Mary jean Barnes, JD

Champion of Impactful Philanthropy

Likes: Dogs (especially senior dogs), reading, tea, shoes (especially ones with sparkles)
Dislikes: Cold weather, peppers, coffee, disrespect for the Garden State

Mary Jean has been active in the nonprofit community for more than 40 years, as a volunteer,
advisor, Board member and employee. She graduated with a business degree and worked in
NYC for several years before returning to school and obtaining her law degree. She was in
private practice for 20 years, during which time she advised individuals and corporations,
including nonprofit organizations, on a variety of legal issues. She then jumped to the nonprofit
sector full-time as the Executive Director of a small non-profit supporting women and their
professional and personal journeys. More recently, she was the Director of a statewide
Foundation that distributed millions of dollars to charities and individuals through its robust grant
and scholarship programs.
Mary Jean is committed to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in our communities.
She volunteered for years with an organization focused on empowering youth aging out of foster
care to rise toward their greatest potential. She is on the Advisory Board of the Educational
Opportunity Fund (EOF) at County College of Morris and a Board member of the Berkeley
Heights Public Library.