Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Kovach.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My career has unfolded much like a journey, each chapter marked by curiosity, a desire to make a difference, and a genuine love for working alongside others. Looking back over more than thirty years, I see a winding path through private, public and nonprofit worlds, where I’ve been fortunate to help shape initiatives, build bridges across sectors, and support communities as they grow and change. Each experience has only deepened my sense of purpose and commitment to service.
It all began in the energetic world of the private sector. Those early days taught me the nuts and bolts of business operations and project management, but more importantly, they showed me how important it is to listen, to collaborate, and to stay focused on what brings a team together.
Over time, I found myself drawn more and more to public service. The first big step was my election as Councilwoman for the Town of Clinton. That role opened my eyes to what’s possible when a community works together. In 2011, our town placed its trust in me as Mayor—a role I’m humbled to still hold today. Managing the municipal budget, planning for the future, and working with the people who make our town run has been an honor, and I’ve learned the value of balancing many voices and viewpoints.
There was also an unexpected turn along the way. I was invited by then Governor Corzine to serve as Director of the NJ Division on Women—a role that brought its own set of challenges and rewards. Working with leaders from government and business, I oversaw grants for important causes like job training and domestic violence prevention. One of my proudest moments was helping launch the NJ Women’s Microbusiness Credit Program, providing opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Throughout that time, I found myself advocating in new ways—organizing conferences, writing, and speaking out for programs that help women thrive.
Nonprofit work has also added a special dimension to my story. Co-founding the River Town Film Festival, Inc. gave me a chance to spark creativity and connection. Through building partnerships and creating new programs, the festival soon became a welcoming place for emerging filmmakers and a vibrant gathering spot for our community.
Since 2019, I’ve been honored to serve as a Commissioner on the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission, where I get to support productions across the state and help local communities benefit from the thriving media industry.
What holds these chapters together is a belief in working with and for others. As I look ahead, I am still guided by the values that started me on this path: the power of collaboration, service, and a steadfast hope that each new opportunity can bring people together and make a real difference. My goal remains simple—to help lead, support, and create lasting impact wherever I can.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My path hasn’t always been easy or straightforward. It’s been filled with lessons—sometimes learned the hard way—moments of stumbling, setbacks, and the determination to rise again both personally and professionally. While some challenges felt insurmountable at the time, I can now see how each one played a part in shaping the person I’ve become. In our youth, we often believe we have all the answers, but looking back, it’s clear that true wisdom comes from experience and the willingness to learn from our mistakes. My journey included major personal hurdles, such as leaving college in my senior year to get married, only to discover that the relationship wasn’t right for me. As a single mother, I returned to school, managed a full-time job, and cared for my young daughter. Completing my degree, meeting my true partner, working in a career I loved, and then facing an unexpected job relocation—all of these twists required me to adapt and ultimately guided me toward a meaningful life in public service.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When asked about my personal life and career, I’d say it’s been an incredible journey of growth, service, and resilience. I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration and the importance of making a tangible difference, values that have guided me from my early days in the private sector through to my current role as Mayor of Clinton, NJ—a position I have been honored to hold since 2011 and, thanks to my community’s trust, was re-elected to for a fourth term in 2023. Serving my town and the broader needs of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities, especially as President of the NJ League of Municipalities in 2021, has been both humbling and energizing. My experiences as a TEDx speaker allowed me to spark vital conversations about issues like government reform, honor violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault—topics that are deeply personal to me and essential for our collective future.
I’ve also had the privilege of serving as Director of the New Jersey Division on Women from 2006 to 2010, where I oversaw funding for crucial programs and advocated for greater representation of women in business and government. Mentorship is close to my heart, and I continue to support and equip aspiring female leaders with the tools they need to succeed in politics and beyond. My 2014 run for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District was a powerful opportunity to elevate local concerns and push for bipartisan solutions.
My passion for community and culture inspired me to co-found the River Town Film Festival in 2017, creating a space where independent films could foster meaningful dialogue and connection. As Chair of the Hunterdon County Film Commission, I work closely with Economic Development to showcase our region as a vibrant filming destination. In 2019, Governor Murphy appointed me to the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission, where I help productions navigate state regulations and access incentives, fueling New Jersey’s creative economy.
Beyond these roles, my commitment to public service includes long-standing leadership with the Hunterdon County Democratic Committee and the State Democratic Committee, where I’ve served in various capacities since 2003. My journey has certainly come with its share of challenges—balancing family, education, and career pivots—but each experience has shaped my perspective and commitment to empowering others. At the end of the day, it’s the drive to lead, support, and create lasting impact that continues to motivate me in everything I do.
How do you think about luck?
Luck—both good and bad—has undeniably played a role in my life and career. There have been moments when unexpected opportunities arose at just the right time, opening doors I hadn’t even known existed, such as receiving invitations to serve in key leadership positions or crossing paths with mentors who inspired my journey. At the same time, I’ve faced setbacks and challenges that seemed insurmountable, but in hindsight, those twists of fate became catalysts for growth and resilience. Sometimes, what initially appeared to be a stroke of bad luck ultimately led me to new paths and experiences that have enriched my life and work. Embracing both the fortunate breaks and the tough breaks has taught me to remain adaptable, grateful, and open to whatever comes next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://janicekovach.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janicekovach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janice.kovach.7 https://www.facebook.com/JaniceKovachNJ
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-kovach-0906a37/
- Twitter: https://x.com/janicekovach
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@janicekovach
