Atlantic City has a new business administrator.Stephanie Bush-Baskette, who lives in Galloway Township, joined the city Monday, permanently replacing Jason Holt, who left last year.
Bush-Baskette has a diverse background that includes elected office, earning a law degree and doctorate, and writing a book.
She most recently served as business administrator for Bridgeton.
“We look forward to Dr. Bush-Baskette bringing her remarkable, distinguished career to Atlantic City to help guide it to the next level of renewal and prosperity,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Department of Community Affairs commissioner.
Bush-Baskette herself served as DCA commissioner under the administration of former Gov. James Florio, when she became the first African-American woman be a member of a gubernatorial Cabinet in New Jersey.
“Her blend of expertise in municipal administration, government ethics, and social policy issues make her uniquely qualified to serve as the city’s top administrator," Oliver said. "Governor Murphy and I remain committed to strengthening the fundamentals of city government and bolstering the ability of the city’s staff to ethically and efficiently run the city. I am very confident that Dr. Bush-Baskette will help us enormously in this endeavor.”
Bush-Baskette has done extensive research and teaching on the criminal justice system, and especially its impact on women of color and juveniles.
Her findings resulted in the book, "Misguided Justice — The War on Drugs and the Incarceration of Black Women."
“It’s a great day here in the City of Atlantic City anytime we can bring someone on our staff with the knowledge, experience and plethora of skills as Dr. Bush-Baskette,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small said.
“I look forward to working with Dr. Bush-Baskette to enhance the vision of the City in 2020 and beyond.”
Atlantic City's new business administrator founded the Sojourn Institute, which aims to promote social justice through research, training, technical assistance and informed advocacy.
Bush-Baskette also served as business administrator for East Orange, Essex County, and Hillside, Union County.
She teaches at Rutgers University’s School of Public Affairs and Administration and the Center for Government Services with a current focus on government ethics.
She also has been a member of the New Jersey Ethics Commission.
“I appreciate the confidence the governor, lieutenant governor and mayor have in me," Bush-Baskette said. "I look forward to sharing my experiences, skills and passion to have a positive impact on the City of Atlantic City. I am ready to get to work.”Anthony Swan, who served as interim business administrator since August, will returns to his former position as city solicitor.
