Manalapan Township Committee Election 2025: Shari Deutsch

MANALAPAN, NJ — Candidate Shari Deutsch is running for election to the Manalapan Township Committee in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

In November, Deutsch (D) will run for one of two open seats on the committee alongside running mate Teresa Morrison (D). Deutsch and Morrison will face off against incumbents Mary Ann Musich (R) and Eric Nelson (R).

Ahead of the General Election, Patch posed several questions to Deutsch about her campaign platform, experience, and what sets her apart from other candidates running. Her replies are below.

Editor’s Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Manalapan Township Committee in 2025. Patch has contacted all other candidates in this race with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

Are you running for the Manalapan Township Committee? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Shari Deutsch

Age: 50
Town of Residence: Manalapan, NJ
Education: Bachelor of Science, Marketing Management, Syracuse University
Occupation: VP, Digital Experimentation Practice, U.S. Bank

What drove you to seek public office?
I’m running for office because Manalapan deserves leadership that listens, acts transparently, and puts residents first.

After 17 years in this community — and over a decade of civic involvement — I’ve seen how often residents are left out of the conversation. Decisions are made behind closed doors, public information is hard to access, and major projects move forward without clear communication or accountability.

I believe we can do better. With my background in communications, data analysis, and project management, I’m ready to bring clarity, transparency, and resident-focused leadership to the Township Committee. I’m driven by a deep commitment to public service and a belief that local government should work for everyone — not just a few.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
What sets me apart is a unique blend of deep community roots, professional expertise, and a proven commitment to transparency and results.

I’ve lived in Manalapan for 17 years, served as a poll worker, and spent over a decade with the Manalapan Democratic Club — so I understand our township from the ground up.

Professionally, I lead a digital experimentation team at U.S. Bank. I know how to ask the right questions, analyze the data, and communicate clearly. I’m not running to maintain the status quo — I’m running to challenge it.

I’ll bring fresh energy, sharp organizational skills, and a resident-first mindset to every decision. I’m here to listen, lead with facts, and make local government work for everyone.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
Over the years, I’ve built a track record of showing up, speaking out, and getting things done. I’ve volunteered during elections, contributed to local civic efforts, and stayed actively engaged in township matters.

My professional background spans digital strategy, communications, and operations — fields where precision, accountability, and collaboration are non-negotiable. I’ve led teams, launched initiatives, and navigated complex systems to deliver results.

These experiences have shaped how I approach challenges: with curiosity, clarity, and a commitment to making things work better. I’m ready to bring that same energy and focus to serving Manalapan.

If elected, what will be your top priorities in your new role?
If elected, my top priorities will center on restoring transparency, modernizing township tools, and ensuring responsible use of public funds.

First, I’ll push for open, accessible communication — residents deserve to know how decisions are made and where their tax dollars go. That includes upgrading our outdated website and digital systems so meetings, permits, and public records are easy to find and understand.

I’ll also take a hard look at the proposed $19 million indoor recreation center, which is being funded through open space money. The current plan lacks a full budget breakdown and long-term cost estimates for staffing and maintenance.

I will get to the bottom of this project and make sure residents have a clear picture before a single dollar is spent. My goal is simple: make local government work better, smarter, and more openly for everyone in Manalapan.

Name one thing about Manalapan that always makes you smile.
One thing that always makes me smile about Manalapan is its natural beauty. From the tree-lined roads to the quiet moments when deer wander through a backyard, our landscape offers a sense of peace and connection that’s hard to find elsewhere.

It’s a daily reminder of what makes this community special — and why it’s so important to protect our open spaces and preserve the environment for future generations.