N.J. Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh Appointed to Governor’s N.J. Advisory Council of Volunteerism and Community Service

Newark, N.J.—Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh has been appointed by New Jersey Acting Governor Richard Codey to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service.

The Governor's Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service encourages the expansion of volunteerism and community service in New Jersey by advising and supporting the mission and initiatives of the Governor's Office of Volunteerism. Through short and long-term strategic planning and fundraising, Council members actively contribute their time and expertise to promote and advance the spirit of volunteerism throughout the state. The Council was established by Executive Order in 1986.

“I am very honored to have been chosen by Acting Governor Richard Codey to join such a vital organization as the Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service and I look forward to serving on the Council to advance the spirit of volunteerism throughout the state of New Jersey,” said Singh.

Singh added: “Community service and volunteerism have always been an important part of my professional and personal life, as I truly believe that it ‘takes a village’ to help resolve the problems of our communities. A great deal can be accomplished through the power of volunteers to meet the needs of others.”

The Governor's Office of Volunteerism oversees the 42 member Advisory Council whose membership includes individuals and representatives of non-profit and corporate communities and Ex-Officio members of State Government who are appointed by the Governor and serve three-year terms. The primary goal of the Office is to serve as a centralized state agency on volunteerism and to provide the opportunity, tools and support to New Jersey's residents so that they can participate and benefit from the volunteer experience --the spirit of humanity. The Office supports programs such as disaster and emergency response efforts, volunteer management and other volunteer initiatives, and serves as a resource for all volunteer programs throughout New Jersey.

Singh, a resident of Middlesex County, leads the state’s Division of the Ratepayer Advocate, which represents the interests of New Jersey consumers on utility issues.

A graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, Singh is admitted to the New Jersey Bar. Prior to her appointment as Ratepayer Advocate, Singh worked in the Litigation/International Law Department of the Princeton, N.J., law firm of Pepper Hamilton. She practiced in the areas of international and domestic litigation, mediation and arbitration, including commercial contracts, employment, construction, municipal liens, and zoning. She also practiced in the area of international law with a focus on the Indian and Asian communities.

Singh also serves on the State of New Jersey’s Renewable Energy Task Force, and is a member of the New Jersey Clean Energy Council. She was also appointed to serve on the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards for the State of New Jersey and the Asian American Commission. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors of the National Fuel Fund Network (NFFN).

Singh is currently the President of the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce; Board Member of the National Conference for Community & Justice (NCCJ), Past President of the Rotary International Club of Plainsboro; a founding member of the Hindu International Council Against Defamation; Counsel to the Federation of Indian Associations; a member of the Board of Directors of Delaware Valley Girl Scouts; a member of the Asian Indian Women’s Association; a member of the Women Lawyers Committee; a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Mercer County Bar Association, and a member of the Princeton Bar Association. She is also active in the Mercer County Inns of Court.

The Division of the Ratepayer Advocate is an independent state agency that represents the interests of utility consumers and serves as an active participant in every case whenever New Jersey utilities seek changes in their rates or services. The Ratepayer Advocate also gives consumers a voice in setting long-range energy, water, and telecommunications policy that will affect the delivery of utility services well into the future.

Additional information on this and other matters can be found at the Division of Ratepayer Advocate’s website at http://www.rpa.state.nj.us

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