William J. Pascrell, III

Biography       Volunteer Work

Biography

With a prominent career in state and federal public affairs, William J. Pascrell, III, more commonly known as BPIII, is a partner of the Princeton Public Affairs Group, Inc (PPAG), headquartered in Trenton, New Jersey and also heads their Washington, D.C. office. Encompassing a clientele of Fortune 500 companies, PPAG is one of the most powerful and productive bipartisan firms in New Jersey.

Along with a full time partnership at PPAG, BPIII has been the Passaic County Counsel since his unanimous appointment by the Passaic County Freeholder Board in 1998. BPIII was again unanimously re-appointed for a second term in 2001. He has devotedly ensured that his number one priority as County Counsel is to protect the integrity and interests of Passaic County residents. As the County Counsel, BPIII has orchestrated the consolidation of the Office of Consumer Protection and the Office of Weights and Measures into one as well as amalgamating the County Adjusters Office in order to streamline and bring more efficiency to County government. He has also drafted Passaic County's first Ethics Codes, which is the strongest in the state of New Jersey, by which the County abides.

In addition to his 2 major positions BPIII has been an esteemed advisor to Governor James E. McGreevey since his original election run in 1997. BPIII played an instrumental role in both campaigns, one being McGreevey's narrow defeat to Christine Todd Whitman in 1997 and the other is his landslide victory over Bret Schundler in 2001. BPIII also served on the Governor's Inaugural Committee and continues to serve on his Finance Committee. He has previously served former Congressman Herb Klein and former Governor James J. Florio. As Congressman Klein's Chief Counsel and Chief of Staff, BPIII coordinated programs helping constituents with problems ranging from IRS to Immigration to Small Business Loans to Veterans Benefits. Working closely with Congressman Klein, BPIII helped bring millions of dollars back to the 8th Congressional District of NJ as well as federal monies for President Clinton's Americore Program in Paterson, NJ through the NJ Community Development Corporation. On behalf of Congressman Klein, BPIII also worked with the Clinton administration to draft, pass, and implement the national program to put 100,000 police officers back on the streets of America. As Special Counsel to Governor Florio, BPIII aided in developing and implementing the $1 billion dollar New Jersey Economic Recovery Fund.

BPIII's impressive education equipped him with the necessary skills and fundamentals enabling him to execute his positions with precision and credibility. BPIII commenced his undergraduate career at Rutgers University graduating Cum Laude from the Eagleton Institute of Politics and Public Administration. Seton Hall Law School awaited him next and prepared him for Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State Government Program. BPIII is a member of the bar in Washington, D.C., New Jersey and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. In 1991 BPIII was selected as a delegate to the American Council of Young Political Leaders exchange program to Hong Kong and China. In 1992 he was also a Leadership New Jersey fellow.

Along with these distinctions BPIII also serves on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, and the United Way of Passaic County. The political web site, PoliticsNJ, named BPIII in their Power List of top 100 political players in New Jersey for both the years 2000 and 2001. NJBIZ magazine featured Bill in their annual Forty Under 40 edition. For the past 10 years, NJBIZ has recognized 40 young men and women for their outstanding contributions to the New Jersey Business Community. Even television shows, radio, web chats, and newspapers have realized the magnitude of BPIII's knowledge and grasp on politics. He is a regular political commentator on talk shows like "It's Your Call" with Lynn Doyle, "Diner Politics" with Laura Jones, News 12's "Power and Politics" and has participated in live Court TV Internet discussions. Radio talk shows have also featured BPIII where he has spoken on current affairs. Newsletters round up the assortment of media that has also inquired about his opinion on certain topics.

Although BPIII has a plethora of duties and responsibilities, his top priority is his family. BPIII and his wife Kelly love spending time with their 3 beautiful children, Billy the IV, Christopher, and Megan in their home in Hawthorne, NJ.

Volunteer Work

Typically, Thanksgiving and Christmas are days for families to unite, have dinner, talk, and exchange gifts. But for some it's a day to unite with those who do not have a family or even a home to have dinner. On these two holidays Bill Pascrell, III and his two boys go to the Masonic Temple in Paterson to help distribute dinners to the homeless. For about twelve years now, Bill has selflessly engaged in Councilwoman Vera Ames' Annual Alliance. More recently his sons, Billy IV and Christopher, have joined their father and are learning the valuable lesson of helping those less fortunate at an early age.

Bill has also been a member of the Passaic Valley Elks Lodge No. 2111 for the past decade. He has held an officer position at every level including that of Exulted Ruler and is now a Past Exulted Ruler. Together with the Elks, Bill has dedicated himself to various events such as taking our brave veterans on fishing trips, hosting Halloween and Christmas parties for disabled and mentally challenged children, sponsoring an annual poster contest promoting a drug free environment in our schools, and granting scholarships for high school students aiding in their pursuit of a collegiate career. Bill also volunteers his time with the Clifton Cerebral Palsy Center helping area children afflicted with this disease. These are just a few examples of the many charitable works Bill has participated in with the Elks.

As a member of the Seton Hall Law School Alumni Council, Bill has aided in raising money for scholarships, served as an advisor on the board to the law school, and sponsored various events with the goal of enriching the students' lives for the past five years.

In 2002, Bill was named Boys and Girls Club of Paterson's Man of the Year for his community involvement and leadership.

Although volunteer leadership is rewarding to Bill, he especially welcomes the opportunity to incorporate his two passions: his kids and helping others. A perfect example of this is Bill's position as Assistant Coach to the PBA Local 200 Little League Baseball Team. He has coached his eldest son and the team for the past two years and even led the team to the Hometown Championship in 2001.

Paterson Habitat for Humanity has built over 100 houses for families in need and Bill has assisted in the process for the past twelve years. As a board member, Bill has devoted himself in securing funds, sponsors, and volunteers in order to help families realize their dreams of owning their own homes in addition to hammering nails and putting up dry wall.

One can say that volunteering can be a full time job in itself, and yes, it can easily take up most of one's time. What is most amazing about Bill is that he is a full time partner at the lobbying firm of Princeton Public Affairs Group, the Passaic County Counsel, a husband, and a father to three children. So how does he find the time to do everything that has already been mentioned and more that has not? For many of us having a full time job and children is enough to wear us down, but for Bill it is his compassion, dedication and selfless love that enables him to be a legendary, volunteer leader.