From Farewell to Fresh Beginnings: Meet the NJPA Team

Tricia DeCotiis, Executive Director

patricia.decotiis@njpsyhiatry.org · (908) 588-3540, opt 1

For 12 years I have proudly served as the New Jersey Psychiatric Association’s Executive Director. I have collaborated with an exceptional physician leadership team throughout those years. Together we have successfully steered the NJPA to achieve membership growth, deliver timely and essential member value and elevate the profession so that psychiatrists are recognized as the experts in mental health care. I am retiring at the end of 2026, but I will always be a mental health champion, promoting the profession of psychiatry and the needs of individuals living with mental illness.

I leave knowing that Jennifer Contorno, our long-time Deputy Executive Director who will assume the Executive Director role next year, is poised to lead the Association. She and I have worked seamlessly as a team; I will miss our professional collaboration but have gained a life-long friend. Jennifer will be joined by Communications and Operation Manager, Elizabeth Clothier. This dynamic staff duo will be excellent stewards of the Association.

Thank you all for allowing me to conclude my professional journey as the Executive Director of the NJPA; it has been an absolute honor!

Jennifer Contorno, Deputy Executive Director

jennifer.contorno@njpsychiatry.org · (908) 588-3540, opt 2

I am thrilled to become your Executive Director, beginning January 1, 2027. After more than ten years with NJPA, it is an honor and a privilege to continue serving this organization and you, the members who make it so special, in this capacity.

A heartfelt thank you to Tricia DeCotiis, NJPA’s outgoing Executive Director and an amazing leader, colleague, mentor, and friend. Her guidance and support have positively impacted NJPA and all of us, and she will be greatly missed.

I am also pleased to welcome Elizabeth Clothier, our new Communications and Operations Manager. Elizabeth brings the commitment and enthusiasm that have become such an important part of NJPA, and I know she will be a wonderful addition to the team. Together, Elizabeth and I will continue working diligently on your behalf.

As this new chapter begins, my commitment to you remains steadfast: to serve you, strengthen our Association, advocate for the profession, and ensure that NJPA continues to be a valuable resource for psychiatrists across New Jersey.

Here’s to our continued journey together and an exciting future ahead! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out - I am here for you.

Elizabeth Clothier, Incoming Communications & Operations Manager

Thank you, Tricia and Jennifer, for such a warm welcome to the NJPA team. I’m Elizabeth Clothier, and I’m excited to be joining NJPA as the new Communications and Operations Manager in January. I look forward to bringing my experience in communications, outreach, and relationship-building to help expand NJPA’s reach and amplify the voices and expertise of its members.

In my most recent role supporting the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Honorees, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from individuals making meaningful contributions to the field of mental health across New Jersey. That experience deepened my appreciation for the importance of this work and makes this next step especially meaningful.

I look forward to working collaboratively with members, leadership, and Jennifer to help guide and support NJPA’s continued growth in membership, education, engagement, and advocacy. Most importantly, I’m grateful to be part of an organization so deeply committed to supporting the psychiatric profession and addressing the mental health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New Jersey.

Thank you again for the warm welcome. I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute to NJPA’s important work and look forward to what we can accomplish together.