Jessica Paolini

Jessica Paolini is an experienced economic development professional currently serving as the Manager of Economic Development for Somerset County, NJ, since June 2022. Previously, Jessica held the position of Division Head, Life Sciences & Food Innovation at Middlesex County, NJ, where responsibilities included managing strategic business partnerships and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems. At Rutgers University, Jessica worked as the Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Development & Innovation, where key contributions included organizing a statewide data science career fair and engaging in research to connect economic strategies with climate policies. Jessica's early career involved roles in economic development and legal assistance, showcasing a strong background in research, business attraction, and collaboration with educational institutions. Jessica's academic credentials include a PhD candidacy in Planning & Public Policy from Rutgers University and advanced degrees in Political Science and Government.