Zimmer first African American president of League of Women Voters of NJ

SPARTA — The League of Women Voters of New Jersey welcomes Sparta resident Toni Zimmer as the statewide organization’s newly elected president and announces the hiring of Kerry Butch as its new executive director. Toni Zimmer, the first African-American president of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey and a league member for several years, was elected to the position in a historic moment at the organization’s biennial convention. Previously, Zimmer was president of the League of Women Voters of Sussex Highlands and vice president of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. She has served on the NJ Foundation for Open Government Board of Directors, has owned her own business, “The Writers’ Group” for over 20 years, and is a member of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association. As president, Zimmer leads a newly-elected 13-member state Board of Directors, which includes six members who are new to the board. “Toni Zimmer’s personal charisma, work ethic and commitment to the League’s mission will make her an outstanding president,” said Anne Maiese, previous president of the League. “I am looking forward to serving on her board and working to achieve her vision of a more unified, visible League of Women Voters.” About the new executive director, Maiese said, “Kerry Butch comes to the League with great experience and skills, and I am confident she will help the League of Women Voters of New Jersey maintain and increase its vitality and influence. We are lucky to have her as part of our team.” The League of Women Voters of New Jersey is a non-partisan political organization, founded in April 1920 as a successor to the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association. Today the League encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.