Former Camden County Surrogate Patricia Egan Jones received the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on Monday to become a member of the New Jersey General Assembly.
“Patricia Egan Jones is a recognized leader and respected member of her community, and it is my pleasure to welcome her to the Assembly,” said Prieto (D-Bergen/Hudson). “In addition to her innate sense of dedication to public service, Pat’s previous experience as a legislative aide and as an elected official who worked on the municipal and county levels will make her a true asset to the legislature.”
Jones will represent the 5th Legislative District, which includes municipalities in Camden and Gloucester counties. She replaces Angel Fuentes, who in June resigned from the legislature to become deputy clerk in Camden County.
“It is an honor to have this opportunity to serve my community at the state level, and I look forward to working with my Assembly colleagues to make New Jersey a better place to live and work,” said Jones. “As we tackle big issues, from the Transportation Trust Fund to the pension system, my top priority will be making sure that the voices of the 5th District are heard.”
Jones began her career in public service as a community activist and later served as chief of staff to Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts and legislator director to State Senator Walter Rand. The longtime Barrington resident began her career in elected office as a member of the borough’s council. As councilwoman, she created the borough Economic Development Committee and was instrumental in the creation of Barrington’s “Wish Upon A Star” playground.
Jones went on to serve as a Camden County freeholder and worked as liaison to the Department of Public Safety and Juvenile Justice. In this position, she oversaw the department’s more than 200 employees and an annual budget of $14 million. As freeholder, Jones played an instrumental role in bringing the Battleship New Jersey to Camden.
In 2001, Jones took office as Surrogate of Camden County, a position she held until being selected to serve in the Assembly. As County Surrogate, Judge Jones developed numerous programs to assist the general public, including seminars that provide instruction to individuals named as guardians of adults by the court.
In addition to serving as an elected official, Jones gives back to her community as a member of the Cooper’s Ferry Partnership Board of Directors and as a member of the Rutgers University/Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs Advisory Board. She also serves on the board of directors for Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, is treasurer of the Larc School Board of Directors and is chapter vice-chair of the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties.
Jones, a graduate of Rutgers University-Camden, is married with two children and four grandchildren.