Joann Downey
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October 31, 1966
Joann Downey | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 11th district | |
| In office January 12, 2016 – January 11, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | |
| Succeeded by | |
| Chair of the New Jersey General Assembly Committee on Human Services | |
| In office January 9, 2018 – January 11, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Valerie Vainieri Huttle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joann Lillian Kagan[1] October 31, 1966 Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Stephen Downey |
| Education | |
| Website | www |
Joann Kagan Downey (born October 31, 1966) is an American lawyer and Democratic Party politician who represented the 11th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2016 to 2022. She later became a judge.[2]
Downey was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University in 1988, where she studied Political Science and English, a Juris Doctor from New York Law School in June 1991 and a Masters of Social Work from Boston University School of Social Work in 2005.[1][3] After graduating from Freehold Township High School, Downey was accepted to the New Jersey State Police, inspired by her father, who was a New Jersey State Trooper. Downey ultimately decided to pursue law school and prosecutorial work instead.[4] She went on to serve as Deputy State Attorney General, working in the Department of Children and Families. Downey cites this experience as the impetus that moved her to work toward her Masters in Social Work.[4]