Weinstein named general counsel and vice president for governmental relations at Rowan University

Haddonfield attorney Steven D. Weinstein has been named general counsel and vice president for governmental relations at Rowan University, Rowan President Ali Houshmand has announced.

Formerly a partner at Florio Perrucci Steinhartdt & Fader, Weinstein joined Rowan’s leadership team earlier this month.  In announcing the appointment, Houshmand said Weinstein’s expertise will be invaluable to the University during this period of transition. The appointment marks the first Office of General Counsel created by the University, according to the president.

Rowan is becoming the state’s second comprehensive public research university and also is integrating the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, currently part of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey system, to become only the second university in the nation to have two medical schools.

Additionally, the University is partnering with Rutgers University-Camden to establish a College of Health Sciences in the City of Camden. The college will be the foundation for innovative health-related research and development in the region.

“Mr. Weinstein brings extensive experience in both law and government and will provide the legal expertise necessary at this time of transition (at the University) and moving forward,” Houshmand said, adding that Weinstein was chosen for the position after a recently concluded national search.

Weinstein served as a member of Rowan’s Board of Trustees from 1990-’96. He held the position of board chairman when Henry and Betty Rowan made their historic $100 million gift to the University in 1992.

Weinstein joined Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Fader in 2010. Prior to that, he was a partner for 27 years with the national law firm of Blank Rome, serving for most of that time as the administrative partner of the New Jersey office.

He served as counsel to many private clients and as special counsel to a number of governmental agencies. Weinstein has experience in numerous practice areas, including, among others, redevelopment law, administrative law, governmental contracts, environmental issues, public finance, school law, and labor relations.

“This is a very exciting time for Rowan and I’m excited to be re-joining the University,” Weinstein said. “I was chair of the board when the Rowan dream was taking shape.

“The current initiatives will allow that vision to grow as the University becomes a major economic engine for all of South Jersey, provides the opportunity for South Jersey students to reach their potential, and attracts new businesses to the region.”

A native of South Jersey, Weinstein has served as Camden County Counsel, general counsel to the South Jersey Port Corporation, hearing officer for Camden County, solicitor to both the Oaklyn Housing Corporation and the Borough of Clementon’s Zoning Board, Solid Waste Counsel for Camden County, and counsel for the Camden County Economic Development Committee.

Currently president of the Haddonfield Board of Education, Weinstein also is chair of the Camden County United Way Local Operating Board, having previously served as chair of the annual campaign and community impact committees.  He is a board member for New Jersey Alliance for Action and vice chair of New Jersey Future. He’s a founding member of the Policy Steering Council for the Center for Higher Education Strategic Information and Governance at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. He formerly chaired the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, with oversight of all of the state’s public colleges, and the West Jersey Health and Hospital Foundation.

Weinstein earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and his law degree from Rutgers-Camden Law School. He is a member of the Camden County Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey.