A Hillsborough Township municipal employee was recognized by the township committee for years of service to the community.
Hillsborough Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera was recognized at a Dec. 10 township committee meeting for his years of contributions to the community.
Ferrera has been the township administrator since August 2012 and was recognized as a “productive, devoted and exemplary” member of the Hillsborough Township Committee; as mayor in 2007 and 2008; deputy mayor in 2006; and serving on the committee from March 2004 through December 2011.
“Throughout his career in public service, Anthony Ferrera has displayed professionalism, leadership, compassion and commitment to the citizens of Hillsborough through his service,” Hillsborough Township officials said in a statement. “The Hillsborough Township Committee hereby recognizes and thanks Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera for his outstanding service and dedication to the residents of Hillsborough.”
Earlier last year, Ferrera was awarded the 2019 Spirit of Somerset Award for Volunteerism for his work as New Jersey Organization for Autism Research (OAR) President and, in September 2018, was recognized by OAR in appreciation for his support for families with Autism.
At a Nov. 12 committee meeting, municipal officials recognized Hillsborough groups and residents, including Ferrera, by honoring them this year through the “Spirit of Somerset Awards” program, presented by the Somerset County Business Partnership.
The program is aimed to bring together representatives from the business, education and arts communities in a celebration of Somerset County’s many achievements.
Previous awards have been awarded to various recipients since the program started back in 1998. Some of which have included the Affinity Federal Credit Union; Brook Arts Center; Business Partnership of Somerset County; Fulton Bank; Johnson & Johnson Companies; Raritan Valley Community College; Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Somerset; Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission; Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools; Somerset Patriots Baseball Club; TD Bank; and Team Capital Bank.
At the November meeting, former Hillsborough Township Mayor Frank DelCore expressed his content for the locals honored this year on behalf of the township.
“Every time we have awards ceremonies somewhere in the county, there is always this kind of representation from Hillsborough, to give you an idea of some of the volunteers and amazing people we have in town,” DelCore said at the meeting. “Hillsborough Township extends its sincere congratulations to all the recipients for having been awarded the various ‘Spirit Awards,’ which is an honor for both themselves and for Hillsborough Township.”
In 2017, Ferrera was awarded the “Outstanding Manager Award” by the New Jersey Municipal Management Association (NJMMA). In June 2014, he became a member of the NJMMA and was appointed to its executive board in November 2017. He was also the recipient of the 2008 Disability Advocate Award.
Following recognition from the municipality at the Dec. 10 committee meeting, Ferrera expressed his sentiments toward the township committee, his experiences in serving Hillsborough and his thankfulness for the continuous support he has received from his colleagues and the community.
“I appreciate being recognized here tonight, but it is really the employees here in the township, and the mayor and committee who allow me to be as flexible as we can with the committee,” Ferrera said. “They not only allow me to work with all the employees here in the township, but also the great residents here in town.
“Without the residents and employees, and the team here allowing me to do that, I would not get this award. It is nice for an individual award, but it is really the people that are behind you and that support you, and all the people on my team,” Ferrera added.
As a Hillsborough resident for more than 25 years, Ferrera holds a Masters of Science in management from Stevens Institute of Technology and was a private sector manager with over 20 years of experience.
He previously worked for The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Department, Empower Somerset and AT&T.
Some of his most notable contributions while on the Hillsborough Township Committee include the establishment of the Hillsborough Senior Center; Quiet Zones; tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans; and the inclusion of all children, those with and without special needs into the township recreation programs.
