William Tambussi, a prominent South Jersey lawyer recently indicted on racketeering charges alongside Democratic power broker George Norcross III, has been ousted from his position on the Rutgers University Board of Governors.
The ruling, delivered by a Middlesex County Superior Court judge on Thursday, stems from a lawsuit filed by the Rutgers faculty union in January, predating Tambussi’s indictment. The AAUP-AFT, representing full-time faculty, argued that Tambussi no longer resided in Camden County, which his board seat was designated to represent.
Tambussi declined to comment on the judge’s order but expressed pride in his nearly decade-long service to Rutgers and Rutgers-Camden, highlighting his role in securing funding for significant projects like the $60 million Cooper Street Project and new Camden waterfront ball fields.
Following the indictment, the union called for Tambussi’s removal, emphasizing the potential damage to Rutgers’ reputation if associated with a corrupt political organization. Union president Todd Wolfson urged Governor Murphy to appoint a replacement who would prioritize the interests of Camden, a city struggling with poverty.
The lawsuit also successfully led to the removal of Heather Taylor, who had represented Middlesex County on the board until moving to Monmouth County in 2022.
Rutgers spokesperson Dory Devlin confirmed Tambussi’s removal and stated that the university would review the ruling to consider an appeal. Tambussi has also been removed from his position on the Rowan University – Rutgers Camden Board of Governors.
This development marks a significant shift in the Rutgers Board of Governors, as it distances itself from individuals implicated in alleged corruption. The case underscores the importance of upholding residency requirements for board members to ensure fair representation and avoid conflicts of interest.
The union’s victory signals a win for transparency and accountability in public institutions, emphasizing the need for board members to act in the best interests of the communities they serve.
