FREEHOLD – In recognition of their contributions to the social and economic fabric of Monmouth County, five people received awards recently at the Workforce Investment Board’s 2008 Partnership Awards Dinner Dance, held at Branches in West Long Branch.

 

This 17^th annual event, which recognized leaders from business, government, organized labor, community organization and education, dedicated all of this year’s proceeds to the Kathleen A. Brady Memorial Scholarship Fund. Brady, who passed away last year, was director of the Monmouth County Department of Human Services and also Monmouth County’s deputy administrator.

 

“The five people we recognized are shining examples of what it means to be a leader, so that together we can build a high quality and competitive workforce,” WIB Executive Director Kathleen Weir said. “This collaboration ultimately benefits the job seekers and employers alike and contributes to the economic well-being of our citizens, their families and their communities.”

 

Freeholders Barbara J. McMorrow and John D’Amico Jr. presented each of the five honorees with award certificates. They are:

 

·        Carl V. Lillvik, a senior consultant with Little Cove Services, which provides advisory services to nonprofits and small businesses. He also has been a member of the WIB and its predecessor, the Private Industry Council, since 1989, and a past chairman of both.

·        Rep. Rush Holt, who represents New Jersey’s 12^th Congressional District, serves on the Committee Education and Labor, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

·        Stephen E. Morgan, President of Jersey Central Power & Light Co., accepted the award on behalf of the company. JCP&L is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. JCP&L has more than one million customers in a 3,200-square-mile service area in Central and Northern New Jersey.

·        Susan A. Resch, a labor leader with the Transportation Workers of America, is the fist woman international representative in the Transportation Workers Union’s Transit, Utility and Service Division. She is also vice president of the New Jersey AFL-CIO, as well as recording secretary for the Monmouth Ocean Central Labor Council.

·        Russell Olivadotti is a decorated veteran and owner of his own interior and exterior coating business, Russell Industrial Painting Corporation. He served for 12 years on the Long Branch Board of Education, and is a member of the Shore Regional Board of Education for 38 years.

 

           

“It was my distinct honor to be a part of this recognition ceremony,” Freeholder McMorrow said. “The WIB and the Monmouth County Division of Employment & Training provide important services, and to have the support of such a distinguished group of people is truly gratifying.”

 

“I can think of no better way to help job seekers and employers than this partnership of government and area businesses,” said Freeholder John D’Amico Jr., who oversees the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “Together, these dedicated professionals have ensured that Monmouth County’s workforce remains among the best in the state.”

 

The WIB dinner dance has raised $66,500 over the years and awarded dozens of scholarships to college-bound young people who cannot afford to attend on their own. Last year, the WIB donated 17 scholarships worth $500 each. The 2008 scholarships will be announced at a later date.

 

Kathi Brady began her career as a social worker in 1976 and was known throughout her life and career for her work ethic, commitment and passion for her work, and respect for the people she worked with and those whom she served.

 

Throughout her career with Monmouth County she performed a broad range of social work-related responsibilities including services to the mentally ill, aging, disabled, developmentally disabled and the homeless. She served as director of the Division of Social Services for 10 years, after which she was named director of the Department of Human Services and deputy county administrator.

 

“Through this scholarship, the goodness that epitomized Kathi Brady in serving the people of Monmouth County will continue for years to come,” Freeholder McMorrow said. “This is a wonderful way to remember a wonderful lady.”

 

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