Maria Rodriguez-Gregg is a government affairs executive and strategic leader with more than two decades of experience in public policy, legislative strategy, and stakeholder engagement across sectors.
She currently serves as Director of Government Relations and Community Affairs at Montclair State University, where she leads the university’s engagement with local, state, and federal stakeholders. In this role, she advises executive leadership and advances institutional priorities through legislative advocacy, funding strategy, and strategic partnerships. She expanded the university’s government relations function from a single-person role into a strategic, growing office, elevating Montclair’s influence in higher education policy and public affairs.
Maria played a central leadership role in the historic integration of Bloomfield College into the Montclair State University system, the first transition of a private institution into a public university in New Jersey. She directed the legislative and political strategy for the merger, securing bipartisan support, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and coordinating across government agencies and stakeholders to ensure a successful, precedent-setting outcome.
Previously, Maria made history as the first Latina Republican elected to statewide office in New Jersey, serving in the General Assembly after her election in 2013. During her tenure, she served on several key committees, including the Assembly Budget Committee, Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, and Housing and Community Development Committee. Known for her bipartisan approach, she built a reputation for advancing results-driven policy in a complex political environment.
In addition to her public service, Maria previously served as President of MIR Strategies LLC, where she advised organizations across energy, healthcare, insurance, and social impact on government affairs, business development, and strategic communications.
Her leadership has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Champion of Change Award for Domestic Violence Awareness, GOPAC Emerging Leader Award, MAVPAC Top 40 Under 40, and Americans for Prosperity NJ “Taxpayer Hero” Award. Most recently, she was named to BINJE’s 2025 Hispanic Business Leaders List. She has also been featured in national and regional media outlets, including MSNBC, Fox 29 Philadelphia, Telemundo, and The Washington Post.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, with honors, from Rutgers University-Camden.