N.J. Stat. Ann. § 18A:66-180

Death benefits under such group policy or policies shall be paid by the insurance company to such person, if living, as the participant shall have nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the insurance company through the policyholder, otherwise to the executors or administrators of the participant's estate. A participant may file with the insurance company through the policyholder and alter from time to time during his lifetime as desired, a duly attested written nomination of his payee for the death benefit.