January 27, 2021 – New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) is pleased to announce two new additions to its Board of Trustees. The newly elected members, Tara Dowdell and Patrick Toussaint, bring a depth of experience in government, public relations, and grassroots advocacy to the NJPP board.

“We are thrilled to have Tara and Patrick join the NJPP board,” said Brandon McKoy, President of NJPP. “Tara and Patrick are incredibly talented and passionate advocates for the work of NJPP and our vision for a more economically and racially just New Jersey.”

Tara Dowdell is an accomplished entrepreneur and communications strategist. She is the founder and President of TDG Speakers and Tara Dowdell Group, a public relations and marketing agency driven by a passion for helping socially conscious organizations and businesses grow. In addition to her business ventures, Tara is a respected television commentator and speaker on a range of political, government, and business topics.

Tara previously served as Senior Manager of Government and Community Relations for the international shipping arm of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the first Black American and youngest person to serve as Director of Appointments in the Office of the New Jersey Governor, and as a District Representative and scheduler for Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.

“NJPP’s work and policy advocacy are more critical than ever as our state continues to confront a brutal public health and economic crisis that is crushing our most vulnerable populations and communities,” said Tara Dowdell. “If we are to recover and build a more just and equitable state, we need policy solutions that are evidence based and grounded in equity and that is at the heart of NJPP’s work. I could not be more honored to serve on the board.”

Patrick Toussaint is a purpose-driven leader with deep experience in progressive politics and financial services. Patrick is an Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase, where he leads HR strategy engagements. Prior to that, he held various roles across finance, operations, and technology at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch.

Patrick’s commitment to progressive change started at an early age, with stints working for his county commissioner, on Capitol Hill, a presidential campaign, and a DC-based think tank. In 2017, he co-founded the Hudson County Progressive Alliance, a group dedicated to engaging community residents in local, state, and national elections.

“I have always valued NJPP’s unique contributions to the policy discourse in New Jersey,” said Patrick Toussaint. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the board and help advance the mission to ensure NJ is a place where all residents enjoy lives of dignity, opportunity, and economic security.”