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Innovation

Innovation is shaping Camden’s future, and ideas are being pushed forward through collaboration. From groundbreaking research to tech startups and creative entrepreneurs, new ideas are shaping an innovation ecosystem that provides opportunities for all.

Innovation Highlights

The city fosters a “cradle to career” ecosystem by utilizing both new and proven strategies to create partnerships among businesses, healthcare, and higher education institutions. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to explore STEM curriculum, build skills, and foster excitement for careers in science, technology, engineering, math and other related fields. Apprenticeship and internships guide young people from the classroom to hands-on-experience and ultimately to viable, lifelong careers. New business incubators, accelerators, and co- working spaces across the city establish a network of start-up and small businesses that has quickly put Camden on the map as a center for innovation.

Collaborating with Camden’s Institutions of Higher Education

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Innovation starts at an early age. Camden provides STEM and STEAM education experiences at every level of learning through innovative partnerships with businesses and nationally recognized higher education institutions such as Rowan University and Rutgers University- Camden. Programs at our elementary, middle and high school provide children with unique immersion experiences in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. Nonprofits like Hopeworks and The Camden Dream Center offer technology rich learning environments, related curriculum and career programs that improve academic outcomes across key touch points to ensure youth are supported across the continuum. These workforce development and training programs ensure positive social impact, provide mentoring and support the mental health and wellness of participants. Unique partnerships with public and private sector employers bring real-life experience to students.

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Innovation-Startup Support

Sixers Innovation Lab

The Philadelphia 76ers solidified their roots in Camden with the establishment of the Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball. The 10,000-square foot facility includes space for approximately six startup companies, at varying stages of development. Announcement of the first participant, Monster Roster, came last fall. Monster Roster created a daily fantasy sports lineup recommender application that combines a unique process and powerful algorithm to help fantasy sports users build superior lineups.The Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball focuses on rapidly growing, early-stage consumer space companies like Monster Roster, and provides speed and flexibility, individualized, industry-leading consulting, and the opportunity for direct investment to participants.

Selected companies receive office space in the Innovation Lab furnished by Kimball Office; access to industry experts, executives and financiers; third-party branding, marketing and legal services; free meals and housing in the Philadelphia-area; and the opportunity to pitch industry-leading investors and venture capital firms. Innovation Lab Advisors include The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, StubHub, DraftKings, Rothman Institute, First Round Capital, Maven Creative, and more. Applications are rolling for start-up companies and driven entrepreneurs that affect the crossroads of sports and consumer products.

Campbell’s Soup Incubator

Campbell Soup committed significant funds to venture funding and new ideas, announcing this year that it will allocate $125 million toward food industry projects. The new venture fund, Acre Venture Partners, is another commitment from one of Camden’s longest-established businesses, and will provide funds for creative food entrepreneurs to develop new growth opportunities in the fields of food, well-being, and technology. Campbell’s supports innovation, and helps to earmark Camden as a center where new projects, businesses, and ideas come to life.

Eds, Meds and Research

The Coriell Institute for Medical Research continues to play a key role in the growth of our ‘health sciences’ corridor. Coriell has been a leader in medical innovation in Camden since 1953. An independent, non-profit research center dedicated to the study of the human genome, Coriell is pioneering programs in the fields of personalized medicine, cell biology, cytogenetics, genotyping, and biobanking. As Coriell’s research translates into advances in human health, the city further establishes itself as a center of medical innovation.

The MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper provides world-renowned cancer care, and is a major contributor to innovation in Camden. Opened in 2013, the state-of-the-art, $100-million, 103,050 square-foot, comprehensive cancer center is a significant contribution to the growing and vital eds-and-meds hub of Camden.
Clinical trials involving people that help investigators find new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose or treat cancer and other diseases provide access to treatment options that may not be available elsewhere. All of today’s successful treatments for cancer are based on clinical trial results. Through affiliation with the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and partnership with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the physicians, nurses and other cancer specialists work together to bring the most innovative clinical trials to patients.
Camden institutions conduct research that creates far reaching and lifesaving effects. Scientists and researchers push the boundaries of innovation right here in Camden. Their work is putting Camden on the map as a true center of science, learning, and medical and scientific breakthroughs.

