Melissa Orsen

Melissa J. Orsen is senior vice president and general counsel of SJI. As the principal legal officer of the Company, Ms. Orsen serves as a key advisor to the executive team and Board of Directors, oversees the corporate legal and government affairs teams, and manages outside counsel relationships.

Ms. Orsen joined SJI in 2017. Previously, she served as the CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, where she directed more than $1 billion in economic development activities across the state. Earlier in her career, she served as chief of staff to the former lieutenant governor, secretary of state and to the Department of Community Affairs. Ms. Orsen was also a deputy attorney general, with a focus on federal and appellate litigation.

An alumna of University of Delaware, Ms. Orsen earned her undergraduate degree in criminal justice and holds a Juris Doctor from Widener University Delaware Law School.