Sheena C. Collum serves as the 49th Mayor of South Orange, New Jersey, and is the first woman to hold this position in the village’s history. Since her election in 2015, Collum has focused on smart growth, economic development, infrastructure, citizen engagement, and enhancing municipal operations through shared services and technological advancements. Professionally, she is the Executive Director of the American Planning Association’s New Jersey Chapter, working on public policy issues affecting municipalities statewide. South Orange
In 2023, Collum endorsed Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop in his gubernatorial bid and served as his campaign’s senior advisor for Housing and Economic Development. She praised Fulop’s commitment to progressive policies, including the $15 minimum wage, paid sick leave, and affordable housing initiatives. Collum emphasized the importance of electing a governor with mayoral experience to address the state’s challenges effectively. The Village Green+1The Village Green+1
According to a source cited by InsiderNJ, Fulop has chosen Collum as his lieutenant governor candidate. This strategic selection highlights Fulop’s recognition of Collum’s policy expertise and her ability to implement effective, results-oriented solutions. Her track record in municipal governance and statewide policy advocacy positions her as a strong candidate for this role. The Village Green
Collum’s potential nomination reflects a broader trend of South Orange’s increasing influence in New Jersey’s state politics. Her leadership has been marked by pragmatic approaches to development and policy, earning her respect among peers and constituents alike. Her selection as lieutenant governor would bring valuable experience and a proven commitment to progressive governance to the state’s executive leadership.
Collum serves as the 49th Mayor of Township of South Orange Village and is the first female to hold this role in a municipality of 18,500 residents which is also the proud home to the Seton Hall University Pirates. She has concentrated her priorities around smart growth and economic development, infrastructure and capital planning, citizen engagement and volunteerism, and streamlining municipal operations through consolidations, shared services and the expansion of technology.
Professionally, Sheena is the Executive Director of the American Planning Association – New Jersey Chapter, a statewide planning organization whose mission is to help build stronger communities and provide more choices for how people work and live while meeting the challenges of both growth and change. In her role, Sheena works regularly with local and state officials, professional and nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies on arrange of public policy issues affecting New Jersey’s municipalities including smart growth, state and regional planning, transportation, public health, sustainability, economic development, redevelopment and affordable housing.
Sheena is a proud alumnus of Seton Hall University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in public policy.
For more on Collum, please go here.
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