At Rowan, research is not just an integral part of the curriculum, it is a vital part of the community and the economy. The Office of Research at Rowan supports faculty, staff and students by cultivating scholarship and research, encouraging research in emerging areas, and promoting interdisciplinary partnerships to advance basic knowledge and practical solutions to industry and government problems. Research at Rowan focuses on the following four areas of core competency: Computation and Information, Health Sciences and Bio Tech, Infrastructure and Materials, and Sustainability and Community.  

Nationally known and respected, Rutgers–Camden faculty receive competitive research grants that recognize the profound value of their work. The faculty brings its findings and expertise into their classrooms and the community and contributes to progress in business enterprise, technology innovation, education outreach, and scientific advances. With each success, they define the next challenge to meet and the newest frontier to cross.

Researchers from Rutgers University–Camden and Rowan University are collaborating on an interdisciplinary project to accelerate the fight against diabetes and use untapped resources to improve treatment and perhaps even cure the disease.

Using data driven, human-centered practices, the Camden Coalition of Health Care Providers is a non-profit community organization that tests healthcare delivery models to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of their care. With more than a decade of experience working with vulnerable populations in the city, it shares data and program success stories with other communities to improve state and national healthcare policies.

Operating since 1887, Cooper University Health Care is the leading academic health system in South Jersey provides access to primary, specialty, tertiary, and urgent care, all within one complete health system. Cooper has nearly 10,000 team members, including 1,600 nurses, more than 900 physicians, and 500+ advanced practice providers practicing in more than 75 specialties. Hospitals throughout the region send the most complex and critically ill and injured to Cooper for treatment by highly skilled experts. Cooper University Hospital has been recognized as a top-performing regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Hospitals annual survey and has an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit upholding the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Cooper University Health Care is affiliated with – and its physicians are on the faculty of – Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, which is located on the Health Sciences Campus in Camden, New Jersey. Cooper has a long history in the City of Camden and is playing a leading role in its revitalization.

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper provides world-renowned care for cancer patients and major contributor to the expanding Eds and Meds corridor in Camden, NJ. MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper offers advanced multidisciplinary cancer treatment, innovative technologies, cutting-edge clinical trials, and comprehensive supportive care services. This state-of-the-art 103,050 square foot facility opened in 2013 and is a significant addition to the growing and vital innovation hub in Camden. Clinical trials involving people that help investigators find new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose or treat cancer and other diseases provide access to treatment options that may not be available elsewhere. Through affiliation with the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and partnership with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, physicians, nurses and other cancer specialists work together to bring the most innovative clinical trials to patients. These world renown higher education and medical institutions conduct research that creates far reaching and lifesaving effects. Scientists and researchers push the boundaries of innovation right here in Camden. Their work is putting Camden on the map as a true center of science, learning, medical and scientific breakthroughs.

Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital brings nationally recognized clinical care to the heart of South Jersey. A regional referral center, the hospital is a destination for cardiovascular care, with one of the largest programs in the area. Board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiothoracic surgeons use robotic surgery or other minimally invasive techniques that allow for enhanced vision, precision and control. Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes has been recognized by Healthgrades as being among the best hospitals in the nation for cardiac care. Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes is the only facility in southern New Jersey performing kidney, liver and pancreas transplants. Other specialties include gynecologic and urologic surgery and neurosurgery. The Lourdes Regional Rehabilitation Center is the only comprehensive rehabilitation facility located within an acute care hospital in southern New Jersey.

Rowan University is a Carnegie-classified Top 100 public, national doctoral research institution dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education. The University offers bachelor’s through doctoral programs to nearly 20,000 students through its campuses in Glassboro, Camden and Stratford, New Jersey, and online. Rowan has had a campus in Camden since 1969, but has recently expanded its presence with the addition of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and increased partnerships with the Camden Public School District. Focused on practical research at the intersection of engineering, medicine, science and business, Rowan has earned national recognition for innovation, commitment to high-quality, affordable education, and developing public-private partnerships.

