Sharon Levine Email & Phone Number

United States

• As the Director of Governmental Affairs I have responsibility for monitoring and responding to legislative and regulatory proposals impacting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). My goal is to ensure successful outcomes for both the constituents and families represented by The Arc of New Jersey, as well as community providers - the businesses tasked with delivering supports and services. • My specific focus is legislation that ensures supports and services to individuals with I/DD delivered safely in the community. Emphasis revolves around licensing requirements and funding for community providers.• Author and deliver testimony at Committee hearings, meet and work with legislators and their staff and coordinate grassroots advocacy with our network of families, self-advocates and local County Chapters of The Arc. • Responsible for facilitating discussion and coordinating the internal Governmental Affairs Cmte which provides guidance and input on legislative and regulatory matters. • Author of comments and feedback in response to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Administration, including DHS and DCF.• In coordination with the Exec. Dir., responsible for spearheading the annual Budget Campaign which involves advocacy with the Gov’s Office, the Administration and the Legislature to ensure proper funding is included in the State Budget for people with I/DD and community providers. Work on the Budget is a year-long process that involves authoring the annual Budget White Paper as well as testimony for the Exec. Dir. and Board President. Involves meeting with members of the Senate and Assembly Budget Cmtes and Legislative Leadership as well coordinating Legislative Action Days at the State House.• Responsible for maintaining relationships with NJ’s congressional delegation and their staff. Attend the annual Disability Policy Seminar in Washington D.C., advocate on Capitol Hill with elected representatives and their staff

Key writer of the Commissioner’s speeches/talking points/Power Points for conferences and state-wide events that enable bankers, insurance writers, industry professionals and trade organizations to learn “what’s new” on a state level.Generate content including bulletins, consumer alerts, photos, and event summaries for the Department of Banking and Insurance website.Interpret regulation and legislation dealing with the real estate, insurance, and banking industries to better relay their meaning to citizens of New Jersey.Participate in weekly media planning conference calls with public information officers from around the state hosted by the Governor’s office.

Coordinate pending and ongoing legislation; work in tandem with Minority Staff and the Office of Legislative Services to draft bills and resolutions. Participate in Judiciary and Economic Growth committee meetings and floor votes at the New Jersey State House. Assist and participate in multiple fundraisers for the Gubernatorial Chris Christie campaign. Produce media releases for District 13 at the local level; channel communications to district based publications.Meet with lobbyists, constituents, industry representatives, not-for-profit organizations and locally elected officials.

In a critical time of forced staff reductions I became the sole staff writer for The Hub, taking on additional coverage totaling ten local municipalities. My articles appeared in multiple newspapers across the County each week. Interfaced with town administrators and built key liaison relationships with public relations representatives and elected officials to help facilitate in-depth coverage of those areas.Main reporter and perpetually sole writer for newspapers over ten towns, generating story ideas and publishing more than five articles a week; consistently received lead story status. Visible and known to community leaders; built strong rapport with other reporters at competing newspapers.

Screened for prospective equity investment candidatesTracked and informed management of recommendations based on material changes in a company’s future prospects

Utilized the Bacons Media Source program to research for clients. Prepared preliminary research for press releases