This month, the New Jersey Notary Association is pleased to feature Alexander H. Spano, President and Owner of Premier Paralegal & Mediation LLC and an Adjunct Professor across multiple colleges in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Welcome to the very first Member Spotlight. The New Jersey Notary Association is excited to honor Alex as the first member to be highlighted, and we are grateful for his willingness to share his story with all of us. Our hope is to offer this spotlight at least four times a year, or more whenever possible.
Why do we do this? Because a strong association is built on more than just newsletters and continuing education. It is built on relationships. It is important that we all participate in this forum and take the time to get to know one another. When we know who is standing next to us in this profession, we build a stronger community and a more reliable support network for everyone. Growing together as notaries, colleagues, and friends starts right here.
Now, let us introduce you to Alex.
Ask Alex what drives his work, and he will give you a straightforward answer. "Being a notary isn't just about stamping paper," he says. "It's about being the 'Gatekeeper of Integrity.'"
That mindset has carried him through more than 30 years in business, education, and legal support services. Since 2009, he has run Premier Paralegal & Mediation LLC in Mount Holly, New Jersey, where he focuses on paralegal services, mediation, and settlement coordination. But his work does not stop at his own business.
Across several colleges in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Alex steps into the classroom as an Adjunct Professor. He has developed and taught courses in Mediation, Paralegal Studies, and Professional Standards at Camden County College, Rowan College of South Jersey, Mercer County College, and Delaware County Community College, among others. His students learn from someone who has lived the material, not just read about it. His teaching covers workforce development topics such as conflict resolution, negotiation skills, delegation, and team building. He also leads personal development courses including notary training, public speaking, and time management.
When asked what he wants for the future of notaries in New Jersey, Alex talks about professionalization and adapting to recent legislative changes. He believes the New Jersey Notary Association should offer advanced certifications in loan signing, estate planning, and family law. He also sees a real need for formal mentorship programs to help new notaries navigate the tricky gray areas of New Jersey law. We love this idea and would welcome members who are willing to serve as mentors. Building a support network starts with showing your support.
On the technology side, Alex wants the Association to advocate for standardized and secure RON platforms, along with training on workflow automation for mobile and remote notaries.
Alex also cares deeply about ethical standards. He wants NJNA to take an active role in legislative advocacy, particularly in combating "notario" fraud and strengthening protections against the unauthorized practice of law. We are proud to say that NJNA is already doing this work, and members like Alex give us the credibility and momentum we need to be heard. He also believes fee structures should be reviewed regularly to keep pace with inflation and the real costs of doing business. We couldn't agree more.
Running his own business since 2012 has taught Alex the value of a trusted circle, and he would like to see the Association create referral networks and vetted directories where notaries, mediators, and paralegals can connect and send clients to one another. We would love to hear from other members.
Would a members-only referral directory be valuable to you? Let us know in the comments.
Outside of his professional work, Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University. He is a Certified Time Management Specialist and Trainer at the Expert Level, a Certified Public Speaking Specialist and Trainer, and holds a Master Certification in Business Management. He is also licensed by the NJDOBI in Life, Accident, Health and Sickness/Disability Insurance. He speaks Spanish.
And he lives by a few simple lines. One is from C.S. Lewis: "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." Another is his own: "I never lose. Either I win or I learn."
The New Jersey Notary Association is proud to have Alex as a member and grateful for his commitment to elevating the notary profession through education, integrity, and service. Please join us in thanking him for being our first Member Spotlight, and stay tuned for the next one.
Nominations for Future Member Spotlights
Members are welcome to nominate any NJNA member for a future spotlight, including yourself. Nominations may be made publicly by commenting on any of our spotlight posts. If you prefer to nominate privately, simply send us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing more stories from across our membership. We rise by lifting each other. Who should we spotlight next?