2024 Statewide Leadership Summit
So, You Want to Run for Office?
Sat., 9:00 am – 9:45 am
Great for first time candidates! Hear from top State Senators, Assemblymen, County Commissioners, Mayors, Councilmen, and Committeemen on the issues and challenges inherent to running for each of their respective offices.
Panelists
Deirdre Koczur
Deirdre Koczur is a lifelong resident of Cranford, NJ. After attending Cranford Public Schools, she received a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Montclair State University. She has since obtained her real estate license to supplement her growing acting career. Deirdre became politically active in 2020 supporting local and county candidates. She ran for Cranford Township Committee in 2023 on a platform that advocated for stronger flood mitigation solutions, fighting overdevelopment and creating a more transparent body of government. Despite an extremely narrow loss, Deirdre will continue to advocate and fight for the residents of Cranford.
Peter Del Borrello
Peter M. Del Borrello III is currently serving his first term as Councilman of Washington Township, the largest town in Gloucester County. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Peter, boasts a wealth of civic and community experience. Whether volunteering to local charitable organizations or participating in business organizations and boards, he has dedicated his time to making South Jersey a better place.
Peter has professional expertise and knowledge in business development, real estate acquisitions, and venture capital.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Peter finds profound fulfillment in his family life, moments spent with his wife Megan and their four children: Jackson, Peter IV, Nico and Blaze.
Dr. John Azzariti
A lifelong resident of Bergen County, Dr. John Azzariti was elected to the Assembly in November 2023.
Azzariti has practiced anesthesiology at The Valley Hospital in Northern New Jersey since 1996, and has served as the Associate Director of the hospital’s Anesthesiology Department & President of his Anesthesiology Practice.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Economics from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio in 1988 and went on to earn his M.D. from UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in 1992.
He is a Past President of the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists, where he continues to serve on the Executive Committee.
Dr. Azzariti served as Councilman from Saddle River from 2019 to 2023 and previously was a member of the borough’s Health and Zoning Boards.
He resides in Saddle River with his wife and son.
Alex Sauickie
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie is a lifelong resident of Jackson, NJ. Since September 2022, he represents the 12th Legislative District as a member of the NJ GeneralAssembly, with many of his bills signed by the Governor into law in his first year in office. Prior to the Assembly, Alex served from 2019-2022 on the Jackson Township Council, serving as both Council President and Vice President.
Alex has spent most of his private sector career as a start-up and privately backed software company executive with a history of building successful companies and creating jobs, most recently serving as CEO of AdvicePay. Previously he served as Global Head of Wealth & Retirement Services for FIS, President & CEO of CircleBlack and held positions of President & Chief Operating Officer at prior companies. He’s held numerous financial services licenses, has spoken at industry conferences, and has been recognized by the industry for his leadership.
Alex served as Chairman for what is now Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (MMCSC), founded non-profit Chloe’s Causes in memory of his daughter, andin 2010 he was recognized by MMCSC for his humanitarian work. He has served on various municipal boards and was recently recognized by the Asbury Park Press as a 2024 Jersey Shore Most Influential for Community Impact.
The Assemblyman is a graduate of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) where he received his BS in Business Administration and where he is being honored in 2024 with TCNJ’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He’s an avid marathoner and Ironman triathlete, most recentlycompleting the 2023 Boston Marathon which earned himthe World Majors Six Star Medal.
He lives in Jackson with his wife Maggie and is the proud father of five.
