Bill O'dea

co-chair

Bill O’Dea, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Development Company, leads redevelopment, funding, and workforce initiatives, including Project IMPACT, which has helped over 250 veterans, women, and minorities enter construction apprenticeships. He also directed major small-business relief during COVID. A longtime civic leader, he is in his tenth term as County Commissioner, chairing the Public Resources Committee and the Taskforce on the Homeless.

jim johnson

co-chair

Jim Johnson has four decades Of public service at the federal, state, and local levels, including roles as NYC Corporation Counsel during the pandemic and U.S. Treasury Under Secretary. He authored Governor Murphy’s Atlantic City redevelopment plan and has served as a federal housing monitor. A 2017 NJ gubernatorial candidate, he is now COO of Trinity Church in New York City.

hetty rosentein

co-chair

Hetty Rosenstein is a lifelong activist and veteran labor leader with over 40 years advocating for workers’ rights, strong pensions, and progressive causes in New Jersey. She has fought for healthcare access, civil rights, and social and economic justice. Since leaving CWA, she mentors emerging leaders and works to mobilize a broad progressive coalition in elections.

keshav poddar

Executive director

Keshav Poddar, previously Policy Director for Mayor-Elect James Solomon’s campaign, is an attorney at Windels Marx focused on community economic development and affordable housing. He previously advised on economic policy in the Biden-Harris White House, worked for Vice President Harris, and served as Counsel to New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. He is a graduate of Yale Law School and Dartmouth College and lives in Jersey City.

Laura Bustamante

Chief of Staff

Laura Bustamante, most recently served as the Deputy State Director and Political Director for the U.S Senator Andy Kim, leading strategic engagement on key issues such as transportation, immigration and labor engagement. Bustamante started her career with now Mayor-elect James Solomon serving as his first Chief of Staff and Deputy Campaign Manager on Solomon’s re election campaign in 2021.

Kristel Mejia-Asqui

Deputy Chief of Staff

Kristel Mejia-Asqui began her career as an intern in Councilmember James Solomon’s office while studying at New Jersey City University and later served for two years as his Chief of Staff, leading Ward E’s legislative agenda, constituent services, and community outreach. Kristel helped introduce one of the nation’s strongest Right to Counsel legislation, expanding access to legal representation for thousands of tenants. She also serves on the board of the James Solomon Civic Association, where she supports initiatives that uplift low-income families across Jersey City.

scott salmon

transition Counsel

Scott Salmon is Co-Managing Partner at Jardim Meisner Salmon Sprague & Susser, P.C. and served as campaign counsel for Mayor— Elect Solomon. He practices municipal law, election law, and litigation, including trials and appellate cases, and has handled municipal redistricting. He is Co- Chair of the NJ State Bar Association’s Election Law Committee and a Rising Star since 2020.

stuart thomas

political director

Stuart Thomas is a seasoned campaign strategist who managed Mayor-Elect James Solomon’s historic victory and his 2021 Ward E City Council race. He also led Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s 2022 reelection campaign and has consulted on campaigns and PACs across multiple states, building a reputation for winning high- pressure, high-turnout races.