Winters Sworn in as Newest Council Member

Gloucester Township's newest Council member was sworn in during the governing body's meeting Monday night.

Michelle Winters' oath of office was administered by the woman whose seat she's taking on Township Council—Camden County Freeholder Michelle Gentek.

Winters has extensive background as a volunteer in Gloucester Township, but has never held public office. She vowed to not let her inexperience in government hold her back as she completes the final 10 months of Gentek's term.

"I'm kind of just going to learn as I go and make an impact where I can," Winters, a nurse who lives in the township's Blenheim section, said following Monday's meeting.

Council unanimously selected Winters, a 1985 Triton Regional High School graduate, to replace Gentek at its Feb. 11 meeting from among four candidates put forth by the Gloucester Township Democrat Committee.

"It's an honor to have been chosen," she said.

Gentek took county office on Jan. 4.

Mayor David Mayer and other officials welcomed Winters to Council during Monday's meeting.

"First, let me congratulate Michelle on your swearing in. We certainly look forward to working with you and for your vision and ideas for Gloucester Township," Mayer said.

While she may not have experience in terms of public office, Winters has held many leadership positions over the years. She is manager of invasive cardiology at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, in Camden, and served as Gloucester Township Hockey Alliance Booster Club president for two years and secretary for three years. 

Winters also was Triton field hockey's booster club vice president for two years.

Check back with Gloucester Township Patch later today and throughout the week for more from the Feb. 25 Council meeting.