Amanda De Palma

Amanda M. De Palma (née Gasperino) is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, the nation’s oldest and largest statewide organization representing mayors at both the state and federal levels. She is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in communications, government and community affairs, political campaign management, and government administration. Amanda’s past credentials span both government and private sector arenas.  Her experiences have been most deeply shaped by her substantial involvement in both government affairs and political campaigns. In her 18 years of political campaigning, she has successfully navigated two presidential campaigns, played a key role in successful statewide gubernatorial campaigns, and contributed to various federal, state, and local races. Prior to joining the Conference, she held numerous senior-level positions, most recently as the Director of Communications and Outreach for North America at HBC Streetworks Development, where she led the public and government relations strategies for the company’s multi-billion-dollar North American real estate portfolio. Before her most recent engagement in the private sector, Amanda held several notable government positions, most recently serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Chris Christie.  In that role, she managed the Administration’s legislative agenda communications, community relations, strategic planning, and messaging.  Upon leaving government in 2018, Amanda established a consulting practice and joined the in-house government affairs operation at Saker ShopRite, the largest owner/operator in the Wakefern Cooperative. In recognition of her government affairs contributions, including her impact in navigating a series of contentious legislative propositions, the New Jersey Food Council honored Amanda with the 2021 Good Government Award. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Amanda is deeply committed to volunteering her time. She is an active church parishioner and dedicated fundraiser for several non-profit organizations. She is a contributor to the Rutgers Eagleton Institute’s Center for American Women in Politics, hoping her example may encourage others to engage in the political process and improve their communities.  Finally, she is an Adjunct Faculty at Eagleton, co-teaching in the Graduate Fellowship program. Amanda received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Seton Hall University.

Born and raised in Bergen County, she has lived all over New Jersey and resides in Central Jersey with her husband and three young daughters.