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Ahmed Shehata, a proud Seton Hall University M.B.A. graduate, has just marked a major achievement: he has been officially confirmed as a member of the New Jersey State Board of Education.
This is a massive step in his career, and it all started with a nomination from Governor Phil Murphy, with strong support from Senate President Nick Scutari, who’s both a friend and mentor to Shehata.
At just 31 years old, Shehata is now the youngest to ever serve on this board.
Shehata’s impressive educational background includes an M.B.A. in Business Analytics from Seton Hall, a B.S. in Criminal Justice/Political Science, and an M.P.A. from Rutgers University.
Reflecting on his journey, he credits his time at Seton Hall with giving him the tools he needed for his career.
“The analytical skills and strategic thinking I developed at Seton Hall during my M.B.A. program have been invaluable,” Shehata said.
As the Assistant Superintendent of Business (CFO) for Clifton Public Schools, Shehata is responsible for managing over 1,600 employees and overseeing all non-teaching aspects of the district.
In this role, his job involves making tough decisions, analyzing trends, and devising the best financial strategies.
He also leads the finance and facility committees for the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) in Clifton, where he manages a $170 million referendum for 24 school buildings and a $300 million budget.
In an interview, Shehata talked about how his education shaped his work.
“The M.B.A. program’s emphasis on leadership and ethical decision-making has shaped my approach to governance and policy development,” he explained.
As he steps into his new role in shaping New Jersey’s education policies, this commitment to these principles will be crucial.
Of course, Shehata’s journey to the State Board of Education wasn’t just about having the right qualifications.
He had a lot of support along the way, especially from Senate President Nick Scutari, who helped him through the nomination and confirmation process.
During the hearings, Scutari spoke highly of Shehata’s dedication to education and public service, which helped seal the deal for his confirmation.
For Shehata, he sees this as a chance to make a real difference in New Jersey’s education system.
“This appointment is a significant milestone, and I am honored to serve and contribute to shaping the educational policies of our state,” Shehata said.
He’s ready to push for policies that will make sure every student in New Jersey gets a great education.
Amid a transition period for the State Board of Education, his appointment couldn’t be more timely.
Along with Claudine Keenan, who was also recently confirmed, Shehata is stepping in to replace outgoing board members and bring new ideas.
Despite some challenges during the nomination process, especially from Republican lawmakers, the Senate confirmed both Shehata and Keenan. Shehata’s confirmation vote was 29-5, showing strong support for his appointment.
In a Q&A, Shehata shared how his age of 31 gives him a unique perspective on the board. “Being relatively young, I hope to bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to the board,” he said.
His recent experiences in the education system give him valuable insights that will help him develop policies that address today’s challenges.
It’s worth noting that Shehata is not solely focused on policy—he’s also passionate about creating a supportive environment for all students. He wants to ensure that every student, no matter their background, has the chance to succeed.
“I am passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students,” Shehata said.
His commitment to public service drives him to advocate for students who might not have a strong voice.
For those who admire Shehata’s story, his journey is a great example of how important it is to take advantage of learning opportunities, build strong relationships, and always act with integrity.
Shehata advises students to challenge themselves, develop leadership and communication skills, and stay curious and open to new ideas. And networking is also key, as Shehata’s experience of reaching out to successful people has shown.
All in all, Ahmed Shehata’s journey from an M.B.A. graduate at Seton Hall to a member of the New Jersey State Board of Education shows how education, mentorship, and a commitment to service can lead to making a real difference.
Undeniably, his new role on the board is a chance to have a lasting impact on the future of education in New Jersey.