Chatham Twp Mayor First Turkish-American Mayor In Country

CHATHAM, NJ — Newely elected Chatham Township mayor Tayfun Selen is the first Turkish national to become a mayor in America, Turkey's Consulate General tweeted.

Selen was elected to the post by fellow council members last week, and described his election as the "American dream," TapInto reported.

Selen, an American citizen, came to America 22 years ago, Daily Sabah reported. He has an MBA from Montclair State University and works as a senior vice chairman at Lincoln Educational Services. He has served on the township committee since 2017.

"Congratulations to @tayfun_selen, who was sworn in as the new mayor of Chatham Township in the state of New Jersey. He is the first Turkish national to hold such a position in the United States. We congratulate him on his election and wish him continued success," Turkey's Consulate General said.

Chatham Township also shared their congratulations on Selen "making history."

In the township form of government, a mayor is not directly elected. Voters elect the township committee comprising three or five members in staggered, three-year terms. The township committee elects the mayor, or chairman, for a one-year term. The mayor serves as chair of the township committee and has powers vested in the mayor's office by general law.

Image via Chatham Township