Chair, Finance Committee 

Commissioner Leslie Koppel serves as Chair of the Middlesex County Finance Committee. She was appointed to the Board of County Commissioners on February 16, 2017. In this role, she leads the development and oversight of the County’s financial planning, including the annual Operating and Capital Budgets, and ensures that fiscal policies align with the County’s long-term strategic goals to deliver affordable services to residents.

Commissioner Koppel’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining Middlesex County’s AAA bond rating and cutting discretionary operating expenses. Each year, she oversees the development of responsible and balanced budgets that fund essential services while minimizing the financial burden on taxpayers. Her work in finance is grounded in accountability, transparency, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

A lifelong resident of Monroe Township, Commissioner Koppel holds a Master’s Degree in Politics and Public Policy from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Hunter College.

Her public service began as Monroe Township Councilwoman At-Large in 2006, later serving as Council President. She was active on the Cultural Arts Commission and the Middlesex County Transportation Coordinating Committee.

She has also contributed to education and human services, serving as PTA President and on the Monroe Board of Education’s Strategic Planning Committees. She chaired the Mercer County Human Services Advisory Committee and currently serves as Director of Rise – a Community Service Partnership, a nonprofit supporting East Windsor and Hightstown residents.

Commissioner Koppel’s honors include the Vision and Leadership Award from the Hispanic American Medical Association and the Diamond Award from the NJ Conference Women’s Missionary Society.

A lifelong explorer of Thompson Park, she has enjoyed everything from ice-skating on snow days and swimming in the lake to running the trails—often with her dog, especially up the former ski and sledding hill. It's one of her favorite places to recharge and reconnect with nature.