Akeem Cunningham named executive director of Essex Dems
keem Cunningham, a rising star in New Jersey Democratic politics, has been named executive director of the Essex County Democratic Committee under the veteran county chairman, LeRoy Jones, Jr.
His appointment brings his transformation from insurgent to organization insider full circle. In 2013, at age 23, he mounted an off-the-line challenge for an East Orange City Council seat and finished second in a four-way race after coming within eight points of the incumbent, Christopher James. He quickly endorsed James and became part of the local Democratic organization.
The son of a single mother, Cunningham became a firefighter in East Orange, worked for Democratic candidates, and was the deputy chief of staff to Mayor Ted Green. He currently serves as chief of external affairs and strategic initiatives at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
“I learned early that character is revealed in how you handle setbacks,” said Cunningham. “I didn’t win that race, but I gained relationships, perspective, and a deeper appreciation for service. Chairman Jones saw something in me long before I held any title, and I’ll never forget that.”
https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/akeem-cunningham-named-executive-director-of-essex-dems/