New Faces, Shared Purpose — Meet the Latest Members of Team NJCDC

NJCDC is entering the year with fresh energy, new leadership, and strong support across several key areas.

Over the past few months, three new team members have joined the organization, each bringing a distinct background, a deep sense of purpose, and a shared commitment to strengthening Paterson. From economic development to real estate revitalization to early childhood education, their experiences span sectors — but their focus is singular: community.

George Meggali — Chief Real Estate Development Officer

George Meggali joined NJCDC in January as Chief Real Estate Development Officer, stepping into a role that will help move major projects from vision to reality.

Born and raised in Jersey City as a first-generation Egyptian-American, George spent much of his legal career as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice. Most recently, he worked in business litigation, sharpening skills in regulatory interpretation, contract negotiation, and complex problem-solving — tools he now brings into the community development arena.

But long before law school, George understood the power of community institutions.

Growing up, his church served as a bridge for immigrant families — a place where parents sought help navigating schools, public benefits, legal systems, and everyday life in a new country. “It wasn’t just a church,” he reflected. “It was where you found mentorship, where you made friends, where you bridged the gap.”

That experience shaped how he thinks about opportunity.

For George, NJCDC represents the kind of anchor institution that shapes opportunity — and he wanted to help strengthen it.

 What resonates most with him is the breadth of NJCDC’s work — the recognition that human needs are complex and interconnected. As a lawyer, he was trained to ask what argument would be most persuasive to a judge. Now, he asks broader questions: What makes economic sense? What serves the community? What resonates with different stakeholders? What builds something lasting?

“In court, you’re thinking about one audience,” he said. “Here, there are many. You have to think about what works not just legally — but practically, economically, and for the people you’re serving.”

And in a lighter moment — he admits he loves to sing. He loves listening to Arabic music, Coptic hymns, movie soundtracks, and classic R&B. Referring to R&B, “They don’t make it like they used to,” George said with a laugh.

Nathaniel “Nate” Snyder — Community Development Associate, Lead-Safe Program

Nathaniel Snyder joined NJCDC in September as a Community Development Associate and currently acts as Interim Director of NJCDC’s Lead-Safe Program.

Originally from Easton, Pennsylvania, Nate previously interned with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration in Washington, D.C., where he worked on revolving loan fund programs serving economically distressed communities. That experience shaped his professional trajectory.

“I fell in love with economic development,” he said. “I wanted to find something that truly benefits a community and does quality work.”

He was especially drawn to NJCDC’s place-based strategy — an approach he believes is essential for meaningful change. “There are cookie-cutter plans you can apply anywhere,” he noted, “but if they’re not tailored to the community you’re serving, they don’t work.”

Today, Nate oversees key aspects of NJCDC’s lead remediation projects — coordinating contracts, construction logistics, and outreach — while also supporting broader real estate and community development initiatives.

One defining moment for him came during a conference on resilient economies in coal communities, where he learned about a town that had only recently secured funding to bring WiFi infrastructure to residents. “This was in 2024,” he said. “Seeing how far behind some communities still are really mobilized me.”

If he could accomplish one major goal during his time at NJCDC, he already knows what it would be: launching a Paterson-based revolving loan fund to support small businesses and economic growth.

“The reason I do this work,” he said simply, “is to give people the same opportunities I was given growing up.”

Jackeline Santos — Lead Teacher, Paterson Family Center Pre-School

In late February, Ms. Jackeline Santos joined NJCDC as the newest Lead Teacher at our Paterson Family Center Pre-School.

Ms. Jackeline previously worked in Clifton Public Schools in both Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms, supporting young learners at critical stages of development. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Sociology from Montclair State University and recently began a teaching certification program at Brookdale Community College.

With a strong foundation in early childhood education and a commitment to continued growth, Ms. Jackeline is helping to create a structured, nurturing classroom environment where Paterson’s youngest residents can build confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills.

A Shared Commitment

Though their paths differ — George, Nate, and Jackeline share a common thread: a belief in the power of community institutions to create opportunity.

From launching development projects to strengthening lead-safe housing initiatives to guiding preschoolers through their first classroom experiences, they are contributing to NJCDC’s mission in distinct but interconnected ways.

In different ways, they are investing in Paterson’s people. And when you invest in people, progress follows.