MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — Associated Builders and Contractors, New Jersey Chapter (ABC-NJ) announces the addition of Samantha DeAlmeida to the team. DeAlmeida will serve as the group’s Second Vice President & Governmental Affairs Liaison.

DeAlmeida is a public affairs professional with more than 10 years of experience in issues advocacy, politics, policy, and state government. Her professional background also includes strategic communications and public relations. She is a graduate of Monmouth University with master’s degrees in both homeland security and public policy, and a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Before joining the ABC-NJ team, DeAlmeida served as the New Jersey Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, where she worked with both sides of the political spectrum to achieve legislative support for the organization’s initiatives, resulting in several bills being signed into law by Governor Murphy. Prior to that, DeAlmeida served as Deputy Director of Government Relations and Policy for the New Jersey Hospital Association, and as a Policy Analyst for the New Jersey State Legislature.

“I am honored and excited to join the ABC-NJ team, and to get to work making a difference for the outstanding merit-shop contractors and workers throughout New Jersey,” DeAlmeida said. “The work ABC-NJ performs is important for the many men and women whose livelihood depends on equitable legislation in the construction industry. I want to help ensure they have a level playing field with rules that do not impose unreasonable and unfair terms and conditions on our member contractors.”

“Samantha is an accomplished, hardworking professional with the innate ability to influence legislation and strengthen grassroots political activism,” said ABC-NJ President, Sam Fiocchi. “There is no doubt that at all times she will put our members’ interests first, and will certainly be a great addition to the ABC-NJ team. We look forward to Samantha making an immediate impact on our industry.”

DeAlmeida also works as an Adjunct Political Science Professor at Brookdale Community College and serves as the Director for a nonprofit that provides equine-assisted therapy to veterans with PTSD.