Vaughn McKoy

About Vaughn McKoy

I am an accomplished attorney, entrepreneur, author, mentor and leader, and the current Chair of TIGER 21 New Jersey (Princeton), an exclusive global peer community for entrepreneurs, executives, investors and high net worth individuals. To learn more about Tiger 21 membership, please send me a LinkedIn message.As a young man growing up with economic challenges in Paterson, NJ, I held fast to my dreams of finding a better life through education and business success. Bolstered by my athletic skills, I became an athletic scholar, attending Rutgers University and earning a BS in Administration of Justice, the first of my 3 degrees. In college, I was fortunate to have a mentor, Arthur M. Goldberg, a corporate titan who greatly impacted my development. His influence inspired me to write my memoir, Playing Up: One Man’s Rise from Public Housing to Public Service through Mentorship. As a keynote speaker, I share my story in hopes of positively influencing and motivating others to know that anything is possible with a plan.My passions for justice and the law led me to Rutgers School of Law, where I earned a JD degree. Upon graduation, I practiced law at a prestigious firm near the community where I grew up. Subsequently, I became an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of NJ. While honing my skills as a litigator, I was recognized for my leadership and I was hired by the NJ State AG’s Office as an Assistant AG and Director of Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ). Serving in a dual role, I managed the day-to-day operations for the DCJ, supervised 21 county prosecutors, and administered my own caseload.Taking my career in a new direction, I moved into the corporate sector with PSEG, New Jersey\'s largest utility company. During my 12-year tenure there, I earned my third degree, an Executive MBA in Leadership and Global Business. While at PSEG, I held several leadership roles culminating as the Managing Director and VP of Legal for a PSEG subsidiary. I returned to my roots in Paterson as COO to help the new Mayor lead the city’s transformation. Healthcare costs lowered, sewer fees increased for businesses, and operating costs controlled. Spurred economic development projects with dispersion of $130M in tax credits: the renovation of an historic Negro League Stadium, construction of affordable housing, parking decks, a visitor\'s and performing arts centers.Early in my career, I launched 2 businesses that continue to prosper and grow. The Shekinah Group provides niche-market services, and The McKoy Group offers leadership training/coaching.

Experience

1. Partner

   Connell Foley LLP

   Jun 2022 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Partner in regional firm with an extraordinary background in both the public and private sectors, providing strategic business and legal advice to a diverse group of clients. Often serving in the role of outside general counsel, I help guide clients on regulatory, corporate governance, ethics and compliance, and government affairs matters, as well as in general and commercial litigation.

Education

• Rutgers University

  BS, Administration of Justice

  1986 — 1990

• Rutgers Law School

  Doctor of Law - JD, Strategy, Leadership and Global Business

  1990 — 1993

• NYU Stern School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Strategy, Leadership and Global Business

  2008 — 2010

Skills

• Administrative Law
• Analysis
• Administration
• Arbitration