Rod Hirsch

Rod Hirsch is an accomplished journalist and community leader with extensive experience in media and nonprofit sectors. As the Founder and Executive Director of Operation Shoebox New Jersey, Rod has led a volunteer organization dedicated to sending care packages to deployed U.S. troops since 2004. In addition, Rod serves as the Managing Editor for Tap into Somerville & Hillsborough, where hyper-local news coverage is provided for both towns. Rod’s academic contributions include serving as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Journalism at Rider University since 1991, teaching a diverse range of courses in writing and media. Rod's career also spans several decades at Central New Jersey Home News and Home News Tribune, where roles included reporter, news editor, and assistant managing editor. Rod holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Rider University.