Start Strong NJ (SSNJ) has named Sharon Levine as its first campaign director.
She will lead the Princeton-based group’s statewide movement “Blueprint for Affordable Child Care: New Jersey Doesn’t Work Without It,” designed to make high-quality child care affordable for New Jersey families through strategic direction, communications, and coalition-building.
Her appointment comes as policymakers consider critical budget and policy decisions that will shape the future of childcare in New Jersey.
Levine has extensive experience in public policy, government affairs, and advocacy, having worked at the intersection of state policy and community impact throughout her career.
She most recently served in a senior leadership role at The Arc of New Jersey, where she led government affairs and communications, working closely with policymakers and stakeholders to advance policies that support children and families.
Previously, Levine served as Senior Director of Governmental Affairs and Communications at The Arc of New Jersey, Public Information Officer at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, and Director of Legislative Affairs and Communication at the office of State Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos.
SSNJ launched last September as a statewide, nonpartisan coalition of parents, childcare providers, businesses, and other advocates working to advance sustainable childcare solutions across the state. The campaign is based on three principles:
- Affordable childcare for all families who need it
- Compensate early childhood educators as the professionals they are
- Recognize and fund childcare as essential economic infrastructure
Levine’s background includes extensive work in New Jersey policy and advocacy, with a track record of engaging legislators, mobilizing stakeholders, and advancing initiatives that support working families and marginalized communities.
