Middletown Approves Hiring of New CFO

The search for Middletown’s new chief financial officer has concluded, and a neighbor is taking the job.

Colleen Lapp, who serves as CFO in Red Bank, is scheduled to begin work in Middletown on Dec. 9 at a salary of $135,000, according to officials. Her hiring was approved by the Township Committee this week.

“She definitely won out among several strong candidates,” said Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger. “Her background and qualifications are impeccable.”

Lapp’s experience working in a neighboring town was appealing to Middletown officials. Her knowledge of the area and shared service agreements between the municipalities was a draw, Scharfenberger said.

“We think she’s familiar with the way the township is run,” the mayor said. “She had pretty much everything we were looking for.”

Middletown lost its CFO in October when Nick Trasente, who started work in 2010, left for a position in Somerset County. He remains with Middletown on a part time basis—he can work up to 10 hours per week as needed through January 2014.

Scharfenberger said Trasente will help transition Lapp into her position, and the township administration will “play it by ear” as to when they can cut ties with the former CFO.

Trasente, who also held positions in Hoboken City and Highland Park before coming to Middletown, thanked officials in October for the opportunity to work for the township.

“It was a good run while I was here,” he said.

“We’re really very happy for him,” Scharfenberger said last month as the committee honored the outgoing CFO. “Our loss is their gain.”