Built for New Jersey Notaries by New Jersey Notaries.
The New Jersey Notary Association was established in 2021 during a period of significant change to New Jersey’s notarial laws and regulations. As new requirements and responsibilities were introduced, it became clear that there was no organization dedicated specifically to supporting notaries in the Garden State.
New Jersey Notary Association was created to fill that gap.
While the organization was formed in 2021, NJNA intentionally delayed its public launch until the Fall of 2025. During this initial period, we focused on research rather than visibility. We spent extensive time studying New Jersey law, identifying common areas of confusion, and developing a comprehensive, New Jersey specific notary education program built entirely around state requirements.
NJNA exists to support New Jersey notaries through accurate education, practical guidance, and a professional community grounded in compliance and integrity. Because notarial law is highly localized, we believe notaries are best served by resources written for New Jersey and informed by real world practice.
In support of this mission, we also established the NJNA Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing notary education, public awareness, and ethical notarial practice. The Foundation supports educational initiatives and resources that
strengthen the profession and promote public trust.
Together, NJNA and the NJNA Foundation are committed to elevating the role of the New Jersey notary public and providing the clarity, education, and support notaries need to serve the public with confidence and professionalism.
Patrick Anthony
President
Patrick Anthony is a New Jersey Notary Public, educator, and the founder of the New Jersey Notary Association. He has been a commissioned notary for more than twenty years and has spent his career focused on accuracy, professionalism, and public trust in notarial practice.
Patrick’s work is rooted in hands on experience. He has been retained as an expert witness in matters involving alleged notarial misconduct, an experience that reinforced the critical importance of proper training and strict adherence to state law. That perspective shaped his decision to create NJNA as a resource built specifically for New Jersey notaries, not generalized instruction or national standards that overlook state specific requirements.
In addition to NJNA, Patrick established the NJNA Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing notary education, ethical practice, and public awareness. Through both organizations, his focus remains on clarity, compliance, and helping notaries perform their duties with confidence.
Patrick is also an entrepreneur and small business owner. Together with his wife, he operates a sucessful South Jersey based wedding and elopement business, giving him a practical understanding of professionalism, client trust, and real-world accountability. That balance of education, field experience, and business leadership informs his approach to building NJNA and supporting the notarial community across the state.
Patrick believes strongly that leadership should be accessible. He welcomes feedback, questions, and suggestions from notaries and members of the public alike. If there is an issue you would like to discuss or a question you need answered, he encourages you to reach out directly at patrick@newjerseynotaryassociation.org
Stacy Anthony
Creative Director
Stacy is a New Jersey Notary Public and an integral part of the New Jersey Notary Association leadership team. She serves as both NJNA's Creative Director and the foundation's Treasurer, combining creative leadership with financial oversight to help guide the organization's growth and long-term sustainability.
As Creative Director, Stacy oversees NJNA's branding, social media presence, photography, and public communications. Her work helps ensure that the association's educational resources, messaging, and outreach efforts remain professional, engaging, and accessible to New Jersey notaries and the public. Through thoughtful visual storytelling and ongoing community engagement, she plays a key role in strengthening NJNA's connection with its members.
In her role as Treasurer, Stacy is responsible for overseeing the association's financial records, budgeting, and fiscal accountability. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to transparency help ensure that NJNA's resources are managed responsibly in support of the association's mission.
Stacy's background in photography, creative content development, and small business operations brings a unique perspective to the organization. She is committed to helping NJNA provide high-quality education, professional resources, and a strong community for New Jersey notaries.
Paul Dersch
Paul serves as Secretary of the NJNA Foundation. In this role, he helps maintain organizational records, supports board governance, and ensures that important decisions, policies, and activities are properly documented and preserved.
A professional banker by trade, Paul brings extensive experience in financial services, regulatory compliance, organizational administration, and strategic planning. His professional background provides valuable insight into responsible governance, accountability, and operational efficiency.
Paul has also been a commissioned New Jersey notary for several years, giving him practical knowledge of the profession NJNA serves. He is known within the leadership team for his thoughtful approach to problem-solving, attention to detail, and commitment to helping the organization operate effectively and transparently.
Through his service as Secretary, Paul helps ensure that NJNA and the NJNA Foundation remain focused on their mission of supporting New Jersey notaries through education, professional development, and community engagement.
Alexandar Spano
Alexandar H. Spano serves as Professional Development Consultant for the New Jersey Notary Association.
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in business, education, and legal support services, he helps guide the organization's educational programs, professional development initiatives, and mentorship efforts.
Alex is the President and Owner of Premier Paralegal & Mediation LLC and has served as an Adjunct Professor at several colleges throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, offering courses in notarial procedures, mediation, paralegal studies, professional standards, and workforce development.
A strong advocate for education, ethics, and professional growth, Alex is committed to helping notaries build their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and public service.
New Jersey Notaries
working for
New Jersey Notaries
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