OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Freeholder and Toms River resident Virginia E. Haines is now the New Jersey State Director for the National Foundation for Women Legislators.
Haines was recently selected to lead the nation’s oldest non-partisan organization that addresses the needs of elected women officials within all areas of government.
“It’s a privilege to serve as the 2017 New Jersey State Director for the National Foundation for Women Legislators,” said Haines, who has been an Ocean County Freeholder since January 2016. “I am so proud of the many accomplishments women have made and continue to make at all levels of government.”
“I look forward to working with the members of this organization in order to advance the status of women in government and to come together to share views and experiences that will help create an ongoing dialogue that will make a difference for not just our respective constituents but nationally,” she said.
Haines is only the second woman in the history of Ocean County to serve on the Freeholder Board, the first being Hazel Gluck of Lakewood. Prior to becoming a Freeholder, she also served in the State Assembly, as New Jersey Lottery Director and on the Dover Township (Toms River) Committee.
As part of her new role, Haines, along with other elected women across the country, will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota from November 14 to 18 for the National Foundation of Women Legislators’ (NFWL) 2017 Annual Conference to discuss effective solutions to some of the country’s most pressing issues.
“Fostering a non-partisan environment that encourages dialogue and the sharing of information and experiences, women leaders are able to build coalitions, share the concerns of their constituents, and identify out-of-the-box solutions to the most pressing issues facing their communities today,” Haines said.
“We are so proud Freeholder Haines has accepted a leadership position in our Foundation,” stated Minnesota State Senator Carrie Ruud, NFWL’s 2017 Chair. “NFWL’s theme for 2017 is leadership, and Haines exemplifies this theme. She will play a key role in aiding elected women in New Jersey, as we continue to grow as an organization.”
Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari mirrored the sentiments of Sen. Ruud, saying that Freeholder Haines was a great choice for the role.
“She brings a great deal of knowledge and perspective to the table,” Vicari said. “She is a hard worker and will be a true benefit to the NFWL.”
Haines will carry the title of New Jersey State Director for the NFWL through the end of 2018.
National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but instead serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. For more information, visit womenlegislators.org.
