(Trenton, NJ) Oct. 12, 2026—New Jersey Realtors, the statewide trade association representing 55,000 members, has named Valerie “Val” Kologrivov as its new Director of Government Affairs. Kologrivov joins the association after serving as Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully, bringing extensive experience in state and federal government, legislative policy, and public affairs.
“Val brings a strong understanding of the legislative process, established relationships in Trenton, and experience navigating complex policy issues,” said New Jersey Realtors CEO Doug Tomson. “As we continue to advocate for policies that protect private property rights and support our members and their clients, she will be a critical asset to our association.”
Kologrivov will lead the association’s legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts, working with elected officials and policymakers on issues affecting New Jersey’s real estate industry, private property rights, and homeownership.
“For decades, New Jersey Realtors has been a vital voice for property owners and the real estate industry in the Statehouse and across our state,” said Kologrivov. “I am honored to step into the role of Director of Government Affairs and look forward to contributing meaningfully to the association’s already extensive advocacy work to expand homeownership opportunities and safeguard our members’ livelihoods.”
As Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully, she served as a senior advisor to the 38th Legislative District lawmakers. In that role she advised Swain in her capacity as chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and helped set the agenda for Tully’s Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
Prior to becoming chief of staff, Kologrivov served as Legislative Director for the 38th Legislative District team. She joined the district office in 2021 after previously working as an Outreach Liaison for U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and as Deputy Campaign Manager for Outreach during his 2020 congressional campaign.
Kologrivov succeeds Catherine Best, who recently joined Public Strategies Impact as an Associate.
About New Jersey Realtors
New Jersey Realtors, the voice for real estate in New Jersey for more than 100 years, is a non-profit organization serving the professional needs of more than 54,000 Realtor and Realtor-Associate members engaged in all facets of the real estate business. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, New Jersey Realtors is dedicated to enhancing the ability of its members to conduct their business successfully while preserving private property rights. Realtor is a registered collective membership mark that may be used only by real estate professionals who subscribe to the Realtor organization’s strict Code of Ethics and are members of the national, state, and local Realtor® organizations. For more information, visit njrealtor.com.