Ranked #49 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Public Colleges and Universities, Rutgers University – Camden is a diverse, research-intensive campus of approximately 6,100 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels and more than 1,000 faculty and staff members. Located in Camden, N.J., directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, the university is uniquely situated to serve a tight-knit local community while achieving global reach. A U.S. Department of Education-designated Minority Serving Institution, Rutgers – Camden is regarded as a national model for civically engaged urban universities. Recently, Rutgers-Camden earned Carnegie classification as an R2 research university due to a high volume of internationally recognized research, creative output, and scholarly activity.

The Rowan University / Rutgers – Camden Board of Governors (the “Joint Board”) carries out its mission by engaging and partnering with public and private institutions to develop programs and projects that will effectuate a vibrant and sustainable community and health sciences corridor anchored by Rutgers University – Camden, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Cooper University Health Care, Cooper – MD Anderson Cancer Center, Coriell Institute for Medical Research, and Camden County College. The Joint Board currently manages a 95,000 square foot biomedical research facility, designed to co-locate students from different academic disciplines to share laboratories, simulation equipment, and classrooms, exposing students to a broader educational experience and encouraging the connections of talents, goods and services.

The Coriell Institute for Medical Research continues to play a key role in the growth of our ‘health sciences’ corridor. Coriell has been a leader in medical innovation in Camden since 1953. An independent, nonprofit research center dedicated to the study of the human genome, Coriell is pioneering programs in the fields of personalized medicine, cell biology, cytogenetics, genotyping, and biobanking. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Camden Cancer Research Center in collaboration with Cooper University Health Care, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, and Rowan University dedicated to investigating the basic biology of cancer and translating that knowledge into new and improved therapeutics for patients. As Coriell’s research translates into advances in human health, the City of Camden further establishes itself as a center of medical innovation.

Camden Coalition is a multidisciplinary, community-based nonprofit working to improve care for people with complex health and social needs in the city of Camden, across New Jersey, and around the country. The Coalition works to develop and test care management models and redesign systems in partnership with consumers, community members, health systems, community-based organizations, government agencies, payers, and more, with the goal of achieving person-centered, equitable care. As one of New Jersey’s four Regional Health Hubs, the Coalition works with regional partners, New Jersey’s Medicaid office, and other state agencies to expand data-sharing and collaboration between organizations so that patients across South Jersey experience seamless, whole-person care. With more than two decades of experience working with vulnerable populations in the city, it shares data and program success stories with other communities to improve state and national healthcare policies.

Established through a state grant received by the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governor (the “Joint Board”) to integrate the region’s medical, educational and research assets to improve health outcomes in southern New Jersey, SJIPH advances the Joint Board’s goal of engaging the community in building accountable and healthy communities. The Joint Board works closely with the region’s universities and colleges, city government and various entities to advance community-based programs and projects that will have an appreciable impact on Camden and the region. SJIPH brings the research expertise of Rowan University and Rutgers University-Camden together with communities to build population health projects that will serve the needs of the region, promote research and expand the capacity of partners to improve health and health equity across populations and communities.

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Dennis Hayes,
Vice President

Dennis Hayes joined Camden Community Partnership in May 2024 as Vice President, bringing over twenty-five years of project and team management experience to the organization. Dennis is a highly skilled professional whose subject matter expertise is in several areas including Construction Management, Facility Operations, Communications Systems (Telecommunications and Land Mobile Radio), Energy Solutions, Public Safety Agency Operations, Homeland Security, Regulatory Affairs, Land Use, and Environmental Engineering. His portfolio reflects CCP’s economic development, infrastructure, transportation, and sustainability projects and initiatives.

Dennis has managed multi-million dollar projects throughout the State of New Jersey, most recently serving as Senior Project Manager for STV overseeing the construction of the Joint Health Sciences Center which is a 100,000 square-foot biomedical research facility that is home to Rowan University, Rutgers University-Camden, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden County College and the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors. The project was estimated at $75 million infusing investment into the Downtown Camden EDs and MEds corridor. Before the Joint Health Sciences Center, his portfolio also included managing the semi-historic renovation of the Rowan Camden Campus Bank Building. The project involved the renovation of a four-story granite/marble atrium originally constructed in 1928, renovation of the 5 th story from office space to academic space, renovation of a 3-story Annex structure from office space to academic space, and the construction of a 3-story multipurpose space at the rear of the original building.

