of the General Assembly, Rodriguez-Gregg has a long history of work as a community advocate and business leader.
A graduate of Rutgers University-Camden with a degree in economics, she has served in various roles for several nonprofit organizations, currently as vice president of operations and board member for the Safe Way Out Foundation, and previously with the “She Should Run” campaign, the Civil Air Patrol, the National Foundation of Women Legislators and the American Council of Young Political Leaders.
She also served on the board of trustees at Burlington County College, and on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity. She has also received numerous awards for her community work, including the Champion of Change award for Domestic Violence Awareness by the Hispanic Leadership Association, and is recognized as influential in the LGBTQ community.
In 2013, she was the first Latina Republican elected to the Assembly.
“I am truly passionate about Montclair State University‘s mission,” she said. “I look forward to serving shoulder-to-shoulder with the alumni, faculty, administration and our fantastic students. I will use my experience to work tirelessly to gain the resources and support needed to expand our mission of innovation and empowering our students to make a positive impact in New Jersey and the world.”
