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Higher Education Student Assistance Authority Board Members


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Executive Committee
/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/ChristyVanHorn_02.jpg Christy Van Horn, Chairperson
Public Member, term expires May 24, 2021

Ms. Van Horn has over 25 years' experience as a mediator, facilitator, manager and policy analyst in private and public sector organizations. As a mediator in private practice, she has worked with a wide variety of public and private organizations. She was a senior manager at New Jersey Transit. She was the founding executive director of New Jersey Future, and was appointed to the State Planning Commission by Governor James Florio. She served as director of Urban Programs at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and director of the Edison, New Jersey, Economic Development Authority. Ms. Van Horn taught in public schools in Oregon and led teachers in collective bargaining, mediation and arbitration. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in public policy from Rutgers University. She also holds a graduate certificate in labor and management relations from Rutgers.
http://heuatspapp00/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/Scott%20Salmon.jpeg Scott Salmon, Vice Chairperson
Public Member

Scott Salmon is a partner at the law firm of Jardim, Meisner & Susser, P.C. He resides in Union County where he is active in his synagogue, Temple Emanu-El, of which he serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. He is also on the Board of Trustees for Action Together New Jersey, the largest grassroots activist organization in the State of New Jersey. Mr. Salmon earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Franklin & Marshall College, where he wrote a thesis entitled, “Colleges in Crisis: An Investigation Into American Higher Education During World War I.” He received his Juris Doctor from Washington & Lee University School of Law. Mr. Salmon is an Eagle Scout with one Bronze Palm and has completed multiple marathons and triathlons. His hobbies include woodworking and watching, helpless, as the New York Jets crush his hopes and dreams every year.
http://heuatspapp00/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/BeatriceDaggett_01.jpg Beatrice Daggett
Public Member, term expires July 1, 2023

Beatrice Daggett currently is the Director of Strategic and External Affairs at Paper Mill Playhouse. Together with her development team, she has been responsible for all development activities at the theatre for more than four years, raising $3.5 million of contributed income annually. Previously, Ms. Daggett had extensive public relations experience over a 30-year span.  Early in her career, Ms. Daggett served on numerous education boards, including as an elected member of the Bernards Township Board of Education from 1992 to 2000. She founded the Bernards Township Education Foundation in 1996, and served as chair of the Bernards Area Scholarship Committee and the Millicent Fenwick Fund for nearly 15 years. She also served on the board of Preschool Advantage, formerly Project Acorn, and as a member of the Vassar College Alumni Committee, Jersey Hills.  Ms. Daggett graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
http://hespapp00:2421/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/muoio-300.jpg Elizabeth Maher Muoio
State Treasurer, ex-officio

Elizabeth Maher Muoio was sworn in as State Treasurer on April 17, 2018. Prior to joining the administration of Governor Murphy, she had served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 15th Legislative District in Mercer and Hunterdon counties since February of 2015. Ms. Muoio also served as Director of the Mercer County Office of Economic Development and Sustainability from 2008 to 2018. An attorney, Ms. Muoio received her JD from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and her BA from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. To learn more, click here
http://heuatspapp00/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/JeanMcDonaldRash.JPG Jean McDonald Rash
Representative, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, term expires May 24, 2006*

Ms. Rash is presently Associate Vice President of University Enrollment Services at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She began her career as an information technology project manager for Rutgers Computing Services in 1981, before moving into financial aid administration in 1988. Ms. Rash earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, and a Master of Arts from New York University. She also graduated from the Chubb Institute of Technology.
http://heuatspapp00/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/DavidJSocolow_board.jpg David J. Socolow, Secretary-Treasurer
Executive Director, ex-officio (non-voting)

Mr. Socolow was appointed Executive Director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority by Governor Philip Murphy in February 2018. Throughout his career in federal and state government and in the private sector, he has worked to advance the success of students and working families. Immediately prior to joining HESAA, Mr. Socolow was the director of the Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP, a national non-profit policy advocacy organization, where he led initiatives to help low-income individuals attain the credentials they need to secure high-quality jobs by developing comprehensive career pathways and improving access and affordability of postsecondary education and workforce training. He served as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development from 2006-2010, and previously served as director of New Jersey’s Unemployment Insurance Division and as senior advisor to the deputy secretary in the U.S. Department of Labor. He also worked as vice president for corporate affairs at the New Jersey headquarters of Pinnacle Foods, Inc., and chief of staff for former Congressman Robert E. Andrews. Mr. Socolow earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and his master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University.
Board Members
http://heuatspapp00/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/Brian-Bridges.jpg Brian Bridges, Ph.D.
Secretary of Higher Education, ex officio

Brian Bridges, Ph.D. was confirmed as New Jersey’s Secretary of Higher Education on February 19, 2021, where he is responsible for policy development and coordination of other higher education activities for the State. He comes to New Jersey from his position as Vice President of Research and Member Engagement at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in Washington, DC, where he led UNCF's Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI) and the Institute for Capacity Building (ICB).
Prior to joining UNCF, Dr. Bridges was Vice Provost for Diversity, Access, and Equity at Ohio University. Previously, he was Associate Director of the Center for Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Equity at the American Council on Education and has held various other roles, including Associate Director at the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). He is a former Adjunct Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration at George Washington University. Throughout his career, Dr. Bridges has served on numerous panels and advisory committees on issues related to student engagement, HBCUs, learning environments at minority-serving institutions, and success factors for African American college students at predominantly white institutions.
http://heuatspapp00/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/IsabellaBerdugo-Hernandez.jpg Alya Nassrallah
Vice Chair, Student Advisory Committee, ex officio

