Overview

Yvonne Lopez is a nonprofit executive and banker who since 2018 has represented the 19th Legislative District, encompassing Perth Amboy and the northeastern part of Middlesex County. She has built a career spanning community development, financial services, and social services administration, with particular focus on housing and Latino community engagement.

Prior to her legislative service, Lopez served as Executive Director and CEO of the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc. (PRAHD), managing 80 employees and 10 programs. She previously worked as Vice President and Community Affairs Manager for Wachovia Bank, where she managed a $5 million foundation budget and directed corporate philanthropy and community development initiatives across the tristate region. She also served as Director of Donor Relations for the Trinitas Health Foundation.

Political Career

Vice President/Community Affairs Manager, Wachovia Bank (and predecessor institutions)

Director of Donor Relations, Trinitas Health Foundation

Executive Director/CEO, Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc. (PRAHD)

Commissioner, New Jersey Complete Count Commission

Commissioner, New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission

Member, New Jersey General Assembly, District 19 (January 9, 2018–present)

Deputy Speaker, New Jersey General Assembly (2022–present)

Chair, Assembly Housing Committee (2018–present)

Vice-Chair, Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee (2018–present)

Member, Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee (2018–present)

Member, Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee

Former Chair, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators Latino Voting and Elections Task Force

Current Chair, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators Housing Task Force

Key Policy Areas

Housing policy and affordable housing development

Community development and economic empowerment

Women's affairs and gender equity

Transportation and infrastructure

Financial institutions and consumer protection

Latino civic engagement and voting rights

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Founded the Boys and Girls Clubs of Perth Amboy

Chair of National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators Housing Task Force, addressing housing affordability and homelessness prevention in Latino communities

Secured $1.5 million in funding for Trinitas Regional Medical Center's Center of Regional Education (CORE) capital project while serving as Director of Donor Relations

Managed Wachovia/DCA Housing Scholars Program partnership with New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

Recipient of over 20 awards for public service including National Foundation of Women Legislators Woman of Excellence Award, Mental Health America Legislative Award, and first female recipient of Puerto Rican Association for Human Development's Roberto Clemente Award

Education

Rutgers University

Boston College

Union School of Business

Personal

Birth date: Not publicly available

Residence: Perth Amboy, New Jersey