New Jersey Citizen Action Announces Leadership Change

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark-based nonprofit that has been fighting for social justice in New Jersey for decades recently named a new executive director.

New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) named Dena Mottola Jaborska its new executive director earlier this month.

A Lawrence Township resident, Mottola Jaborska brings 27 years of social justice advocacy experience to her new leadership role. She has worked for NJCA for eight years, serving as the organization’s director of advocacy and organizing and most recently as its associate director. Before joining NJCA, she served as executive director of the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group and its spinoff, Environment NJ.

“Dena has successfully led some of the toughest political fights against well-financed special interests by combining grassroots people power, coalition-building, and strategic messaging,” NJCA Board of Directors co-chair David Weiner said.

“Her leadership skills and policy and organizing experience make her the best and natural choice to build on NJCA’s many accomplishments and move forward to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” Weiner said.

Mottola Jaborska said she hopes to continue the group’s legacy of “fighting for working people.”

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to build on our incredible success,” Mottola Jaborska said. “I look forward to growing our base of support, strengthening our impact in the electoral and advocacy space, and delivering more programs and services to those that need it.”

Mottola Jaborksa said NJCA’s priorities will also include strategic planning around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. This will start with cultivating more diversity among the organization’s staff, its board, membership and its coalitions, she added.

NEW PRESIDENT

Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, NJCA’s executive director for the past 35 years, was appointed as the organization’s president.

In this new senior advisory role, Salowe-Kaye will work on a variety of special projects and initiatives and provide transitional support as NJCA moves into its 40th year, spokespeople said.

“We are very happy NJCA will continue to benefit from Phyllis’ vast experience and expertise,” said Paulette Eberle, NJCA Board of Directors co-chair.

“She has dedicated her life’s work to the organization and has been a champion for working families for decades,” Eberle added. “We appreciate all that Phyllis has accomplished and the wide-ranging impact she has had on local, state and national policies and programs.”

Salowe-Kaye said her successor will provide “effective and impactful leadership” for the group.

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