Experienced Policy and Advocacy Leader to Guide Statewide Affordability Effort

PRINCETON, NJ — April 15, 2026 — The Start Strong NJ (SSNJ) campaign today announced Sharon Levine as its first Campaign Director — a significant step in strengthening the statewide movement to make high-quality child care affordable for New Jersey families.

Levine brings extensive experience in public policy, government affairs, and advocacy, having worked at the intersection of state policy and community impact throughout her career. She most recently served in a senior leadership role at The Arc of New Jersey, where she led government affairs and communications efforts, working closely with policymakers and stakeholders to advance policies supporting children and families.

In her new role, Levine will lead SSNJ’s strategic direction, communications, and coalition-building as the campaign works to advance policy recommendations in the recently released Blueprint for Affordable Child Care: New Jersey Doesn’t Work Without It.

“I’m honored to join Start Strong NJ at such a critical moment for New Jersey families and our economy,” Levine said. “My vision is to build a broad, statewide coalition that makes clear that child care isn’t just a family issue. It’s essential economic infrastructure. By elevating the voices of parents, early childhood educators, and business leaders, we can drive the investments needed so that every New Jersey family can find and afford high-quality child care.”

Previously, Levine served as Senior Director of Governmental Affairs and Communications at The Arc of New Jersey, Public Information Officer at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, and Director of Legislative Affairs and Communication at the office of State Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos.

SSNJ, launched last September, is a statewide, nonpartisan coalition of parents, child care providers, businesses, and other advocates working to advance sustainable child care solutions across the state. The campaign is based on three principles:

- Affordable child care for all families who need it
- Compensate early childhood educators as the professionals they are
- Recognize and fund child care as essential economic infrastructure

“Sharon is a proven leader with deep experience navigating policy and building coalitions,” said Atiya Weiss, Executive Director of the Burke Foundation, a SSNJ founding funder. “Her ability to connect the dots between child care, workforce participation, and economic growth makes her the right person to lead this campaign at a pivotal time. We’re thrilled to welcome her to this role.”

SSNJ co-chairs emphasized that Levine’s leadership will help accelerate the campaign’s impact and promote strong collaboration across stakeholders.

“Sharon brings policy expertise and a deep understanding of the political landscape in New Jersey,” said Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Director of Early Learning for Policy and Advocacy, Advocates for Children of New Jersey. “Her leadership will strengthen our ability to elevate provider voices and ensure that the needs of families and educators are front and center.”

“As we continue to build momentum for meaningful investment in child care, Sharon’s experience and strategic vision will be invaluable,” said Meghan Tavormina, Director of Public Policy, New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children. “She understands how to bring together diverse stakeholders and translate that alignment into policy progress.”

Levine’s background includes extensive work in New Jersey policy and advocacy, with a track record of engaging legislators, mobilizing stakeholders, and advancing initiatives that support working families and marginalized communities.

Her appointment comes as policymakers consider critical budget and policy decisions that will shape the future of child care in New Jersey.

About Start Strong NJ

Start Strong NJ is a statewide campaign to put affordable, high-quality child care within reach of all New Jersey families. Inclusive and nonpartisan, Start Strong NJ recognizes that child care is essential economic infrastructure for New Jersey rather than a problem that individual families can solve on their own. Led by Advocates for Children of New Jersey and New Jersey Association of the Education of Young Children, Start Strong NJ brings together parents, early childhood educators, business leaders, policy experts, and others who want to give every child the strong start needed for lifelong health and well-being.