Andrew Zwicker, a member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 16th Legislative District, has named Petra Gaskins his chief of staff, effective Jan. 11.
“I am thrilled to welcome Petra Gaskins to my staff. She brings a tremendous amount of experience and a unique personal perspective into this role. Her deep desire to help others and to seek changes that improve people’s lives will be invaluable,” Zwicker said in a prepared statement.
Gaskins, a Lawrence Township resident, formerly was the director of Outreach and Programming for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, from the 12th Congressional District. In that role, she was responsible for the development and implementation of projects and programs to engage key constituency groups, according to the statement.
Previously, she was as an aide to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in Intergovernmental Affairs where she served as the liaison to local officials in Mercer and Hunterdon counties.
She began her career in government with Coleman in constituent relations.
A graduate of Rider University, Gaskins takes great pride in mentoring the next generation of civic leaders by volunteering with New Leaders Council-New Jersey. She also is an advisor to the Mercer County Young Democrats.
The 16th Legislative District includes South Brunswick, Princeton, Montgomery and Hillsborough.