(Camden, NJ) – The Rowan University / Rutgers-Camden Joint Board of Governors has hired attorney Jeffrey L. Nash as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. This appointment was made by unanimous consent by the board, and he will start in January of 2023 taking over for the acting CEO, Dean D’Astuto, as he returns to his previous role as Chief Operating Officer. 

David Mayer, chairman of the Rowan University Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors, discussed the importance of having a new leader who has a proven track record of success. 

“If you look at Jeff Nash’s accomplishments over the last 30 years for the city and the region, we believe he will be a tremendous fit and addition to our team,” Mayer said. “This is a man who has eliminated a state prison from the Camden waterfront while preserving more than 2,000 acres of greenspace in the city and the county. Nevertheless, while his portfolio is long on achievements his most important quality is his passion for the city of Camden and making it a better place by enhancing the social determinants of health for the residents.”

Nash is the founder of The Nash Law Group, a general practice law firm based in Camden City. Prior to forming The Nash Law Group, Jeff was a senior partner and shareholder at the Philadelphia-based law firm of Cozen O’Connor, where he specialized in civil litigation and government relations.

As the leader of Cozen O’Connor’s nationally renowned insurance subrogation practice, Nash handled large-loss property cases for most of the nation’s largest insurance carriers. In addition to his work as a litigator and trial attorney, Nash has worked as a public defender during his early years practicing law and is now the Chairman of the Board to the Camden-based Volunteer UP Legal Clinic. This organization supports and advocates for the most vulnerable in the community.

“I’m honored to accept the position; it will be a privilege to work with the board and the three institutions of higher learning operating under one roof for the betterment of our community,” Nash said. “This new position gives me the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and improve the quality of life of the residents of the region and the city.” 

Nash is also a long-standing elected leader, currently serving as a member of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, to which he was first elected in 1991 after serving as a member of Cherry Hill Township Council for three years. Under Nash’s leadership, Camden County has made significant advancements that have strengthened communities and enhanced the quality of life for the region, including: 

• Creation of the nationally acclaimed Child Immunization Program, a life-saving initiative that has administered thousands of free immunizations to children throughout the county.
• Initiation of the Tech 2000 program, a unique partnership between Camden County and its school districts, that provided for a computer in every classroom in the county by the year 2000.
• Preservation of 2,000 acres of open space.
• Spearheading the largest parks revitalization program since the New Deal, Parks Alive 2025 which includes the rebuilding of nine city parks. 

• Launch of the Sustainable Camden County Program to promote sustainability initiatives and best practices at every level.
• Revitalization of Camden City, including the rebuilding of several city parks and the elimination of hundreds of blighted structures to enhance public safety and improve neighborhoods.
• Launch of the new Camden County Police Department, a nationally acclaimed law enforcement initiative publicly applauded by President Obama.

The Rowan University / Rutgers – Camden Board of Governors was created by the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act which took effect on August 22, 2012. The board’s mission reflects an extension of Camden’s significant eds and meds presence and leverages the educational and research assets to support growth in the region’s healthcare capacity.