Dennis previously worked for Economic Project Solutions as a Senior Construction Project Manager, whose responsibilities included daily oversight of multiple construction projects, including client meetings, project schedule maintenance, budget tracking, business process analysis, and report generation. While at EPS, Dennis managed the construction of an Urgent Care Facility for Chemed in Lakewood, NJ; three medical lab renovations for Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health in New Brunswick, NJ; the initial programming of Jersey City University Business School Expansion, and assisted in managing the historic renovation of the Lowe’s Theatre in Jersey City.

Dennis Hayes holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies from the Richard H. Stockton State College and several CEUs from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and the University of Toledo College of Engineering. He is OSHA 30 Certified, NJ Licensed N2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Subsurface Evaluator, and Underground Storage Tank Closure Certified (NJDEP), HEP Certified – US Fish and Wildlife Service, NJ Certified Tree Expert, and Certified Arborist – International Society of Arboriculture.

Alex Darling,
Senior Project Manager

Alex Darling joined Camden Community Partnership in May 2024 as Senior Project Manager, bringing a track record of success in both the public and private sectors. In this role, he currently manages the Camden Works Initiative, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s “Reinventing Our Communities” Camden Cohort Workforce Equity Planning effort, and the Camden Health and Athletic Association in addition to addressing the Digital Divide in Camden, NJ. Alex’s portfolio is reflective of CCP’s focus on advancing equity and working to improve the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) throughout the city.

Alex previously served as Aide to Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen and Department Head for the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services, where he acted as a liaison to federal, state, and local agencies, working directly with residents to connect them to services offered by government agencies and organizations. Alex identified emerging community issues and trends, often conducting site visits for resident concerns or participating in community outreach activities. His strategic thinking and dedication to process improvement were evident as he monitored case trends to propose recommendations for enhancing services.

Alex played a pivotal role in launching the City’s "My Camden NJ" mobile app, a comprehensive citizen engagement solution that provides residents with a user-friendly, digital gateway to access city services, report problems, and engage with their community. This experience underscores his commitment to advancing community engagement, effective communication, and innovation for the betterment of Camden and its residents.

Before his tenure with the City of Camden, Alex worked in the private sector for Holman Automotive, one of the largest integrated automotive service companies in North America. There, Alex focused on achieving business-related objectives for a portfolio of high-impact strategic accounts. His work involved developing and implementing tailored strategies to meet client needs, and collaborating closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure client satisfaction and success. Alex's ability to build strong relationships and deliver results for these key clients highlights his expertise in managing complex projects and driving business growth.

Prior to Holman Automotive, Alex worked for the Center for Family Services, a leading nonprofit social services provider, where he spearheaded the creation of a digital employee hub to foster employee inclusion and engagement across the organization's extensive network. This initiative helped improve internal communication and collaboration, ultimately enhancing the organization's ability to serve the community.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Temple University's Fox School of Business in 2017.

Gerald C. Seneski, CPA,
Chief Financial Officer

Gerald “Gerry” Seneski joined Camden Community Partnership in April 2025 as the Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the nonprofit’s financial health and operations.

Mr. Seneski holds multiple professional licenses, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Registered Municipal Accountant (RMA), and Licensed Public-School Accountant (PSA). He is also a Certified County Finance Officer and Certified Municipal Finance Officer. Prior to joining CCP, Gerry served as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Camden, where he is credited with preparing, introducing, and managing an annual municipal operating budget of $210 million, which supports various public services such as fire, police, public works, and other city departments.

Because of his strong fiscal management practices and internal controls, he positioned Camden for an investment bond credit rating upgrade from an A- to an A in 2024, which sends a signal to investors regarding the city’s stable outlook. Throughout his career, Gerry has served as CFO and Administrator for several cities, towns, and governmental units, including North Brunswick, Cinnaminson, Cumberland County, Rowan College of South Jersey, and as the former Assistant Director at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Governmental Services.

