Respected New Jersey policy expert and advocate to lead the firm's education practice 

(Trenton, N.J., February 27, 2023): River Crossing Strategy Group is proud to announce that Janellen Duffy has joined the firm and will lead the firm's education practice and will co-lead the firm’s non-profit practice along with Stephanie Albanese.

Janellen has over 20 years of experience in government, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors as an advisor to top policymakers and other state leaders. She worked for the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and as the Education Policy Advisor and Director of Policy for Governor Corzine.  She has also held leadership positions at the Newark Charter School Fund and as the founding Executive Director of JerseyCAN, the board of which is co-chaired by Governor Kean.  In these roles, Janellen has led major policy initiatives such as the creation of the NJ school funding formula (2008), a NJ school construction funding initiative (2009), and several other policy accomplishments related to education standards, funding, and promoting high quality school options. 

“Janellen is widely respected as a substantive policy expert especially in the area of education, higher education and nonprofit advocacy.  She has strong relationships with education leaders and stakeholders throughout the state and a deep network of governmental and political relationship relationships from her time in the Governor’s office and the advocacy community,” said RCSG Managing Partner Eric Shuffler. 

Janellen has served on the board of the NJ SDA, NJ EOF, Camden Prep (part of the Uncommon Schools Network), and as a member of Governor Murphy’s education transition team. She is a graduate of Bucknell University and holds a Masters in Public Affairs from Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs.

“We’ve had the pleasure of working with Janellen for several years in her past roles. We are now fortunate to have the opportunity to welcome her as a member of the River Crossing team and to expand our firm’s capacity to service our client’s needs, especially in the areas of education and nonprofits,” added RCSG Partner Kevin P. McCabe.

Janellen and her husband live in Monmouth County with their three young children.