Elisa Neira Named Princeton's New Human Services Director

Elisa Neira has been hired as the new director of the Princeton Human Services Department, Mayor Liz Lempert announced. 

She replaces Cynthia Mendez, who is retiring after leading the department for 13 years.

The Human Services Department provides general assistance for the needy and oversees local events, including the Summer Youth Employment Program, providing jobs for 14 to 17 year olds, the Wheels Rodeo which promotes bicycle, skateboard, and car seat safety for children, the back to school backpack program and the holiday gift drive, among others.

"I am excited to welcome Elisa and work with her and the Human Services commission to provide much needed services to Princeton residents in need," Lempert said.

Neira's appointment was recommended by a committee of municipal staff and Human Services Commission members. She was one of 25 applicants.

She will begin work in Princeton June 3.

“I look forward to the challenges of this new job and the opportunity to build upon the service initiatives already underway," Neira said. "In particular, I am excited to work with the Human Services Commission to help launch and sustain the 'Send Hunger Packing' program, which is in its inaugural year with a kick off at the Garden Theatre on June 9.  I am eager to meet the residents of Princeton and the many community partners who are so instrumental to the work of the department and commission.”

Neira has BS in Social Work from Rutgers University and an MSW from Fordham University. Most recently she worked for the New Jersey Association of the Deaf-Blind, serving as group home manager and residential coordinator, then social worker overseeing the operation of eight group homes for the developmentally disabled throughout the state.

“Having participated in a thoughtful, well executed search, the Princeton Human Services Commission welcomes and looks forward to the leadership of its new executive director, said Ross Wishnick, chairman of the Human Services Commission. "Given Ms. Neira’s background and high energy personality, all of us look forward to her strengthening what we already do, help to bring us into new directions and create new avenues of support to many in our community.” 

Council member- and Human Services liaison Heather Howard also praises Neira's appointment. 

“We are excited that Elisa will be bringing her enthusiasm, energy and experience to the important work of the Human Services Department, and know she will work with diverse groups in the community to strengthen the services we provide and create a more inclusive community," she said.

Neira will have an office in Monument Hall. She can be reached at (609) 688-2055 or eneira@princetonnj.gov.