Paul Penna was quietly promoted to director of Government Affairs for the New Jersey State League of Municipalities effective Jan. 2, 2025.
League Executive Director Mike Cerra and Deputy Executive Director Lori Buckelew will continue to engage on key legislative and regulatory issues while Penna will have a visible presence at the Statehouse and advocate on behalf of the interest of the League’s municipal members.
“From his first day, Paul has been a team player and problem solver” Michael Cerra, NJLM Executive Director said. “He has been a fierce advocate for municipal issues before the state legislature, the state executive branch, as well as Congress and the federal executive branch on issues as varied as Workers’ Compensation cost increases issues, elimination of the SALT cap deduction, and the continued issues surrounding the State Health Benefits Program.”
Penna’s long and varied experience includes owning his own consulting business focused on communication and association management, serving as the Chief of Staff at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, and holding staff positions for multiple New Jersey Governor’s and a Member of Congress. He joined the League in 2020 as a legislative analyst and later served as a senior legislative analyst.
“Elected officials have relied on Paul to advance municipal issues in New Jersey” League President and Alpine Mayor Paul Tomasko said. “His subject matter expertise is invaluable for municipal governing leaders.”
