On Saturday, the College Democrats of New Jersey hosted their 5th Annual Convention at Rutgers University in New Brunswick and reorganization of its executive leadership.

Elected to serve for the 2018-2019 term is the College Dems first ever female president, Megan Coyne of Rutgers-New Brunswick. Coyne is also the Chapter President of Rutgers University Democrats, the largest chapter in the state.   She replaces outgoing President John Bingham, who previously served for two terms.

“The New Jersey State Democratic Party serves as a blueprint of success for the rest of the country,” Coyne said. “This executive board will work tirelessly to make our state’s College Democrats federation equally as successful. Together we will achieve real results across the state by ensuring that each chapter has the tools and support necessary to turn New Jersey a brighter shade of blue and prepare our state’s next generation of leaders. Together we will move forward, growing into an organization that serves as the voice of all college students across the Garden State who care deeply about Democratic values.”

Serving also with her is newly-elected Vice President Michael Zhadanovsky, who is the Executive Director for Rutgers University Democrats, and succeeds Vice President Ajiya Doka.

“I am thankful to the College Democrats of New Jersey for entrusting me with such great responsibility,” said Zhadanovsky. “I look forward to working with Democrats around the state to support Governor Murphy’s agenda and to put even more Democrats in office throughout New Jersey.”

Kyle Bright and Sam Beson will serve as Chiefs-of-Staff to the President and Vice-President respectively.

Also elected is the first ever Executive Director of CDNJ, Lambertville resident Meagan Elaine Warner, President of the Mercer County Community College Democrats.

“I look forward to serving with Megan, Michael and the rest of our diverse and ground-breaking executive board,” Warner said. “I’m eager to get down to business and expand our organization. I’m confident in the vision our new president, vice-president and I share, as well as a bright future for all College Democrats here in New Jersey.”

Serving under the three executives will be State Council Chairman Garrett Racz, Communications Director Ricky Stephens, Political Director Jude Ezeh, Membership Director Edwin Soto, Treasurer Lance Taylor, Development Director Hafiza Kazi, Northern Regional Chair Awilda Pomales-Diaz, Central Regional Chair Amanda Glatt, and Southern Regional Chair Nick Brago.

The convention drew the likes of Senator Bob Menendez, Murphy administration policy adviser Tai Cooper, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach, and LD15 Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.