NJ-11 Leader Who Took On Frelinghuysen Earns Top Democrat Job

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A grassroots, progressive leader who is credited with turning the tide in the 11th District has earned a top position with the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.

On Monday, the committee announced that Saily Avelenda will be taking over as executive director for Kevin Olasanoye, who will continue to work with the party as a senior adviser.

Avelenda previously served as the executive director for advocacy group NJ 11th For Change, which helped U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill battle now-retired Republican congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen in 2018 by contacting more than 120,000 voters.

During that election, Avelenda, who was living in West Caldwell, made national headlines when she resigned from her job as a senior vice president at Lakeland Bank. Avelenda claimed that Frelinghuysen sent a controversial fundraising letter to the board, targeting her as a “ringleader” of “organized forces” set on defeating his campaign.

• See related article: NJ Banker Quits Job After Rep. Frelinghuysen Sends Letter To Her Employer
• See related article: Banker Reborn As Activist In NJ-11, Takes On GOP Congressman

But instead of being intimidated, Avelenda was inspired, her supporters say.

Repurposing a range of skills that included degrees from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and New York University, as well as 19 years of legal experience, Avelenda found a new calling in politics.

Less than a year after relaunching her career in the name of progressive change, Avelenda helped to grow membership in NJ 11th For Change to more than 8,000 members. Meanwhile, she co-founded TakeBackNJ, a coalition of grassroots groups, and became a fiery presence at events like last November’s Senate hearing on New Jersey's Tax Incentive Program.

• See related article: Activist Thrown Out Of NJ Hearing, Finds Support In Essex County

In late 2019, Avelenda notched her first big win with the New Jersey Democratic State Committee (NJDSC) when Gov. Phil Murphy tapped her to run John Currie and Peg Schaffer’s reelection campaign, which concluded successfully in January.

Avelenda got the call about becoming the committee’s new executive director shortly afterwards.

Co-Executive Directors Judy Kelly and Mara Novak will take over for Avelenda at the helm of NJ 11th For Change, a move she heartily endorsed.

“I believe strongly that every organization needs fresh leadership, fresh eyes, and new perspectives from time to time,” Avelenda said. “[Judy and Mara] know what we are about and where we want to go, and I support their leadership 110 percent.”

UNITING FOR ‘MEANINGFUL CHANGE’

The newly minted NJDSC executive director said she hopes to help create a bridge between the Garden State’s Democrats, grassroots leaders and progressive advocates.

“As our country continues to grapple with a president eager to dismantle the very rights our nation was founded on, now more than ever we must take a stand for our communities,” Avelenda urged.

“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to work alongside Chairman Currie, Vice Chairwoman Schaffer and Governor Murphy to continue raising voices and fighting for meaningful change… not just in New Jersey, but throughout our entire country,” Avelenda said.

Avelenda’s appointment with the NJDSC earned some instant kudos from some of the state’s top Democratic Party voices.

Gov. Phil Murphy – “As the Democratic Party in New Jersey continues to lead our nation in promoting progressive policies, it is imperative we have leaders at the helm with a deep connection to the grassroots advocates who are at the forefront of so many issues. Saily Avelenda has time and time again proven herself to be an exemplary leader with the determination we need to push our party forward. I am incredibly proud to welcome her into this new position at the New Jersey Democratic State Committee and look forward to working together to continue the progress we have already made in building a stronger and fairer New Jersey.”

Lieutenant Gov. Sheila Oliver – “During the Democratic blue wave election of 2018, grassroots leaders across New Jersey were key in delivering historic results for our party. This is perhaps most evident in New Jersey’s 11th congressional district where Saily Avelenda helped elect Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to unseat Republicans from a district they controlled for decades. Her experience, leadership and passion are precisely what our party needs to continue down our path of progress.”

John Currie, NJDSC chair – “Saily Avelenda is among the finest progressive advocates in New Jersey and has a tremendous track record of bringing Democrats and grassroots organizations together to achieve our common goals. She embodies the core values of our party and I’m confident that her joining our leadership team will pave the way for continued success in the years to come.”

Peg Schaffer, NJDSC vice chair – “One of the core values of our New Jersey Democratic Party has been to raise up the voices of progressive, grassroots leaders who are fighting to bring change to our state. Throughout Saily’s entire career in mobilizing forces, she has demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills and the ability to effect meaningful, lasting change. We have seen across the state the positive impact that women can have when we elevate them to the proper leadership positions in our party and I am overjoyed that Saily is joining our team.”

LeRoy Jones, Essex County Democratic chair – ““I saw up close how effective an organizer Saily Avelenda can be when she and her fellow members of NJ 11th for Change did what was long thought impossible by helping win the 11th District for the Democrats. I’m certain that she will bring that same passion to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee and I look forward to partnering with her and Chairman Currie to elect more Democrats across our state.”

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