YMCA of Metuchen Edison Woodbridge and South Amboy announces the election of four new members to the nonprofit’s Board of Directors. The Y’s association board is composed of 26 members who set strategic direction and policy to guide the Y’s work to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
YMCA of Metuchen Edison Woodbridge and South Amboy welcome the following new board members:
· Jay Elliot is director of Health & Human Services for the Township of Edison. Elliot graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in science. Over the course of his career, he has worked with the Township of Edison for more than 30 years. He was awarded “Leadership Mentor Award” by Edison Job Corps in March, 2013. He is an active member of many boards within the community including the Edison Fair Housing Rental Board, Middlesex County Animal Response Team and the Edison Local Emergency Planning Committee.
· Kathleen Kovach is senior policy analyst for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She has diverse experience in management of civil rights compliance, environmental, health and safety issues, sustainability, climate change and storm mitigation practices, transportation planning, utility management and facility operations. She graduated from Rutgers University with a master’s degree in city and regional planning, and from Seton Hall University with a bachelor’s degree in history.
· Steve Epstein is the former owner of Boro Ace Hardware. He is a Metuchen native and has been active on the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 16 years. He is the only president to have served for four years, 2005, 2006, 2013 and again 2014. He has also chaired several committees including the Farmers’ Market, Spring Street Fair, Christmas Tree Lighting and Budget Committee. For his dedication and commitment to the Borough of Metuchen, Epstein received the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award in 2003.
· Katie Barnes is an Edison resident and homemaker. She is the wife of Senator Peter Barnes, and is an active member of the community. She currently serves on the boards of the Garden of Mary’s Children at St. Francis Cathedral, the C.A.S.A of Middlesex County, and the Junior League of Elizabeth and Plainfield. Barnes graduated from St. Lawrence University with a bachelor’s degree in history. She spends most of her free time cooking, traveling and volunteering at the Information Desk in JFK Hospital.
“Since the Y’s founding, strong volunteer leadership has been a driving force behind our success in developing effective responses to pressing social issues,” said Rose Cushing, interim president and CEO. “I look forward to working with these four individuals, all of whom are respected leaders. They possess unique and impressive sets of skills, experiences and accomplishments, and are deeply committed to the Y’s mission-driven cause of strengthening our community.”
The YMCA of Metuchen Edison Woodbridge and South Amboy is dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves Middlesex County’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
For more information about YMCA of MEWSA, visit http://www.ymcaofmewsa.org or contact Ebony Henderson at ebony.henderson@ymcaofmewsa.org or (732) 516-2095.
