Deborah Hirt, a well-known and highly regarded government relations specialist, has been named a community engagement representative by NorthStar Strategies.
She will support NorthStar’s Public & Community Outreach practice.
Hirt joins the NorthStar team following a distinguished 25-year career with the N.J. Department of Transportation, working in the office of community relations. In this capacity Hirt managed all facets of community engagement on complex transportation projects in Passaic, Morris, Bergen, Sussex and Warren counties in New Jersey.
In her capacity as regional manager, Hirt was responsible for coordinating meetings with local officials; organizing and running public meetings for property owners and major stakeholders; resolving concerns raised by local residents and the public; and overseeing the development and distribution of formal Department correspondence related to projects.
Hirt managed community involvement activities for a number of complex and transformative infrastructure projects in recent NJDOT history including the Route 4 & 17 Interchange Reconstruction Project in Paramus, New Jersey; the Route 206 Widening Project in Byron, New Jersey; and the I-78 Truck Weigh Stations Project in Greenwich Township, New Jersey.
“Adding Deb Hirt to our team greatly strengthens and enhances our Public & Community Outreach practice,” NorthStar co-founder and CEO Joe Fiordaliso said. “Growing this practice area has been a strategic goal for the firm since we opened our doors in 2016 and this addition is the latest progression in that growth.”
“NorthStar has a Key Personnel resume that consistently scores 100% and we have a number of recent wins as proof positive,” NorthStar co-founder and COO Jody Herkloz said. “Bringing Deb Hirt onto our team enhances the value we deliver to our teaming partners and our clients.”
“I have known and respected Deb Hirt for decades and have watched her manage community engagement activities for complex projects with composure and professionalism” said NorthStar Public & Community Outreach practice lead Denise Peck. “I’m excited that she is joining NorthStar and look forward to her delivering successful project outcomes for our clients.”
“I’m so pleased to be joining NorthStar Strategies and employing my expertise and experience to grow this practice area and support our clients,” said NorthStar Community Involvement Representative Deb Hirt. “I know and respect Denise and Joe from their respective tenures at NJDOT and look forward to reuniting with them to help deliver important transportation infrastructure improvements to the citizens of New Jersey.”
NorthStar Strategies is a strategic affairs consultancy founded by Joe Fiordaliso and Jody Herkloz in 2016. NorthStar’s mission is to deliver superior results to clients by providing the highest quality strategic government affairs counsel and diversified consulting services in New Jersey and throughout the region. NorthStar has built a diverse team of experienced and dedicated professionals who are committed to delivering successful client outcomes. NorthStar’s vision is to be the most trusted consultancy in New Jersey and the region.
