Candace Kelley is a host and producer for CN8’s“Comcast Newsmakers” and is a commentator, writer and reporter. She lectures and has made appearances on a number of media outlets including Extra, The Russ Parr Show, CN8 and WBLS in New York City. Ms. Kelly also serves as national correspondent for Black Entertainment Television. Her column, “Closing Argument,” covers legal issues within pop culture and appears bi-monthly in Black Star News. Ms. Kelley anchors the PBS affiliated series “Another View.” Ms. Kelley’s writings and research have earned her five Emmy nominations and four Telly Awards.

As a writer for the legal publication Lawcast, she informs attorneys across the country about the latest headline legal news. Ms. Kelley is a Professor at Rowan University where she teaches broadcast journalism courses and Communication Law. Ms. Kelley earned her BA from Howard University, a MA of Science from Syracuse University’s S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications and a JD from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Norma E. Blake has been the New Jersey State Librarian (NJSL) for six years. She has over 25 years experience in New Jersey libraries including a directorship at the Burlington and Gloucester County Library Systems. Earlier this year Ms. Blake was selected as the “Library Journal” Librarian of the Year, which is considered one of the most prestigious national awards in the profession. Ms. Blake has helped the NJSL build Jersey Connect, an expansion of an existing program to bring low-cost Internet access and related services to public libraries. Launched in 2006, it serves over 320 libraries.

At present, Ms. Blake serves on the boards of NJ Reads, New Jersey Network Citizens Advisory Board, the Southern New Jersey Development Council and CODE (Committee of Distance Education) and State Council of Adult Literacy Education Services. Ms. Blake has procured federal grants for library funding and has sought out innovative library solutions to save millions of dollars while expanding access to New Jersey libraries.

As Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Anne Gale supports the Educational Testing Services (ETS) Board of Trustees, Office of the President and officer corps. She also oversees corporate governance policies and practices at ETS. Ms. Gale is an advocate and leader for ETS’s very successful collaborative relationship with the Trenton Community Partnership (TCP.) The program strives to boost community and parent involvement in the Trenton educational system. TCP engages students in literacy, math, and helps students and schools make gains. Ms. Gale also administers ETS’s Trenton Central High School (TCHS) scholarship program. Ms. Gale earned a BA in comprehensive science education from Rider College.

Dr. Linda Sieglen is the Chair of the Anesthesia Department and the Clinical Director of the Operating Room at the Medical Center at Princeton. She also serves as President of Princeton Anesthesia Services, P.C,. In her career at Princeton Medical Center she was the first female President of the medical staff. Dr. Sieglen served on the Board of Trustees of Princeton Healthcare System, focusing on ethics and Human Resources. Last year, Dr. Sieglen was asked to assume the role of Interim Vice President of Medical Affairs.

Dr. Sieglen is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology. She is a member of the American Medical Associates and the League of Physicians and Surgeons. She was named to the American College of Physician Executives and the Association of Anesthesia Clinical Directors. Dr. Sieglen graduated from Boston College with a Bachelors of Arts in Science from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Rutgers with a MD.

Marlene Asselta is President of the Southern New Jersey Development Council (SNJDC), a non-profit organization founded to promote responsible economic development in the southern New Jersey. A registered lobbyist, Ms. Asselta represents the needs and issues of each member organization providing an economic way for a company to have their own personal advocate both in Trenton, NJ and Washington, DC. Ms. Asselta has a direct role in shaping the future of economic development in the southern New Jersey region.

Combining her career with civic responsibility, Ms. Asselta has made volunteerism part of being a good corporate citizen. She has served with many regional, state and local organizations. Ms. Asselta served as appointed chair of the Gloucester County Library Commission, South Jersey Freeholders Association, the NJ Industrial Developers Association and the Burlington/Cumberland County Women’s Conference Steering Committee and the Rowan University friends of the arts board.

Deborah Ayars began her career in the private sector as a civil engineer after securing a BS in Ocean Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology. She was the first ever woman County Engineer in Cumberland County, NJ. In August, 1987 she founded A-TECH Engineering, Inc., a full-service civil engineering, surveying and planning firm, where she continues today as President and CEO. The company has grown to a multi-million dollar corporation. To assist her in managing a growing business, Ms. Ayars earned a PhD in Business Administration from Kennedy Western University.

Ms. Ayers commitment to her profession and community is demonstrated by her long history of service and leadership to professional and charitable organizations. She currently serves on the Rowan University Civil Engineering Program committee, the property committee for the Vineland YMCA, Southern New Jersey Development Council and the Cape-Cumberland ELC.

Karen L. Clark has earned a reputation for her expertise in managed care. Ms. Clark has a deep commitment as an involved volunteer on behalf of New Jersey residents through her work as President and Chief Operating Officer of Horizon NJ Health, New Jersey’s largest managed health care company serving the publicly insured. Her community activities and efforts are confirmed by her participation with local, state and national organizations. Ms. Clark is a leader in managed health care issues, including her efforts to help eliminate barriers to care, disparity gaps and expanding access.

Ms. Clark has served on the boards of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women,” campaign to raise awareness and action for women at risk for heart disease and stroke. Ms. Clark is also involved with the American Stroke Association and the New Jersey American Cancer Society. Ms. Clark graduated with a BA in English from Rider University and a MA in Marketing and Finance from Columbia Graduate School.