Murphy names Davis to Brookdale College board

Dyese Davis, a rising star in Central Jersey politics, has been named to the Board of Trustees of Brookdale Community College.

Gov. Phil Murphy filed he direct appointment today that does not require Senate confirmation.

Davis, the deputy chief of staff to Senate Majority Conference Leader Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch), becomes the only person of color on the college board – and the only one under age 30.

The appointment of Davis comes four days after Murphy nominated Fabiana Pierre-Louis as the first black woman to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court.

As a gubernatorial candidate, Murphy had pledged to appoint more persons of color to boards and commissions.

Davis began her political career as an intern in the legislative office of Gopal’s two running mates, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Neptune) and Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Freehold).

She serves on the Neptune Township Planning Board and the Board of Affordable Housing Alliance.