10 New Jersey Community Leaders Everyone Should Know About

Community leaders play a vital role in shaping and enriching the great state of New Jersey. Their dedication and selflessness are paramount as they tirelessly work to give back and drive positive change on a local level and beyond.

Here in New Jersey, we're lucky to have some remarkable folks whose contributions have left an indelible impact on the lives of those around them. Here are 10 community leaders making a difference in New Jersey.

1. Bloomfield: Richard Rockwell

The Bloomfield Councilman at-Large received a well-deserved round of applause recognition during the Essex County Board of County Commissioners' inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebration in June 2023 for his multifaceted dedication to serving the community and advancing LGBTQ+ causes. Having resided in Bloomfield for two decades with his partner, Richard Rockwell has demonstrated exemplary leadership. As a co-founder of the Eromin Center, one of the country's first LGBT-friendly counseling services, he has been actively involved in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights since the 1970s. Rockwell's commitment extends beyond his political role; he works part-time at the Russel Wright Design Center and volunteers as an expert in invasive species remediation. (Patch)

2. East Orange: Theresa Maughan

Theresa Maughan, the 2021-2022 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year and a social studies educator at East Orange STEM Academy, was chosen as one of only five educators in the country to receive the prestigious 2023 Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence. The award recognizes educators for their exceptional classroom skills, commitment to equity and diversity, family and community engagement, dedication to professional development and advocacy for the teaching profession. Maughan was honored at the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in May 2023, where she received a $10,000 award. The NJEA officers applauded Maughan’s talent, passion and dedication to serving students. (New Jersey Education Association)

3. Livingston: Max Edwards

Max Edwards, the assistant Rabbi at Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston, was among five community leaders recognized for their exceptional contributions during the Essex County Board of County Commissioners’ Jewish Heritage Month event in May 2023. The event, which aims to celebrate the achievements of Jewish individuals and acknowledge outstanding Essex County citizens, recognized Rabbi Edwards. Ordained from Hebrew College Rabbinical School, Edwards actively participates in various initiatives. He collaborates with fellow clergy to promote social justice causes and is currently exploring refugee resettlement options with Refugee Assistance Partners New Jersey (RAP-NJ) in the Livingston area. (Patch)

4. Montclair: Jill Hirsch

Jill Hirsch, the district director for U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, received a Star of Essex award, during the 2023 Essex County Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration. Hirsch was recognized for her significant contributions to the Jewish community. Her commendation highlighted her role as district director for Congresswoman Sherrill, overseeing operations, constituent and political outreach, along with her previous work as an attorney advocating for children's welfare. Actively involved in the Montclair community where she resides with her family, Hirsch served on the board of CASA for Children of Essex County. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. praised Hirsch for her leadership and dedication to public service. (Patch)

5. Mount Laurel: Sal Paolantonio

The ESPN national correspondent and longtime South Jersey resident was announced as an inductee into the All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place in March 2023 in Mount Laurel. Sal Paolantonio, a national ESPN correspondent since 1995, has had a prolific career, hosting the NFL Matchup Show for two decades, calling NFL games as a booth analyst on the ESPN national radio network, as well as serving as a voting member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He received the Jack Newfield Courage in Journalism Award in 2018. Prior to journalism, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1978-1983. (TAPintoMount Laurel)

6. Newark: Juanita Greene

Juanita Greene, a longtime educator in Newark, was honored as the Newark Public Schools "Teacher of the Year" for 2023. The Newark Board of Education and Superintendent Roger León organized a surprise ceremony in June 2023 to recognize her outstanding teaching skills, unwavering dedication to students' academic and emotional progress, as well as her commitment to educational excellence. With nearly three decades of experience, Greene's love for teaching students brought her back to her true passion after exploring other paths. Currently a math teacher at Newark Vocational High School, Greene’s principal and students praised her exceptional dedication, compassion and patience in the classroom, making her a "one-of-a-kind" teacher in the district. (Patch)

7. Nutley: Lt. Mike Padilla

Longtime Nutley resident and police officer Lt. Mike Padilla was honored as the "Volunteer of the Year" by the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) in December 2022. Town officials celebrated his selfless actions and dedication to guiding the youth towards better decision-making. As a member of the Nutley Municipal Alliance Committee, Padilla actively participated in various events and programs to educate and empower students. He mentored numerous young individuals through the township’s Juvenile Bureau and established beneficial programs like the Recovery Van and the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) program. Nutley Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco praised Padilla's unwavering commitment to serving the town's children and young people in need, describing him as an exceptional person. (Patch)

8. South Plainfield: Bernice Ndegwa

Bernice Ndegwa, a South Plainfield High School alumna, discovered her passion for journalism while studying at Montclair State University. Recently, she received the Student Emmy Award for her outstanding work. Two of her projects for the News Lab class at MSU earned nominations at the 42nd College Television Awards. One project, which Ndegwa served as producer and writer for, titled 'Focus: Disruption – Moving Forward,' received a nomination in the News Category, while another project Ndegwa collaborated on titled, 'New Orleans/Raging Storms,' won a College Television Award in the News Category and the Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award. In May 2021, she was honored with Montclair's School of Communication and Media's 'Excellence as Host Award' and the 'Excellence in Communication Media Arts Award.' (TAPintoSouth Plainfield)

9. Trenton: Justice Barry T. Albin (Ret.)

The New Jersey State Bar Foundation awarded Justice Barry T. Albin with a 2023 Medal of Honor. The prestigious award recognizes professional excellence, dedication to the legal community and commitment to the citizens of New Jersey. During his 20-year tenure as a judge on the New Jersey Supreme Court, Albin authored over 400 opinions on a wide range of legal issues, including civil rights, criminal law, insurance and employment discrimination. His landmark opinions on civil rights, same-sex couples' rights and the rights of the accused and workers have significantly impacted the legal landscape. Expressing his deep gratitude, Albin stated, “This recognition inspires me to continue my journey towards a more perfect system of justice." (New Jersey State Bar Foundation)

10. Union: Benjamin Leroy Emanuel

In February 2023, Vauxhall resident Benjamin Leroy Emanuel received the Eulace Peacock Unsung Hero Award for his selfless dedication to community progress. Mayor Manuel Figueiredo presented the award at Union's Black History Month celebration, commending Emanuel's inspiring impact on others. Since 1992, he served as president/treasurer of the Newtowne Village Homeowners Association, tirelessly maintaining the neighborhood for all residents. Emanuel was also an active member of the American Legion and a Democratic County Committee representative for Union. At his 90th birthday, State Senator Joseph Cryan honored him with a State of New Jersey Senate Resolution, recognizing his significant contributions to the community. Emanuel's presence continues to positively influence and benefit Vauxhall. (TAPintoUnion)

Thank you to New Jersey’s incredible community leaders for all you do!

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