MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Middletown Township today announced that Deputy Mayor Stephanie Murray will be honored by the Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) Committee at their Networking and Award Event held at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City on Wednesday, November 15th.
Out of the 565 municipalities in New Jersey with over 13,000 elected officials, Stephanie Murray was one of only five women to receive a nomination. “The Township Committee and I couldn’t be more proud that Deputy Mayor Murray is being recognized for her passion and perseverance in her role as a public servant,” said Mayor Gerry P. Scharfenberger, Ph.D. “In addition to cutting municipal taxes, Stephanie has made preserving our Township’s rich history a key focus and created many wonderful Heritage Tourism programs.”
While females comprise over 51 percent of the population, only 15 percent are mayors, and only 24 percent of governing body members are female. Murray served as mayor for two consecutive terms and joins the shortlist of only five female mayors in the Township’s history. “I’m humbled to be honored alongside other women who have dedicated their time and energy toward the advancement of female municipal government leaders,” said Deputy Mayor Stephanie Murray. “I truly hope that I will be able to continue to serve our community, fight for our residents’ best interests, and help mentor future female leaders who want to make a difference.”
Deputy Mayor Murray was selected as an award recipient because of her many achievements since beginning her public service in Middletown Township in 2012. When Superstorm Sandy devastated the community five years ago, Murray worked tirelessly to help those affected and created the Volunteer Corps that managed volunteer services during the Township’s recovery process. In addition to her leadership role during Sandy, Murray has made it a priority to bring our Township’s history to the forefront. In 2014, she served as Chairwoman of Middletown 350, a yearlong celebration of the Township's founding in 1664. She also reinstituted the Historic Preservation Commission, served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and is a member of the Middletown Cultural and Arts Council.
Other honorees at the Networking and Award Event include Colleen Mahr, Fanwood Mayor, Stephanie McGown, Ed.D., Rutherford Councilwoman, and Government Finance Officers Association of NJ “Women at Work” Co-chairs, Sharon McCullough and Gabriella V. Simoes Dos Santos.