Freeman, Twomey and Collins Named South Jerseyans of the Year

2020 marks 20 years that WRI has been serving the residents and communities in southern New Jersey by conducting high-quality research and evaluating policies and issues that directly impact citizens in the region, and beyond. Each year, the Walter & Leah Rand Awards and Scholarship Dinner provides an important opportunity to not only support this critical work, but to highlight the cross-sector partnerships, committed students, and forward thinking ‘South Jerseyans’ who demonstrate leadership in strengthening communities and improving lives throughout our region.

The 2020 South Jerseyans of the Year include: Lloyd Freeman, Esq., a Partner and Chief Diversity Officer at Archer Attorneys at Law; Lisa Twomey, director of the Child Connection Center; and The Honorable Jack Collins, Esq., speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, retired. Additionally, WRI will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to former Assemblywoman Patricia Egan Jones, who recently who ended her tenure in the New Jersey State Legislature after more than 40 years in public service.

“Through these awards each year, we shine a spotlight on the exceptional people that are making a difference in our local communities,” said Darren Spielman, executive director of Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs. “At WRI, we are focused on building knowledge for good policy and practice in South Jersey, and it’s important to recognize those that are not defined by the challenges we face but inspired by the opportunities and collaborative partnerships that exist in our region. We work to instill this same spirit of service and leadership in the talented students that work alongside us on projects throughout South Jersey.”