UNION COUNTY ELC

In Person ONLY

August 19

Congressional Candidate 

Tom Kean Jr.

Tom’s allegiance to public service has been inspired by the proud heritage of the Kean family. The grandson of former U.S. Representative Robert Kean and son of former Governor Thomas H. Kean, Sr., Tom is continuing a legacy of dedicated public service to New Jersey. While studying history at Dartmouth College, Tom was motivated to broaden his understanding of the world and the international political economy. Dartmouth’s Exchange Program granted the opportunity to transform classroom learning into practical experience. 

Tom embarked on his career in public service after graduating from university, when he received an appointment from President George H.W. Bush to work in the Environmental Protection Agency, where he met his wife, Rhonda. Following the Bush administration, he had the opportunity to serve in Congressman Bob Franks’ office in Washington, DC.  In addition to his professional duties in Washington, DC, he was a vice president of a fire department where he volunteered as a firefighter and an emergency medical technician. 

Following his time in America’s capital, he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. There, he received a master’s degree in law and diplomacy.  Tom completed his doctoral studies ABD at Fletcher. 

Tom, determined to answer the call to public service again, believed he, personally, could turn ideas into action and make a lasting difference on people’s lives. In 2001, Tom was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, where he quickly developed a reputation as a leader in ethics reform. Two years later, Tom was named to the upper house of the state legislature.

Then in 2008, his peers unanimously elected him Senate Republican Leader. Shortly thereafter, he unveiled his caucus’ job creation package, “Common-Sense Plan for a More Affordable New Jersey,” which ultimately reversed the course that previous administrations were quickly leading the state down. The package brings New Jersey back to the basics and is based on the following four pillars:  Spending that reflects your priorities; Better ways to govern; Long-term strategies for an affordable state; Growing our way to a better future,

Tom has served on the Senate Higher Education, Senate Commerce and Legislative Oversight committees. He was also the Senate appointee to the New Jersey Council on the Arts, the New Jersey Israel Commission and the New Jersey Amistad Commission.  Additionally, Tom is an Honorary Member of the Board of Trustees of the Paper Mill Playhouse and the New Jersey Festival Orchestra. 

Tom, Rhonda and their two daughters reside in Westfield.

There is no better way to meet with your legislators, network with your colleagues, and learn about issues affecting your business than to attend your local ELC meetings.

The ELCs, established by NJBIA in 1959, are independent, local organizations representing all 21 counties. ELCs meet monthly for breakfast or lunch. These meetings take no longer than 90 minutes. At each meeting, legislators, cabinet members or local officials will discuss important issues pertinent to business. You will also receive a briefing from one of NJBIA's government affairs experts on legislative and regulatory issues affecting employers.

Take advantage of this opportunity to tell your legislators and other decision makers, such as the Governor, cabinet members and legislative leaders, how their decisions impact your business.

 Thank you to our sponsors!