BRINGING YEARS of public service and leadership experience to the position, Ocean County Freeholder Virginia E. Haines has been selected to lead the nation’s oldest non-partisan organization addressing the needs of elected women at all levels 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, a Toms River resident and a lifetime resident of Ocean County, has served in the state Assembly, as New Jersey Lottery Director and on the Dover Township (Toms River) Committee. She is the second woman in the history of the County to serve on the Freeholder Board. Hazel Gluck, Lakewood, was the first woman to serve as a Freeholder. Haines will continue to serve as a Freeholder as she serves on NFWL.
Elected women from across the country will gather in Minneapolis, Minn., from Nov. 14 through the 18th, for the National Foundation of Women Legislators’ (NFWL) 2017 Annual Conference to identify effective solutions to some of the nation’s most timely and 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 echoed the sentiments of Sen. Ruud saying Freeholder Haines was a great choice.
‘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 hold the unpaid title of New Jersey State Director for the NFWL through the end of 2018.