Meet New Jersey Realtors® Government Affairs Department

Meet New Jersey Realtors® Government Affairs Department

Vice President of Government Affairs DOUGLAS TOMSON

What’s your role in the Government Affairs Department?

As Vice President of the Government Affairs Department I am

responsible for executing the goals and objectives of the association in all aspects of lobbying and politics. This includes lobbying in Trenton on state issues and ensuring that we have a robust local lobbying program as well.

What’s the top issue or project you’re currently working on? As is real estate, the political nature of NJ is cyclical. Currently we are preparing for all 120 seats in the legislature to be up for

election this fall while also preparing for the NJ budget process.

Do you have any past professional experience in government affairs?

Prior to joining the association, I worked on a statewide campaign opposing a tax policy.

What’s your favorite thing about New Jersey? We have it all from mountains to the shore and everything in between.

TOP FIVE QUESTIONS

1. Does Central NJ exist? Yes, including one of the best towns in America, Hillsborough!

2. Pizza topping? Sausage and hot peppers

3. Pork Roll or Taylor Ham? Pork Roll

4. Favorite Sports Team? Somerset Patriots

5. Dead or Alive, who would you want to meet? President Lyndon Johnson

Director of Government Affairs CATHERINE BEST

What’s your role in the Government Affairs Department?

I lobby in Trenton on state and regulatory issues. I am the staff liaison to the Legislative Committee and NJ CORE. I also oversee the Federal Political Coordinator program and our global initiatives.

What’s the top issue or project you’re currently working on?

I am currently monitoring the political scene in New Jersey’s upcoming primary election, planning the Women in Politics Candidate Training, and working with the FPCs on the Realtor® Block Party at the Midyear Meetings.

Do you have any past professional experience in government affairs?

Prior to joining the association, I worked in the offices of Rep. Steve Rothman and Sen. Bob Menendez. I also recently served as Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s District Director.

What’s your favorite thing about New Jersey? The food…the best bagels, pizza, Italian, Indian…you name it and you can get it here.

1. Does Central NJ exist? Yes! I live there.

2. Pizza topping? Mushrooms and black olives

3. Pork Roll or Taylor Ham? Taylor Ham

4. Favorite Sports Team? Yankees

5. Dead or Alive, who would you want to meet? My maternal grandfather, who passed away before I was born.

Director of RPAC and Regulatory Affairs BRUCE SHAPIRO

What’s your role in the Government Affairs Department? Overseeing administration of and compliance for the Realtors® Political Action Committee as well as serving as the staff liaison to the Issues Mobilization Fund and Political Affairs Committee. I also represent New Jersey Realtors® before the NJ Real Estate Commission and assist members in getting answers to their questions on the state real estate license law and rules.

What’s the top issue or project you’re currently working on? Currently I am working on the planning for this year’s Realtors ® Day in Trenton event where approximately 200 plus members make their way to the capitol city to hear from their elected officials and observe live meetings in the Historic New Jersey State House.

Do you have any past professional experience in government affairs? Prior to working for New Jersey Realtors®, I worked for two members of the New Jersey General Assembly for four years, as well as completed internships in the New Jersey Governor’s office and U.S. Senate.

What’s your favorite thing about New Jersey? New Jersey really does have something for everyone. Whether it be the Jersey Shore, our great historic downtowns or our beautiful mountains and farmlands, if there is something you are looking for, New Jersey has it!

One Word Responses:

1. Does Central NJ exist? Yes

2. Pizza topping? Mushrooms

3. Pork Roll or Taylor Ham? Pork Roll

4. Favorite Sports Team? Yankees

5. Dead or Alive, who would you want to meet? Theodore Roosevelt

Government Affairs Coordinator THOMAS DUKE

What’s your role in the Government Affairs Department? My role in the department is assisting in a variety of legislative and political projects. I assist Catherine with independent expenditure campaigns run through NJ CORE, performing research for our legislative agenda, and providing assistance to our local boards for their government affairs needs.

What’s the top issue or project you’re currently working on? After setting up meetings between our Leadership Team and New Jersey’s Congressional Delegation in early spring, my focus is now on the upcoming primary elections for the State Legislature.

Do you have any past professional experience in government affairs? While I was in college I interned with the New Jersey Governor’s Office, a New Jersey Senate campaign, and a U.S. Senator’s office in Pennsylvania.

What’s your favorite thing about New Jersey? This is where my family is from, and Jersey has everything from the shore to suburban downtowns to city access.

One Word Responses:

1. Does Central NJ exist? No

2. Pizza topping? Mushrooms on a white pizza

3. Pork Roll or Taylor Ham? Taylor Ham

4. Favorite Sports Team? Duke Blue Devils

5. Dead or Alive, who would you want to meet? Teddy Roosevelt

Government Affairs Coordinator JAILYN FRAZIER

What’s your role in the Government Affairs Department? My role includes serving as a liaison between our local boards and the NJ Realtors® Government Affairs Department and assisting in lobbying efforts.

What’s the top issue or project you’re currently working on? I have been focused on legislation regarding Offshore Wind Projects and Realty Transfer fees.

Do you have any past professional experience in government affairs? Prior to working for NJ Realtors® , I served

as the Director of Communications for a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. In college, I interned for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker.

What’s your favorite thing about New Jersey? My favorite things about New Jersey are our beautiful beaches and the fact that we do not have to pump our own gas.

One Word Responses:

1. Does Central NJ exist? Yes

2. Pizza topping? Pepperoni, extra crispy

3. Pork Roll or Taylor Ham? Pork Roll

4. Favorite Sports Team? Boston Celtics

5. Dead or Alive, who would you want to meet? Maya Angelou