News and Announcements

Maurice Fitzgibbons County Commissioner of the Year Award

Shaun C. Van Doren, Hunterdon County Commissioner

For his steadfast, measured, and non-partisan leadership during a year as President of NJAC that presented several unique legislative challenges. 

 

 

County Service Awards

Claribel Cortes, Middlesex County Surrogate

For her positivity, commitment, and enthusiasm as an active member of NJAC’s Board of Directors and the NJAC Foundation. 

 

 

Stacy Pennington, Salem County Director of Everything

For being one of the hardest working professionals in county government and an incredible resource for NJAC.

 

 

 

Helen Fiore, Monmouth County Director of Purchasing

For her innovative and outstanding leadership among purchasing officials and commitment to shaping procurement legislation and regulations.

 

 

County Service Lifetime Achievement Award

Dominic J. Vesper, Jr., Camden County Deputy Administrator

For his remarkable career in public service that greatly benefitted the lives of those struggling with opioid addiction, homelessness, food insecurity, and more.

 

 

County Administrator Lifetime Achievement Award

Eve Cullinan, Burlington County Administrator

For her exceptional leadership and service to NJAC’s Board of Directors, the NJAC Foundation, and as NJAC’s PFRS Board of Trustees Representative.

 

 

County Commissioner Hall of Fame

Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Commissioner

For her extraordinary commitment to shared services, human services, open space preservation, and especially transportation. 

 

 

Pat Lepore, Passaic County Commissioner

For his distinguished career and visionary leadership that resulted in a dozen credit rating upgrades during his time as Director and Budget Chair. 

 

 

Terry Duffy, Passaic County Commissioner

For his lifelong commitment to volunteerism and active supporter of the law enforcement and public safety communities. 

 

 

Peter Palmer Business Associate of the Year  

New Jersey Wireless Association (NJWA)

For the unwavering advocacy of Rob Ivanoff and Dominic Villecco that helped NJAC secure funding for county 911 centers for the first time in two decades. 

 

 

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): Cape May County Technical Schools

Shrimp & Crabcake Sandwich with Lemon Caper Aioli  

 

 

 

Silver Medal ($750.00 Scholarship): Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools

Chicken & Cheese Empanadas with Chicharron Tostones

 

 

 

Bronze Medal ($500.00 Scholarship): Union County Vocational-Technical Schools

Braised Pork Tacos with Plantain Tortillas

 

 

County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge – NJAC Judges Awards

As voted on by selected conference attendees from the business community.

• Gold Medal Taste: Atlantic County Institute of Technology

Tandoori Chikcen Skewers with Coconut Sauce & Garlic Naan

• Silver Medal Taste: Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools

Pancetta Brushetta 

• Bronze Medal Taste: Cape May County Technical Schools

Shrimp & Crabcake Sandwich with Lemon Caper Aioli  

• Gold Medal Station Display: Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools

Chicken & Cheese Empanadas with Chicharron Tostones

• Silver Medal Station Display: Cape May County Technical Schools

Shrimp & Crabcake Sandwich with Lemon Caper Aioli   

• Bronze Medal Station Display: Union County Vocational-Technical Schools

Braised Pork Tacos with Plantain Tortillas

County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge – Professional Chefs Awards

As voted on by professional chefs in Atlantic City & featuring Chef David Burke & Man Verses Food Star Casey Webb.

• Gold Medal Taste: Ocean County Vocational-Technical School District

Sea Scallops wrapped in local Black Sea Bass 

• Silver Medal Taste: Cape May County Technical Schools

Shrimp & Crabcake Sandwich with Lemon Caper Aioli   

• Bronze Medal Taste: Union County Vocational-Technical Schools

Braised Pork Tacos with Plantain Tortillas

• Gold Medal Food Presentation: Cape May County Technical Schools

Shrimp & Crabcake Sandwich with Lemon Caper Aioli

• Silver Medal Food Presentation: Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools

Chicken & Cheese Empanadas with Chicharron Tostones

• Bronze Medal Food Presentation: Union County Vocational-Technical Schools

Braised Pork Tacos with Plantain Tortillas

Additional fantastic dishes included: Highland Harvest Pierogi by the Bergen County Technical Schools, Paramus Campus; Spring Lamb with Asparagus, Mint Yogurt, Gremolata, & Bordelaise by the Burlington County Institute of Technology; Kauai Hawaiian Street Tacos by the Hunterdon County Polytech; Surf & Turf Paella by the Middlesex County Magnet Schools; and, Pate de Campagne with Pickled Turnups by the Morris County School of Technology.