Assemblywoman-elect Rosy Bagolie has named Genesis J. Algaba, an attorney who was her student when she taught in Elizabeth, as her chief of staff.
Last month, Bagolie, a Livingston councilwoman, was elected to the State Assembly to represent the 27th district. Democrats chose her in August to fill an open slot on their slate when Assemblyman John McKeon (D-West Orange) dropped out to run for the State Senate.
“I have known Genesis since I taught her in 7th grade back in our hometown of Elizabeth and was always impressed with her work ethic, dedication, and compassion,” Bagolie said. “Genesis has a love for policy and a keen appreciation for the intricate details of legislative initiatives, and I’m certain that she will thrive in this new role and utilize her passion, skills, and legal acumen to help me effectively navigate Trenton to get important legislation passed.”
A first-generation Nicaraguan immigrant, Algaba is a former law clerk to Essex County Assignment Judge Sheila Venable and had been a teaching assistant to Seton Hall Law Professor Paul Franzese. She had worked at the Wiener Law Group.
“As a Latina woman of Jewish descent, I have always championed the significance of elevating women into pivotal leadership roles,” Bagolie said. “My selection of Genesis Algaba as Chief of Staff reflects this core belief.”
Algaba praised Bagolie’s “unwavering dedication to public education, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities, and her commitment to making progress on the key issues I share her passion for safeguarding a woman’s right to choose, helping working families thrive, and improving the quality of education for every student, aligns seamlessly with my values,”
“I not only admire but also share Rosy’s profound commitment to public service, and I am eager to embark on this meaningful journey with her,” she said.
Jacob Givelber, a Democratic county committeeman in Westfield who volunteered on Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach’s 2014 campaign for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th district, will serve as Bagolie’s constituent services representative.
Bagolie will be sworn into the Assembly on January 9. She will take over the Livingston office space of retiring State Sen. Richard J. Codey (D-Roseland).