By Joshua Burd
NAIOP New Jersey has announced the addition of a public affairs and public relations veteran as its newest director of communications and policy.
In his new role, Ernest Landante Jr., will monitor and prepare responses to proposed public policy initiatives and state regulations, while informing members of important chapter news and activities, according to a news release. He also serves as staff to the commercial real estate development association’s Legislative Affairs and Regulatory Affairs committees.
Landante succeeds Barbara Morford, who retired recently after serving NAIOP New Jersey for the past 16 years.
“NAIOP NJ’s mission is grounded in advocating for effective legislation on behalf of our members and advancing responsible, sustainable development,” said Michael McGuinness, the chapter’s CEO. “Ernie’s extensive government, communications and issue advocacy experience, and the wealth of insight he has gained from that work, will be particularly helpful in providing effective communication and advancing our public policy agenda.”
Landante has worked in state government and issues advocacy for more than 30 years, first with the New Jersey General Assembly, according to a news release. He later served as director of communications for former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and as director of communications and public affairs for the Department of Children and Families.
Prior to joining NAIOP New Jersey, Landante was communications director for a policy research institute within the Rutgers School of Education. Previously, he founded and served as president of State House Digital and Advocacy, a digital advocacy business, and owned a public relations firm.
Landante’s industry accolades include a Pollie Award from the American Association of Political Consultants for his work to reform New Jersey’s auto insurance system, the news release said. The longtime New Jersey resident, who lives in East Brunswick, holds a bachelor’s in management from Kean University and has completed work toward an MBA at Rutgers Business School.
“Throughout my public affairs and public relations career, I have always enjoyed and had success working for organizations and holding positions that focused on advocacy,” Landante said. “The commercial real estate development industry is a catalyst for creating economic opportunity and putting New Jerseyans to work. It is gratifying to know that I will be contributing to furthering NAIOP NJ’s efforts to serve the evolving interests of our members.”
