About Us

Our Story

A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative

The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium was created by the State of New Jersey in 2018 to address the local news crisis. It emerged from a broad stakeholder coalition led by Free Press, building on prior initiatives by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and Montclair State University's Center for Cooperative Media.

Six public universities partner in this effort: The College of New Jersey, Montclair State University, NJIT, Rowan University, Kean University, and Rutgers University. Montclair State serves as the host institution.

A 16-member Board of Directors governs the Consortium's operations, and state law prevents New Jersey and the Consortium from owning funded projects or exercising editorial control.

Our Mission

The Consortium provides financial resources to support and grow trustworthy, community-based news and information sources throughout New Jersey.

Our Vision

We envision a future in which every person in New Jersey has access to thriving, representative local news and information that enhances their lives and communities.

Our Team

Staff

Lisa Sahulka

Executive Director

Lisa brings decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations. She previously served as COO at The Century Foundation and Southern Poverty Law Center, and as CFO for the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Florida. She has held leadership roles with CARE, Covenant House, and Jacob Riis Settlement House.

Ayinde Merrill

Program Officer

A lifelong Camden resident and activist, Ayinde founded Watu Moja, connecting African American and Afro-Latino young adults to the global African community through arts and service. He holds a bachelor's in Afrikan Studies from Rutgers and a master's in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Madison McCool

Grants + Communications Manager

Madison (Madi) serves as the Grants and Communications Manager for the Consortium, where she leads the organization's communications strategy, supports the administration of grant programs, and manages back-office support. With a background in office management and communications, Madi plays a key role in connecting the Consortium's work with stakeholders including journalists, policymakers, universities, and community partners.

Governance

Board of Directors

Our 16-member board includes representatives from partner universities, community organizations, and the public.

Christopher J. Daggett Chairperson, 2025 Independent Consultant

Molly de Aguiar Treasurer President, Independence Public Media Foundation State Assembly Speaker Appointment

Therise Edwards Vice Chairperson President, Teshly Solutions LLC Public Appointment

Brian T. Murray Assistant County Administrator, Morris County Government State Senate Minority Leader Appointment

Kevin Belfield Dean, College of Science and Liberal Arts New Jersey Institute of Technology Appointment

Matthew Weber Professor of Communication, Rutgers School of Communication and Information Rutgers University Appointment

Carrie Brown Associate Professor of Journalism Montclair State University Appointment

Jerome Montes Dir. of Outreach, Communications, and Marketing, NJ Citizen Action Governor Appointment

David Wildstein Editor, NJ Globe State Senate President Appointment

Kim Pearson Associate Professor of Journalism and Professional Writing, Retired The College of New Jersey Appointment

Carl Hausman Professor of Journalism Rowan University Appointment

Marisol M. Peron Senior VP, Global Investor Relations & Comms, Genmab US, Inc Board - Technology Sector Appointment

Natalie Hamilton Director of Communications, FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Governor Appointment

Audrey Kelly Executive Director, Kean University Board of Trustees Kean University Appointment

Robin Wilson-Glover Director Digital Opinion, NJ Advance Media, Retired Board - Media Sector Appointment

Laura Marie Ali Chair of Chairs of the GOP State Assembly Minority Leader Appointment

Partners

Member Universities

Six public universities partner with the Consortium to strengthen local news across New Jersey.

The College of New Jersey

Montclair State University

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Rowan University

Kean University

Rutgers University

Funders

The State of New Jersey

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Democracy Fund

Press Forward

F.M. Kirby Foundation

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Grunin Foundation

EQUIP NJ

Collaborative Partners

Free Press

Hoboken Strategy Group

Center for Cooperative Media at MSU

Community Foundation of South Jersey

Blue Engine Collaborative

City Bureau

Rebuild Local News