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Schaffler named Assembly Democrats’ communications director
Matthew Fazelpoor//March 21, 2023
Just days after Rhonda Shaffler’s departure from NJ Spotlight News, the New Jersey Assembly Democrats announced March 20 that the former business correspondent will serve as their new communications director.
In announcing the move, the Assembly Majority Office noted that Schaffler is a reporter with experience covering kitchen table and fiscal issues. For the past six years, Schaffler has delivered a nightly business report and served as host of NJ Spotlight News’ weekly series, NJ Business Beat.
Last week, it was announced that Schaffler was leaving NJ Spotlight News, and that Raven Santana would be taking over as host of the weekly business series, setting off speculation about Schaffler’s next move.
“We wish Rhonda Schaffler all the best as she explores new professional opportunities and thank her for sharing her business expertise for the past six years,” said NJ Spotlight News Sr. Managing Editor James Kraft.
The Assembly Democrats said that in this new role, Schaffler will lead its caucus’ move to modernize communication efforts to meet the changing media landscape and growing digital channels to allow lawmakers to speak directly to their constituents.
“We are proud to welcome Rhonda Schaffler to serve as communications director for the Assembly Democrats after an extensive national search,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District. “Rhonda’s long experience with kitchen table issues will help our caucus highlight our leadership keeping New Jersey affordable for working families even as we create jobs and tackle issues ranging from property tax relief to continuing to rebuild our communities following the pandemic.”
Schaffler’s most recent work at NJ Spotlight News centered on the intersection of personal finances and fiscal policy, focusing on issues such as the budget, taxes, education and more.
“I am excited to begin working with the Assembly Democratic caucus at this critical time in our state’s history,” said Schaffler. “I believe in our members’ agenda to deliver for working families across New Jersey and am looking forward to utilizing my long experience in journalism to clearly communicate our track record to residents across our state.”
The Democrats also noted that Schaffler will help to ensure a unified message around key legislative priorities while working with individual lawmakers to highlight their work on important initiatives, both in the Statehouse and around the state.
