Modia ‘Mo’ Butler was appointed chairman of the CRDA.
ATLANTIC CITY – NJ Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday, June 24 that Modia Butler will serve as chairman of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
Mo Butler has held a seat on the CRDA Board since November 2018 and is a highly respected public affairs expert with extensive experience in government relations, political campaigns, and strategic communications in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. At Mercury Public Affairs, Butler advises clients across various sectors including government, real estate development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and non-profits.
“The CRDA’s important efforts to increase economic development, improve equity, and address quality of life issues for Atlantic City residents could not be in better hands than with Mo Butler,” Murphy said in a release. “Mo’s integrity and extensive experience will benefit the residents of Atlantic City and the mission of the CRDA. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity as CRDA chair. I would also like to thank Bob Mulcahy for his many years of service to the CRDA and the state at large.”
Butler has also served as the chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and was responsible for overseeing the senator’s state operations and advising the senator on national and state affairs.
“Mo Butler is a phenomenal choice to chair the CRDA Board. He cares about strengthening neighborhoods, developing our youth, and expanding economic opportunities for working families, which align with the CRDA’s mission under the Murphy Administration,” Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver said. “Plus, Mo has a passion for cities and the diversity and cultural richness they bring to people’s lives, so I know he feels at home in Atlantic City. I look forward to Mo’s leadership of the CRDA Board and I can’t wait to see the progress the CRDA achieves under his direction.”
CRDA Executive Director Matt Doherty said his experience would benefit Atlantic City.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Councilman Kaleem Shabazz, who chairs the local chapter of the NAACP, praised Butler’s appointment as the first African American chairman of the CRDA, which would provide diversity and inclusion.
“I am pleased to bring a new voice and energy to the CRDA Board,” Butler said. “Together we will work with the City of Atlantic City and other stakeholders to make a difference in the future of Atlantic City.”
Butler has a BA from Franklin and Marshall College and masters degree from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. He currently as a trustee at his Alma Mater Franklin & Marshall College and New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Other appointees include Michael Beson, who will take Mulcahy’s seat on the board, Brett Matik of Linwood and William Sproule of Galloway Township.
