Candidate Thomas “TJ” Mann

My name is Thomas Mann, and I am a lifelong Monmouth County resident who has
proudly called Holmdel home since 2017. My wife, Michelle, grew up in Holmdel and is
a graduate of Holmdel High School. Our roots are here, our families are here, and we
plan to remain in Holmdel for many years to come. This community is not just where we
live — it is where we are building our future. . .

From the moment we moved back to town, I made a conscious decision to get involved
and give back. I have coached with HYAA Lacrosse since coming to Holmdel and have
also helped coach youth soccer. Working with our kids on the field has been one of the
most rewarding parts of living here. Coaching has allowed me to build relationships with
families across town and to help instill values of teamwork, discipline, accountability,
and sportsmanship in the next generation. I am also a parishioner at St. Benedict’s,
where my faith continues to guide my commitment to service, integrity, and community.

In addition to my volunteer involvement, I currently serve on the Holmdel Township
Planning Board and was recently asked to take on the role of Vice Chair. Serving on the
Planning Board has given me valuable insight into local land use, redevelopment,
infrastructure planning, and the balance between responsible growth and preserving the
character of our community. I approach each application thoughtfully and collaboratively,
always mindful of the long-term impact decisions have on taxpayers and families.
Professionally, I serve as Director of Government Affairs at NorthStar Strategies, LLC.
In this role, I track and analyze legislation, engage in advocacy before the Legislature
and state agencies, and provide strategic counsel to clients navigating complex
regulatory and policy environments. I regularly attend legislative hearings, testify before
committees, and work directly with elected officials and agency leaders. My work has
given me a deep understanding of how laws are crafted, how budgets impact local
communities, and how effective advocacy can produce practical results.

Before joining NorthStar Strategies, I served for nearly a decade as Chief of Staff to
Assemblyman Robert D. Clifton. During that time, I worked closely with the Office of
Legislative Services to research and draft legislation, collaborated with members of both
caucuses to advance meaningful policy initiatives, and managed constituent services
operations. I prepared briefing materials, developed talking points, and built strong
working relationships with state agencies and local officials. That experience gave me
firsthand knowledge of how government should work — and where it can be improved.
Earlier in my career, I served as Director of Business Development & Communications
for the New Jersey Association of Counties, working with county officials across the
state on legislative and operational matters. I also worked in the private sector at John
Wiley & Sons in Human Resources Information Systems, where I developed systems
and reporting tools and gained valuable private-sector experience.

Earlier in my career, I served as Director of Business Development & Communications
for the New Jersey Association of Counties, working with county officials across the
state on legislative and operational matters. I also worked in the private sector at John
Wiley & Sons in Human Resources Information Systems, where I developed systems
and reporting tools and gained valuable private-sector experience.
Throughout my career, I have participated in leadership development programs,
including the Emerging Leaders Program through the American Council of Engineering
Companies of New Jersey and the Eastern Leadership Academy through the Council of
State Governments. Long before my professional career, leadership was important to
me as a student-athlete. I was a co-captain of the Ursinus College men’s lacrosse team
and previously served as co-captain at Christian Brothers Academy, where I earned All-
Division and All-State recognition and was honored with the Sportsmanship Award.
Those experiences shaped my belief in preparation, accountability, and leading by
example.

I bring to the table real-world government experience, strategic thinking, strong
communication skills, and a deep respect for fiscal responsibility and transparent
governance. Most importantly, I bring a genuine love for Holmdel and a desire to ensure
our township remains a place where families want to live, businesses can thrive, and
residents feel confident in their local leadership.