Gloucester County resident Adam Taliaferro became one of the newest members of the General Assembly on Thursday, receiving the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, before taking part in this first voting session as a member of the legislature.
“Adam has distinguished himself as an exceptional advocate for the people of District 3,” said Prieto. “I am confident he will bring that same level of passion and commitment to the Assembly. There’s a lot of work ahead of us as we prepare to tackle the budget, economic and other critical issues and we look forward to his contribution. On behalf of the members of the Democratic Caucus, I welcome Adam to the Assembly.”
Taliaferro will represent the 3rd legislative district, which includes parts Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties, replacing Assemblywoman Celeste Riley who recently resigned to take the position of County Clerk in Cumberland.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the residents of the 3rd legislative district in this capacity,” said Taliaferro (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “Working to improve access to education and healthcare is a common thread in both my political and professional career. I look forward to continuing my work on these and the many other issues affecting New Jerseyans alongside of my new colleagues in the Assembly.”
Assemblyman Taliaferro, of Woolwich Township, was a star player on the Penn State football team when he suffered a spinal injury forcing the end of his athletic career.
His remarkable journey to recovery encouraged the creation of the Adam Taliaferro Foundation, which provides emotional, financial and educational support to student-athletes who suffer catastrophic head or spinal injuries in New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware. The foundation also provides educational and financial support related to the research, prevention and care of spinal injuries. He serves as Honorary Chairman of the foundation.
Assemblyman Taliaferro lives in Woolwich Township with his wife and currently works for Bristol -Myers and Squibb as a patient advocate. He is also a former Freeholder of Gloucester County, to which he was elected to two terms.