Energy and Environment Policy Committee Meeting, Feb. 26

Caryn Barnes has 30 years of experience in all aspects of environmental investigations, feasibility testing, NAPL, soil and groundwater remediation, soil vapor investigations and site closure. She has worked extensively in New Jersey on NJDEP and USEPA-led projects. She is a technical and regulatory expert, and is an active participant and stakeholder in the development of regulations, rules, guidance and policy. Barnes is on the forefront of investigating and remediating emerging contaminants, including PFAS and 1,4-dioxane.

As a Licensed Site Remediation Professional, Barnes has responded to Immediate Environmental Concerns, certified numerous Response Action Outcomes and has prepared numerous remediation submissions. She served as the Lead Technical Coordinator for a multi-party Superfund Site. She is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, and is an avid advocate for her clients. Barnes is President emeritus of the LSRP Association, a professional organization of over 800 members.

Paulina Banasiak O’Connor is a seasoned veteran of New Jersey politics with years of experience in the executive and legislative branch as well as the private sector. She has years of experience in public policy and government affairs, specializing in relationship management, issue advocacy, and strategy implementation.

She is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance, an advocacy project established to represent the offshore wind development community in the state. Previously, Paulina was a lobbyist at The Zita Group, a woman owned lobbying firm in Trenton, where she served as Vice President. Prior to The Zita Group, Paulina served in the role of Director of Legislative Affairs as well as Acting Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Philip D. Murphy. Since the start of the Murphy administration, she was a part of developing and advancing the Governor’s legislative policy priorities which included bills related to the environment, clean energy, gun violence prevention, economic tax incentives, and online sports gaming. Among various high-level responsibilities, Paulina contributed to crafting the Governor’s state budget, preparing cabinet officials for confirmations, legislative hearings, and participated in the appointments process. Paulina also served on the Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning as the Governor’s Appointee. Paulina began her career in public service as a Legislative Director for former Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), then Chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee and Vice-Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. In 2017, Paulina became the Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson) working on legislation pertaining to clean energy, public transportation, veteran’s services, and the state budget.

Before starting her career in government, Paulina worked as a social worker in Bergen County with survivors of domestic violence. She received her Bachelors in Psychology from Montclair State University and her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. She lives in Bordentown City with her husband and dog.