Alya Nassrallah has been elected to serve as Vice Chair of the 2023-2024 Student Advisory Committee for the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). As a rising junior at Rutgers University-Newark, Alya’s Bachelor's degree will be combined with a double major in Social Work and Political Science and a minor in Global Politics and the Honors College. Since freshman year, Alya has worked for the office of Student Support Services (SSS) and the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) to guide first generation and low income students to academic and financial resources. Along with being an academic student and worker, Alya’s passion lies with political activism and community building for disadvantaged groups. Alya’s interest in HESAA connects to her political goals of creating and improving legislation that impacts students and the community while successfully distributing resources and opportunity to those who need it. Alya looks forward to networking and building mutual aid to enhance the well-being of HESAA students and all New Jersey residents.
Shernelle Pringle, MBS
Public Member, term expires May 24, 2026

Shernelle Pringle attended Rutgers University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Political Science along with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. Her love of science, innovation and problem solving led to her being selected by Colgate Palmolive to complete an intensive Rotational Leadership and Development program within various business functions. She works as a Scientist where she manages new product launches, collaborates with cross functional teams, and supports sustainability initiatives and is also an active member of Colgate’s employee resource groups, overseeing initiatives that foster professional development programs for employees and building corporate partnerships with community organizations. Ms. Pringle believes in giving back to the community and has served on non-profit boards such as the Princeton YWCA-NEXT Gen Board which fights to end discrimination and promote economic mobility for underrepresented individuals. She is also an Associate Board Member of America Needs You (ANY) whose primary focus is providing transformative mentorship and career development for first-generation college students. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, soccer, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Ivona Szaro
Chair, Student Advisory Committee, ex officio

Ivona Szaro has been elected to serve as Chair of the 2023-2024 Student Advisory Committee. Currently, Ivona is a third-year student at Seton Hall University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Special Education and Mathematics in hopes to pursue a career in Education. With a passion for promoting accessible education and ensuring equal opportunities for all students, Ivona brings a unique perspective and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the higher education landscape. Her interest in the financial aspect of higher education and its impact on students' lives led her to her current position as a student worker in her school's financial aid office. Ivona strives to create a future where higher education is a transformative, empowering, and an affordable experience for all.
http://heuatspapp00/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/Dr.-Turcios-for-WEB.jpg Nelson L. Turcios, MD
Public Member, term expires May 24, 2023

Dr. Nelson L. Turcios is currently Professor of Pediatrics at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He is a voting member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of Horizon NJ Health. Dr. Turcios was also a member of the Boards of NJ Make-A-Wish Foundation and Community United for Rehabilitation of Addicts. His clinical experience and academic background inspired him to edit his book "Pulmonary Manifestations of Pediatric Diseases" He donated the royalties from his book to the Hospital de Niños in El Salvador. Dr. Turcios, received the distinction of serving as guest editor of a recently published special issue on “Lung Involvement in Pediatric Disorders” for the prestigious Pediatric Clinics of North America February 2021. He has presented numerous motivational talks to ninth graders. He is a recipient of Humanist Doctor (Gold DOC) recognition from the prestigious Arnold P. Gold Foundation (Humanism-in-Medicine), for his exemplary services throughout his career. This award has been established to give patients and their families the opportunity to applaud physicians who demonstrate commendable skills, compassion, and sensitivity. Dr. Turcios graduated from the Universidad de El Salvador.
/HESAABoardMemberPhotos/BWardHeadShot.jpg Byron L. Ward
Representative, Educational Opportunity Fund, ex officio

Byron L. Ward currently serves as the Regional Director, Corporate Engagement at Year Up, Inc. Year Up is a national non-profit organization focused on workforce development solutions with a mission of closing the “opportunity divide” in America. As a Non-Profit Executive, Byron helps C-suite leaders build and implement strategies for building diverse talent pipelines. Prior to joining Year Up, Byron provided leadership to firms including AT&T, Lucent Technologies, Avaya, Pearson Education, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Byron graduated with honors from The Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and accreditation in African American Studies. Byron is also a proud graduate of the Columbia University Senior Leaders Program for Non-Profit Management. As a life-long learner, Byron has also successfully completed Executive Education Programs at The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and The University of Chicago.
Byron has dedicated his life to uplifting others and is a champion for education, career development, youth mentoring, social justice, and philanthropy. Byron is a dedicated member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and has served in several leadership positions including President of the Omicron Chi chapter in New Jersey.
In addition to numerous business and community awards, Byron received recognition from Ebony Magazine as one of the “50 Leaders of Tomorrow” and “International Who’s Who in Business and Management”. Due to his ongoing commitment and community leadership, Byron was recognized by the New Jersey NAACP with the “Living Legend” award.

*Holdover/Term Expired. Board members serve until a successor is appointed.