Richard T. Thigpen, Esq.
8 Willowdale Court
Montclair, NJ 07042
(908) 307-3520
Qualifications
Expertise in creating and executing legislative strategies, managing public policy challenges and resolving issues between corporations, the public sector and the media. Advanced understanding of the influence of politics, policy, electoral campaigns and public opinion on government decision making. Frequent media analyst for major newspapers and television news channels on electoral and political events.
Professional Experience
Vice President – State Governmental Affairs
PSEG Services Corporation
Newark, NJ – 2007 to present
· Executive primarily responsible for overseeing all state government relations and corporate responsibility activities for Public Service Enterprise Group, the parent company of New Jersey’s largest public utility PSE&G and New Jersey’s largest commercial power generator PSEG Power.
Co-Founding Partner
1868 Public Affairs, LLC
Trenton, NJ – 2006 to 2007
· Established a successful consulting practice that provides lobbying, strategic planning, public relations and government relations services to corporate and public sector clients.
· Responsible for legislative and communications strategies targeting government officials, media and community leaders. Adviser to government and corporate officials on political, community and public policy issues.
Partner
The Strategy Group
Trenton, NJ – 1999 to 2006
· Established a successful public affairs consulting practice that provided expertise in state and local government, political affairs and media relations.
· Consulted for Fortune 500 companies in energy, pharmaceutical, financial services, telecommunications and technology industries. Also served healthcare providers as well as municipal and state government entities.
Executive Director
New Jersey Democratic State Committee
Trenton, NJ – 1996 to 1999
· Supervised staff and managed political, finance and campaign operations.
· Implemented two successful statewide coordinated campaigns for a Presidential candidate, a Governor, a U.S. Senator and numerous local officials.
· Developed strategies that increased voter participation and also improved intra-party campaign coordination and resource sharing.
Board Counsel
East Orange Zoning and Planning Boards
East Orange, NJ – 1993 to 1997
· Provided legal guidance to Board members in the conduct of public hearings for zoning, municipal land use and development applications.
District Director
Office of U.S. Rep. Donald M. Payne
10th Congressional District, NJ – 1990-1996
· Senior policy adviser and manager of District Office staff and operations.
· Led official interactions with federal agencies, liaison to local governments; supervised all district Congressional activities and special projects.
Legal Associate, Mortgage Finance Department
Thacher Proffitt & Wood
New York, NY – 1988-1990
· In mortgage finance department, counseled investment banks in the purchase and sale of mortgage loans.
· In legislative affairs department, developed and implemented legislative strategies in the U.S. Congress.
Legislative Aide
City of Newark Municipal Council
Newark, NJ – 1982-1985
· Analyst for legislation and policy; researcher on policy issues; handled constituent services, developed expertise in municipal government functions and politics.
Education
Columbia University School of Law Brown University
New York, NY Providence, RI
J.D. 1988 B.A. 1982 - Political Science
Credentials and affiliations
· New Jersey Bar, Admitted in 1988
· Former Political Analyst, New Jersey Network Television News
· Former Academic Associate, PublicMind, Fairleigh Dickinson University Polling and Survey Research Institute
· Member, Board of Governors, New Jersey Historical Society
· Former Consultant to Democrats, State Legislative Apportionment Commission
· Former Consultant to Democrats, State Congressional Redistricting Commission
· Executive Committee Member, North Jersey African-American Chamber of Commerce
· Former Public Affairs Adviser, New Jersey NAACP State Conference
· Board member, New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation
· Board member, Regional Plan Association