Thank you for joining us last week at the New Jersey Association of Counties’ (NJAC) 72nd annual celebration of county government attended by a world record 700 county and business leaders from across the great State of New Jersey. Congratulations to our County Service Award winners listed below and to the Cumberland County Technical Education Center for defending its People’s Choice title at the 10th Annual County Vocational-Technical School Cook-Off Challenge further cementing its legacy as a Cook-Off Challenge dynasty.
Maurice Fitzgibbons County Commissioner of the Year Award
- Virginia “Ginny” Haines, Ocean County Commissioner
For her positive and enthusiastic leadership as a trailblazer in county government and President of the Southern New Jersey County Commissioners Association.
County Service Awards
- Bonnie Lindaw, County Finance Officer, Atlantic County
For her unwavering support and leadership in helping county finance officers and NJAC with countless surveys, input on regulations and legislation, and guidance with CEUs.
- Cheryl Golden, Director, Cumberland County Department of Social Services
For her support, friendship, and subject expertise in conducting research on several complex issues that impact county welfare agencies and boards of social services.
- Shaun Golden, Sheriff, Monmouth County
For his steadfast leadership in championing 911 funding for county governments and as a visionary in protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of residents across the Garden State.
County Administrator Lifetime Achievement Award
- Teri O’Connor, County Administrator, Monmouth County
For her enduring friendship and support, and immeasurable contributions to NJAC as the first County Administrator to serve as the Association’s President in 2022.
Special Lifetime Achievement Award
- Joseph Vicari, Ocean County Commissioner director
For his commitment as the longest serving commissioner in the State of New Jersey having been first elected in 1981 and serving as Commissioner Director 13 times in a remarkable 42 years.
- Thomas DeGise, Hudson County Executive
For his dedication as the longest serving Hudson County Executive and unparalleled contributions to implementing innovative and resourceful initiatives for those need.
NJAC Board Member Lifetime Achievement Award
- Brian Hughes, Mercer County Executive
For his commitment to NJAC and the NJAC Foundation and to improving the quality of life for Mercer County residents as County Executive for nearly two remarkable decades.
County Commissioner Hall of Fame
- Lou Cappelli, Camden County Commissioner Director
For his tireless advocacy to provide mental health and opioid use resources and for 20 years an elected county commissioner having served as Director of the Board since 2006.
Peter Palmer Business Associate of the Year
- Amazon – Colin Newman, Director of Workforce & Economic Development
For Amazon and Colin Newman’s generous support of the NJAC Foundation in making available a grant of $31,500 for county vocational technical high school graduates.
Legislator Lifetime Achievement Award
- Steve Oroho, Senate Republican Leader
For always being a true-gentlemen and a scholar and having the uncanny ability to navigate both sides of the aisle in an authentic, effective, and universally respected manner.
County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge – People’s Choice Awards
As voted on by all participating conference attendees and tabulated by ES&S.
- Gold Medal ($1,250.00 Scholarship): Cumberland County Technical Education Center – Grilled Maryland Crab Cake
- Silver Medal ($750.00 Scholarship): Camden County Technical Schools – American BBQ Asian Fusion
- Bronze Medal ($500.00 Scholarship): Burlington County Institute of Technology, West Tech – Korean Fusion Street Taco
County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge – NJAC Judges Awards
As voted on by selected conference attendees from the business community.
- Gold Medal Taste: Burlington County Institute of Technology, West Tech – Korean Fusion Street Taco
- Silver Medal Taste: Hudson County Schools of Technology – Carbonara Y Pepe
- Bronze Medal Taste: Camden County Technical Schools – American BBQ Asian Fusion
- Gold Medal Station Display: Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools – Ying Yang Vegetarian Egg Rolls & Chicken Dumplings
- Silver Medal Station Display: Middlesex County Magnet Schools, East Brunswick – Miniature Pulled Pork Cone
- Bronze Medal Station Display: Cumberland County Technical Education Center – Grilled Maryland Crab Cake
County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge – Professional Chefs Awards
As voted on by professional chefs in Atlantic City & Chef Carmine Di Giovanni
- Gold Medal Taste: Camden County Technical Schools – American BBQ Asian Fusion
- Silver Medal Taste: Hudson County Schools of technology – Carbonara Y Pepe
- Bronze Medal Taste: Cumberland Technical Education Center – Grilled Maryland Crab Cake
- Gold Medal Food Presentation: Camden County Technical Schools – American BBQ Asian Fusion
- Silver Medal Food Presentation: Passaic County Technical Schools – Ying Yang Vegetarian Egg Rolls & Chicken Dumplings
- Bronze Medal Food Presentation: Hudson County Schools of Technology – Carbonara Y Pepe
Additional fantastic dishes included: Birria Tacos with Mexican Style Pickled Vegetables by the Bergen County Technical School, Paramus; Cape May County Zoo Crepes by the Cape May County Technical Schools; Beef Skirt Steak Korean Style by the Monmouth County Vocational School District; Pan Roasted Monkfish by the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools; and, Duck Confit by the Somerset County Vocational Technical Schools. And, a special thanks to students from the Gloucester County Institute of Technology for singing a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem at the Board of Directors Kick-Off Meeting.
