Office number: 609-838-5488
Executive Leadership
Debra L. Wentz, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
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- Oversees NJAMHAA and the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI).
- Addresses issues needing executive input and/or direction.
- Handles special requests from Board members and external audiences.
- Addresses all calls from the Governor’s Office, policymakers and legislators who deal with issues other than scheduling.
- Responds to media requests.
- Serves as the official NJAMHAA representative.
Lisa Lawson
Associate Executive Director
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- Advance NJAMHAA’s strategic priorities, association operations, and member engagement.
- Support advocacy and policy initiatives.
- Strengthen connections with member agencies.
- Contribute to program and practice group development.
Senior Leadership
Shauna Fuzes
Vice President, Public Affairs and Member Services
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- Serves as liaison for the Board and its committees, as well as Practice Groups.
- Represents the organization at external and internal meetings.
- Oversees production of NJAMHAA electronic and print publications.
- Provides member services.
Julia Schneider
Chief Financial Officer
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- Performs all accounting functions for NJAMHAA and NJMHI.
- Handles invoice and general billing inquiries.
- Manages membership dues.
- Provides technical assistance for Open Systems' Traverse.
- Manages accounts payable and accounts receivable.
- Manages payroll.
Directors
Ron Gordon
Director, IT Project
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- Performs on-site systems analyses for agencies to assist them with their technical requirements and planning.
- Develops and writes technology plans and IT policies and procedures for project customers.
- Assists the Vice President of IT, Human Resources and Administrative Services in investigating and implementing new software and other applications as needed for NJAMHAA and NJMHI's business operations.
Professional & Program Staff
Jada Abdullah
Associate Health Policy Analyst
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Assist the Senior Health Policy Analyst with:
- Research; budget and legislative analysis
- Drafting annual reports, policy positions, testimony, grants, surveys and other communications
- Tracking state and federal legislation and carrying out state and federal advocacy
Tara Shiffert
Administrative Events Planner
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- Provides strategic leadership and end-to-end management of NJAMHAA’s conferences, IT conferences, trainings, and educational programs, with responsibility for event strategy, revenue generation, sponsorship and exhibitor sales, marketing and promotion, registration, vendor management, and comprehensive event logistics.
- Leads the administration and compliance of NJAMHAA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, including CE applications and approvals, accreditation requirements, attendance documentation, recordkeeping, and the accurate and timely issuance of continuing education certificates to participants.
Marie Verna
Senior Health Policy Analyst
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- Contributes to the development of policy papers, advocacy materials and grant proposals.
- Synthesizes members’ recommendations on proposed regulations.
- Represents the organization at external and internal meetings.
- Serves as Grant Writer for the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI); Project Director/Coordinator for NJMHI initiatives.
- Serves as liaison for Practice Groups.
Administrative Staff
Stronger together. Better outcomes for all.
NJAMHAA is proud to serve as a trusted partner and advocate for agencies and the communities they serve.