Among his notable accomplishments, Gerry has served as the President of the NJ Government Finance Officers Association and is active in the Government Accounting & Auditing Interest Group of the NJ Society of CPAs. He previously held a position on the Executive Board of the NJ Association of Counties (CFO Affiliates) and was a member of the Legislative Advisory Board for the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

Without question, Gerry Seneski brings a wealth of financial experience and business acumen to the position of CFO for Camden Community Partnership, with over 35 years of service in the public and private sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting Major, and a Master of Public Administration from Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania.

Robert Corrales,
Vice Manager

Robert Corrales joined Camden Community Partnership as Vice President in 2023, supporting the organization’s community and economic development initiatives. Mr. Corrales oversees a diverse project portfolio including but not limited to park rehabilitation and restoration, Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) programs, workforce development efforts, special events, and related economic development initiatives. He brings nearly twenty-two years of executive management and public relations experience in State and local government.

Prior to joining Camden Community Partnership, Mr. Corrales served as Township Manager for Evesham Township. In this role, he was charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the largest municipality in Burlington County. Under his leadership, the Township successfully preserved 187 acres of land from the threat of overdevelopment. Mr. Corrales’ notable accomplishments also included working with developers to ensure ongoing Township projects remained on track and under budget, developing a capital improvement plan for parks and open space, successfully negotiating three labor contracts for the Township, and spearheading new public communication initiatives to broaden resident outreach and service delivery.

Robert previously served as Business Administrator for the City of Camden, responsible for overseeing all Department Heads, developing and managing an annual municipal budget totaling approximately $185 million, instituting sound fiscal controls and budgetary practices, as well as, implementing regulatory and statutory mandates. As a result of his leadership and executive management experience, Mr. Corrales assisted the Mayor by formulating public policy which helped set the stage for the transition of the Camden Police Department to the Camden County Police Department, achieved the first investment grade bond rating in decades, and paved the way for public-private investment totaling more than $2 billion.

Working for New Jersey state government, Robert Corrales has served as Press Secretary to Governor Jon S. Corzine, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and Public Information Officer for the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL).

Robert received his Master’s Degree in Labor and Employment Relations and his B.A. in Labor Studies from Rutgers University.

Lahy Amman,
Project Manager

Lahy Amman joined Camden Community Partnership as a Project Management Intern in June 2024 and became a full-time Project Manager in July 2025. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Masters in City Planning in May 2025. Lahy manages several large-scale park construction projects including renovations to some of the city’s premier public spaces: Wiggins Waterfront Park, Roosevelt Plaza Park, Sheila Roberts Park, and 7th and Clinton Park. He also provides research, data analysis, and GIS support for projects ranging from public art installations, park activations and events, and home repair and development programs. His background in planning helps him support CCP’s work as part of the Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative to develop a transformative, long-term model for parks activation and maintenance in Camden. Lahy leverages his previous grant writing experience to support CCP’s fundraising efforts, drafting grant applications for new and continuing funding streams to support park construction, climate resilience, and public art projects.

Nakia Maxwell,
Office Manager

Nakia joined Camden Community Partnership in 2000. With over 22 years of service, Nakia has emerged as Office Manager for the organization, providing staff support and management, maintaining administrative systems, implementing office policies, and overseeing human resources. Nakia is a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) and holds a Certificate in Organizational Management from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). A lifelong resident of Camden, NJ, Nakia assists the team in advancing the mission and mandate of the organization.

Jahmara Smith,
Project Manager

Jahmara Smith joined Camden Community Partnership as a Project Management Intern in the Fall of 2022. She became a full-time Project Manager in 2023 upon graduating from the Rutgers University-Camden School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, with a minor in Digital Marketing. Jahmara manages a diverse project portfolio including the organization’s Message, Media, and Communications, the Camden Works Initiative – connecting residents to local job opportunities, and the Camden Loop which is an affordable on-demand micro-transit service designed to reduce transportation barriers for Camden residents by connecting them to employment and other social determinants of health risk factors such as a full-service grocery store option. Focused on brand equity for nonprofits, Jahmara is a skilled graphic designer and content generator who works to raise CCP brand awareness and engagement to strengthen the relationship between the organization’s initiatives and Camden residents. She manages Camden Community Partnership’s social media platforms and websites including Camden Community Partnership, Camden Invincible weekly electronic newsletter, Camden Works, Camden Works Job Board, Camden Collaborative Initiative, and Connect the Lots-Camden.

