On Tuesday, January 17,  2023, South Jersey Progressive Democrats (SJPD) voiced opposition to the unethical closed door operations of the Rutgers Camden-Rowan Board of Governors. This board was created as a compromise to appease party boss, George Norcross, when the proposal to merge Rutgers-Camden and Rowan failed. At the time of the board’s creation, George Norcross told the Philadelphia Inquirer that this board plays an essential role in “helping develop what I think Camden will be in the future.”

In addition to a multi-million dollar budget, this board is entrusted with broad ranging powers, including the right to eminent domain (seizure of private property). The board receives annual funding of $2.5 million each from Rutgers Camden and Rowan universities as well as other state funding. The board is currently chaired by NJ American Water Director of Government Affairs, Comcast lobbyist, and Gloucester Township mayor, David Mayer.

Camden County Commissioner Jeff Nash was recently gifted a quarter of a million dollar job as CEO of the Rutgers Camden-Rowan Board. There was no process–no job posting, no job description, no search committee. In fact, the job was awarded via a last minute “walk-on” resolution. The Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities  has previously been critical of the Rutgers Camden-Rowan Board of Governors’ lack of open hiring process, noting that such behavior erodes public trust.

“It wasn’t surprising that when questioned about qualifications around the non-transparent awarding of the CEO position to Jeff Nash, Chairman Dave Mayer’s response can be easily translated into plain English as “He’s been a public servant for 30 years, it’s his turn,” said Keith Gibbons of the Restore GT podcast.

“I found it fascinating that, while delving into the hiring of CEO Jeffery Nash in great length, the board did not mention whether any other candidate; hopefully one with a deeper background in education and medicine  was interviewed, or even applied. Searching for a broader field of candidates is the basis of the hiring of almost any position in this salary range,” said Dennis Gormley of South Jersey Progressive Democrats.

“The appointment of Commissioner Nash turns out to be the tip of the iceberg in terms of glaring problems with this board. Yes Nash’s salary (and cushy pension bump up) is ludicrous. But there’s more! Buried in the “other information” back pages of their 2021 audit is their budget which notes a $12 million surplus. Why isn’t this money being invested in the schools or returned to them? Why aren’t these dollars going to meet the needs of students, staff, faculty, and surrounding communities rather than just sitting in the coffers of this patronage pit? Tax payers, tuition payers, members of the Rowan and Rutgers Camden communities deserve answers and a voice in how these dollars are allocated,” said Kate Delany, President of South Jersey Progressive Democrats.

“A nebulous board, with a $12 million dollar surplus, all men, all white, who say they want the best for Camden. Call me skeptical,” said Susan Druckenbrod of South Jersey Progressive Democrats.

“You don’t have to displace and remove existing residents to have a better city.

You have to identify the problems, identify the solutions (that are usually already in existence) and FIX THEM!” said Benigno (Pino) Rodriguez,  the Founder/Director of

Camden Block Supporter Initiative

“What happens in Camden has an impact on all of Camden County and South Jersey. It is important for the residents of Camden and the surrounding communities to pay attention to this Board and its purported efforts to assist Camden in its growth. CEO Nash said he wants the community’s input, yet felt it important to point out that I do not live in Camden. I do not. I live in the same township as the Board’s Chairman. In Camden County. I will be watching,” said Denise Coyne of  Restore GT

A full list of the questions raised by South Jersey Progressive Democrats at today’s meeting can be found here. A live recording of the meeting is available on the South Jersey Progressive Democrats Facebook page.  Individuals interested in organizing on this and other good government issues are encouraged to get in touch here or via email at info@southjerseyprogressivedemocrats.org