NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association Names New Government Affairs Director

On Nov 29, 2021

The New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA) has welcomed Amanda Stone as its new director of government affairs. In this position, Stone works directly with the NJRHA President/CEO to advocate for policies that support and protect the critical needs of the New Jersey hospitality industry sectors. Stone brings experience and dedication to the role, with a strong background working with local, county and state government and legislators.

“Amanda is looking forward to returning to the State House, where we know she will further strengthen the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s advocacy efforts on behalf of our members, while staying ahead of the ever-changing landscape our business owners and operators face today,” said Dana Lancellotti, president and CEO. “Amanda has already taken a proactive approach to enhancing and maintaining the open line of communication between the association and members of the New Jersey Legislature and Congressional Delegation.”

Stone has spent the majority of her career in public service, starting in 2014 as the Legislative Director for former New Jersey Assemblyman and Conference Leader Dave Rible. In this role, she coordinated legislative initiatives and assisted with his work on the Assembly Education and Law and Public Safety committees.

Following her work with Assemblyman Rible, Stone served as a communications coordinator and speechwriter for former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, and later became the Confidential Aide to Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone.

From there, Monmouth County secured Stone as its Director of Tourism, where she spearheaded a renewed effort across digital and traditional media platforms and vigorous marketing campaigns to elevate Monmouth County’s $2.5 billion impact as a premier tourism destination. While in this role, Stone was also responsible for the county’s Destination Marketing Organization Grant, which required that she manage, oversee, and continue to secure their large tourism marketing grant from the NJ Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

“It was her experience in government, grant writing, marketing and journalism that really solidified Amanda as a stellar candidate to fill this role,” Lancellotti said. “When combining those skills with her direct experience with the legislative process and her attention to detail and research, Amanda is a perfect fit for our Association.”

Stone jump-started her career right out of college, working as a reporter at The Coast Star newspaper in Monmouth County and rising to assistant managing editor before leaving journalism for public service.

In 2011, she graduated cum laude from the University of South Florida, where she earned a degree in journalism with a focus in mass communications.

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