NEW JERSEY OFFSHORE WIND ALLIANCE

The New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance is the voice of the offshore wind industry in the Garden State. Our alliance unites offshore wind leaseholders and regional energy organizations to promote the responsible and sustainable development of offshore wind projects. We aspire to lead the state toward a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape while maintaining the highest respect for the Jersey Shore and our community values.

Our Values

  • Generating jobs and stimulating economic growth through local partnerships, education, and investment in New Jersey’s energy infrastructure.

  • Ensuring our operations respect marine life and ecosystems, incorporating rigorous monitoring and mitigation strategies to prevent adverse environmental impacts.

  • Engaging openly with the public, stakeholders, and policymakers to foster understanding and support for offshore wind as a cornerstone of New Jersey’s future.

  • Working alongside our communities, environmental advocates, and the scientific community to address concerns, share benefits widely, and build a sustainable legacy for future generations.

NEWS

WINNER
of New Jersey’s Second
BPU Solicitation

WINNER
of New Jersey’s Third
BPU Solicitation

WINNER
of New Jersey’s Third
BPU Solicitation:

WHO WE ARE

Paulina Banasiak O’Connor

Executive Director of New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance

Paulina is a seasoned veteran of New Jersey politics with years of experience in the executive and legislative branch as well as the private sector. She has expertise in public policy and government affairs, specializing in relationship management, issue advocacy, and strategy implementation. Paulina serves as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance.

Previously, Paulina was a lobbyist at The Zita Group, a woman owned lobbying firm in Trenton, where she served as Vice President. Prior to The Zita Group, Paulina served in the role of Director of Legislative Affairs as well as Acting Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Philip D. Murphy. Since the start of the Murphy administration, she was part of developing and advancing the Governor’s legislative policy priorities which included bills related to the environment, clean energy, public safety, infrastructure, and economic tax incentives. Among various high-level responsibilities, Paulina contributed to crafting the Governor’s state budget, preparing cabinet officials for confirmations, legislative hearings, and participated in the appointments process. She began her career in public service as a Legislative Director to former Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) and in 2017, became the Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson).

Before starting her career in government, Paulina worked as a social worker in Bergen County with survivors of domestic violence. She received her Bachelors in Psychology from Montclair State University and her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University.

Evan Vaughan

MAREC Action

Evan Vaughan is the Executive Director of MAREC Action (MAREC informally stands for “Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition”) where he leads state legislative and regulatory advocacy across nine states in the PJM Interconnection for a coalition of over 40 utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage businesses. Prior to MAREC Action, Evan spent a year as a public affairs consultant for an offshore wind developer and nearly five years as Manager of Media Relations for the American Wind Energy Association. Evan also earned internship positions working on clean energy and climate change policy at the International Emissions Trading Association and the World Wildlife Fund. Evan holds a MA in Global Environmental Policy from American University in Washington, DC and a BA in Government and World Affairs from the University of Tampa.

Members

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