Elaine Katz of Kessler Foundation Appointed to Governor-Elect Philip D. Murphy’s 2018 Transition Committee

East Hanover, NJ – November 29, 2017 – New Jersey Governor-elect Philip D. Murphy has announced members of the Transition 2018 committees, appointing Elaine Katz, MS, CCC-SP, senior vice president of grants and communications at Kessler Foundation, to the Human and Children Services Committee. Committee members will meet throughout New Jersey over the next month to undertake policy analysis and provide recommendations on a variety of state issues and initiatives. The reports will be submitted prior to the inauguration, slated to take place on January 16.

The Human and Children Services Committee is comprised of 30 policy experts and outside leaders in their respective fields. “Each committee member brings with them diverse experiences and expertise,” remarked Elaine Katz. “For me, this appointment means opportunities to implement new thinking, founded on unique resources and perspectives, and cultivate new frameworks. The goal is to inform the new administration's legislative and regulatory agenda on sustainable systems that address old problems and processes.”

Through investing in the work of its researchers, and various disability initiatives, Kessler Foundation seeks to improve the lives of people with physical and cognitive disabilities caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injury, and other chronic neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions. Local and national grant-funded programs support the employment of veterans, high school students, artists, and athletes. National leaders in policy, education, and government are gaining valuable insights from the Foundation’s disability research initiatives, including the 2017 Kessler Foundation National Employment & Disability Survey: Supervisor Perspectives – the first such survey of supervisors of people with disabilities – and the National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) monthly jobs report, a custom analysis of engagement of individuals in the labor market. 

“Through Katz’s work on the transition committee, we hope to positively influence and educate the new administration on programs and initiatives that benefit the lives of people with disabilities,” said Rodger DeRose, president and chief executive officer of Kessler Foundation. “For decades, our researchers have developed ways for people with disabilities to overcome obstacles and lead full and productive lives in their communities. By creating employment opportunities and removing attitudinal and physical barriers, our hope is to help this talented population find jobs, and succeed in the workplace long-term.”

About Elaine Katz

Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP is Senior Vice President of Grants and Communications at Kessler Foundation. She is responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring a comprehensive grantmaking program. In addition, she oversees the Foundation’s external communications department. Katz has over 25 years of consulting and experience working with non-profit organizations in areas of board development, fundraising, marketing, social enterprise and business development. Katz currently serves on the board of directors of JESPY House, New Jersey Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Essex/Newark Disabilities Issues Committee, and on the program committee of the Council of NJ Grantmakers. Katz is also an appointed member of the NJ Veterans and Community Collaborative Network (VCCN). She is the 2016 recipient of the first Jackson Drysdale Civilian of the Year Award from the GI GO Fund and the 2015 Betty Pendler Award for improving the lives of persons with disabilities from Community Options, Inc.

 

About Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. Learn more by visiting www.KesslerFoundation.org

 

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Contacts

Carolann Murphy, PA; 973-324-8382; [email protected]

Laura Viglione, MS; 973-323-3675; [email protected]

For more information, contact:
Deb Hauss, [email protected]
Carolann Murphy, [email protected]

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