Nina Jochnowitz

I am seeking to represent Ward 6 because our community has long been overlooked, lacking an intentional strategy for fostering economic vitality, accessible open spaces, and robust infrastructure to benefit all of our residents.

With over 44 years as a Middlesex County resident and more than 25 years in Old Bridge, I bring both longstanding commitment and local insight. As a single parent, I successfully guided my son through Old Bridge schools and into his current role as a junior at Rowan University, ensuring his education will be debt-free through diligent financial planning. My engagement includes organizing cleanup initiatives across town and advocating for key infrastructure projects such as road enhancements and improved neighborhood security in areas affected by burglary. Furthermore, I have actively opposed unsustainable warehouse development and participated in efforts to prevent local power plant construction due to potential impact on our air quality and families' health.

I am proud to have recently become the first licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Middlesex County in nearly three decades, building on six years of apprenticeship. Since earning my permit, I have built out a volunteer team, and we are projected to rehabilitate more than 400 orphaned and injured animals by the end of 2025. Additionally, I have served for over twenty years as an elected Ward 6 County Committee member and local liaison to the Middlesex County Commissioners.

Beyond my work with wildlife, I coordinate weekly food donation distributions from multiple sources and volunteer with organizations such as Food and Water Watch, the Audubon Society, League of Women Voters, Elijah’s Promise, Women Aware, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, League of Conservation Voters, Jar of Hope, Hyacinth Foundation, and Garden State Equality.

Professionally, I am employed full-time at Pfizer as a Business Administrator, with the majority of my career devoted to science and drug discovery. Previously, as a bench scientist, I contributed to the development and launch of two approved pharmaceuticals and designed data tools for real-time clinical analysis, thus enhancing patient safety and advancing medical research. My scientific contributions include nearly 40 peer-reviewed articles as well as numerous posters and presentations within drug discovery forums. My experience spans academic posts and diverse roles in both large and small pharmaceutical organizations across New Jersey and the tristate area. I maintain active involvement in community and professional organizations, including advocacy groups and scientific outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring future scientists and healthcare professionals.