Brian Fisher,
Project Manager

Brian Fisher joined Camden Community Partnership as a Project Management Intern in September 2022 and became a full-time Project Manager in April 2023 upon graduating from Rutgers University-Camden with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Studies. Brian comes to the organization with prior experience in planning and development in urban cities, including the Township of Irvington and the City of Camden. He formerly interned for the Camden Redevelopment Agency where Brian assisted in creating redevelopment plans, site surveys, and distribution plans, in addition to collecting demographic data and preparing related reports. Today, Brian Fisher manages over $3 million in trails and parks construction projects including overseeing the construction of the Elijah Perry Park in the Centerville Neighborhood, the installation of newly refurbished outdoor basketball courts at Farnham Park in Parkside, design and construction of the River Birch Trails, in addition to Camden Community Partnership’s Camden Night Gardens, an event that draws over 5,000 residents each year. Brian Fisher is currently enrolled at Temple University, pursuing a graduate degree in City and Regional Planning.

Joseph Myers,
COO

Joseph graduated with a Bachelor of Political Science from the College of New Jersey in 1998 and from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Governmental Affairs and a Master of Political Science in 2000. Joe began working at Camden Community Partnership (CCP) as a graduate intern in 1999, became a full-time project manager upon graduation in the spring of 2000, and was promoted to COO/VP in October of 2009 and tasked with overseeing the development and neighborhood operations in the office.

Joe has dedicated his time working on several downtown projects, which include the Camden Children's Garden, new infrastructure around Adventure Aquarium, and the Aquarium Fountain Park. Joe works closely with the private sector on planning the build out of the remaining downtown waterfront and also in North Camden with Save Our Waterfront on park design and neighborhood planning.

He serves on the board of CAMConnect and Heritage Collaborative as well as volunteering with Sacred Heart Athletics. He is also a graduate of Leadership NJ and the Rutgers University's Center for Strategic Urban Leadership Institute.

Dana L. Redd,
President/CEO

Dana Redd is President/CEO of Camden Community Partnership, Inc. a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve as the catalyst for the preservation and growth of a vibrant Camden. In this role, Ms. Redd is the key management leader responsible for implementing the strategic plan and managing a diversified special project portfolio, including neighborhood initiatives, public infrastructure, and business development. She is charged with overseeing the administration, annual budget, board development, fundraising, and creating public-private partnerships.

Dana has worked in various positions from local government to the New Jersey State Senate, most recently serving as CEO of the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors. As former CEO, Ms. Redd was responsible for board operations, construction, and management of a 95,000-square-foot Joint Health Sciences Center. Ms. Redd worked to develop programmatic and policy initiatives that reflected the Board’s mission and overarching objectives of education, economic development, and civic engagement. She led the creation of the innovative South Jersey Institute for Population Health and secured $4.5 million in state funding for new health initiatives, including population health research, workforce development, and STEM training programs for Camden youth.

While serving as Mayor of Camden, she successfully transitioned the city from state takeover to local control. Camden emerged as a national model for urban recovery in America during her tenure. Redd rallied a coalition of citizens, community organizations, faith-based leaders, businesses, universities, healthcare providers, state officials, and local government entities to improve the quality of life for Camden residents.

Under her leadership as mayor, Camden posted significant improvements in public safety statistics with the creation of the Camden County Police Department’s Metro Division and its commitment to community policing. Redd led a full state intervention in the Camden City School District to improve academic outcomes for urban youth. Redd leveraged and attracted $2.5 billion in public/private investment to stimulate economic growth and job creation. Upon completing her term as mayor, Camden achieved a Standard & Poor credit rating of BBB+, a first in more than 15 years.

Before she was elected Camden mayor in 2009, Redd represented New Jersey’s Fifth Legislative District as a state senator, where she served on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, the Senate Committee for Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee and the Joint Committee on the Public Schools. She co-sponsored and secured the passage of $3.9 billion in new school construction for New Jersey’s Abbott School Districts. Redd sponsored legislation creating the Homeless Trust Fund.

Dana Redd is a graduate of Rutgers: The State University of New Jersey (Camden Campus) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Studies. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Services Administration from Lincoln University.