Speaker Craig J. Coughlin today announced the Assembly Majority Office’s new Internal Communications and Constituent Relations Department. Working in conjunction with Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, who serves on Senior Leadership as Constituent Outreach Chair, the department will be responsible for supporting district office staff and providing them with resources and information to better assist constituents throughout the state.

“We are excited to welcome onboard a Constituent Relations team within the Assembly Majority Office,” said Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-19). “Comprised of veteran Assembly staffers and newcomers, their role will be instrumental in supporting the members of our caucus and their district office communications with constituents – starting first and foremost with boosting initiatives around the new ANCHOR program.”

Gina Wilder, who previously served as the Assembly Majority Office’s Deputy Communications Director, will take on the mantle of the Director of Internal Communications and Constituent Relations. She brings a wealth of experience from her combined 14 years in the Assembly Majority Office, both on the press team and in constituent relations. A veteran communications professional, Wilder also served as Director of Communications for the New Jersey Department of State under the McGreevey administration.

“This new challenge is yet another chapter in my service to the members of the Legislature and the people of New Jersey. I thank Speaker Coughlin for his support,” said Gina Wilder, Director of Internal Communications and Constituent Relations. “The creation of the AMO Internal Communications and Constituent Relations Department builds upon the Speaker’s track record of providing the Assembly Democratic Caucus opportunities and resources to do their best work. I look forward to continuing to serve our members in this new capacity.”

Joining the department as Deputy Directors of Constituent Relations are Charity Jeffries and Christopher Aikin.

Jeffries came to New Jersey by way of North Carolina and is a veteran of numerous political and issue-based campaigns in many states. Most recently, she spent five years working in political and governmental relations in New Jersey’s second Legislative District. Additionally, Jeffries is a 2018 New Leaders Council, NJ Chapter Fellow, where she served two years on the board as Development Co-Chair. Jeffries also previously served as the president of the Young Democrats of Atlantic County – YDAC.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue working for the New Jersey Assembly Democrats in this new position. I look forward to partnering with district office staff on building community relations through public events and better assisting the hardworking residents of their districts,” said Charity Jeffries, Deputy Director of Constituent Relations. “With my years of experience as a community organizer and joint Chief of Staff overseeing a district office, I hope to bring guidance and assistance to the dedicated staff who keep their offices running.”

Aikin joins the Assembly Majority Office’s Internal Communications and Constituent Relations Department with 25 years of experience in community organizing. He has worked as a public policy staffer and labor organizer for health care and education unions, as well as with the Writers Guild of America, East.

“I look forward to joining this new team to support the talented, dedicated caucus members and district office staff who work tirelessly on behalf of their constituents,” said Christopher Aikin, Deputy Director of Constituent Relations. “I am confident that my previous experience will be an asset for building even stronger community outreach and constituent support programs to meet the needs of residents throughout New Jersey.”