Kari Osmond leaves Watson Coleman staff for college post

A top aide to Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) is leaving next month to become associate vice president for government and community relations at The College of New Jersey.

Kari Osmond has worked for Watson Coleman for the last ten years and has been her chief of staff since 2021.   Alex Huang, now the deputy chief of staff, will be Osmond’s successor.

“Kari has been working with me since my first election to represent the 12th congressional district a decade ago, but I have known her for longer than I even care to remember,” said Watson Coleman.  “Her dedication and commitment to our office and the people in the four counties that we represent has never wavered and she will be greatly missed.  Kari is not just a friend, she has also been a tremendous professional, a committed organizer and a determined leader who has always run towards the fight.  I am looking forward to seeing the tremendous work Kari will accomplish with TCNJ.”

Before joining Watson Coleman‘s staff in 2015, Osmond was chief of staff to Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Trenton).  She ran the re-election campaigns of State Sen. Shirley Turner (D-Lawrence), Gusciora, and Watson Coleman in the 15th legislative district in 2011 and 2013, and was Watson Coleman’s deputy campaign manager in the 2014 House race.

Huang called Osmond “a great friend and mentor.”

Huang has worked with Watson Coleman since 2021 after spending nearly five years on the staff of Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Michigan).  He’s a former second grade teacher.

“Alex has been playing a key role already serving as our deputy chief of staff and I anticipate a seamless transition as we continue to take on these critically important fights ahead.  Every citizens’ rights and basic freedoms are under assault each day, and we must remain vigilant in their defense,” said Watson Coleman.   “Alex knows what this fight looks like and I know he is ready for the challenges ahead.”

Osmond credited Watson Coleman for teaching her “the importance of fighting for the betterment of your community.”