MAYOR BARAKA APPOINTS GABRIELLE M. THOMAS, J.D.

AS SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR AND COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST

South Ward native will work with municipal agencies

to advance Newark’s programs and agenda

Newark, NJ – January 7, 2025 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today the appointment of Gabrielle M. Thomas, J.D. as Senior Policy Advisor and Communications Strategist for the City of Newark. Ms. Thomas is currently serving as a Policy Advisor to the Mayor. In her new position, Ms. Thomas will work on behalf of the Mayor with government agencies and dignitaries to advance the city’s programs and agenda.

“Throughout her career, Gabrielle has poured her heart into uplifting our city,” Mayor Baraka said. “Whether she’s coordinating impactful events like the State of the City Address or researching policies to address systemic inequities, she brings a sense of purpose and care to everything she does. Gabrielle’s work reflects her belief that Newark is not just a place but a promise—a promise of progress, opportunity, and hope for every resident who calls it home.”

Born and raised in the City’s South Ward, Ms. Thomas gained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Kenyon College, where she was President of the Black Student Union, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of advocacy and service. She earned her Juris Doctorate at Rutgers University-Newark School of Law, serving as a Senior Editor of the Rutgers Race and the Law Review.

After graduation, she served clerkships in the New Jersey Superior Court’s Family Division and Clerk’s Office Foreclosure Unit. In these roles, she mediated foreclosure cases, prepared critical legal judgments, and sharpened her analytical skills. From there, Ms. Thomas joined the City of Newark’s Law Department in 2019, where she researched critical issues, drafted legislation and supported the city’s legal priorities.

“This appointment is at once a dream come true, a humbling vote of confidence, and an exciting opportunity to intentionally combine my skills and experience with my deep love for the people of Newark,” said Ms. Thomas. “I look forward to putting Newark front and center as we pioneer progressive, common sense policy, and remain at the forefront of state and national next-level problem solving.”

Ms. Thomas entered the Office of the Mayor in 2022, serving as a Policy Advisor. She coordinated major events like the annual State of the City Address and researched policies to address system inequities.

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