Commissioners
Al Rosenthal, Chairman
MCIA Commissioner since 2005
Al Rosenthal came to the Improvement Authority after years as a community activist in Marlboro Township, where he was appointed deputy mayor and served as director of community affairs.
After serving in special forces in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Mr. Rosenthal started his own photography business, which he built into one of the largest wedding photography studios in the New York Metropolitan area. After selling his photography business, he started and operated real estate and equipment-rental businesses before retiring and moving to Marlboro in the mid-1980s.
He has served many volunteer efforts, including the Jewish War Veterans' Hospital Outreach Program and the Marlboro Township Planning Board. He also helped form Marlboro's Industrial Commission and represents the township as a commissioner on the Western Monmouth Utility Authority. A grandfather of five, Mr. Rosenthal enjoys golf, computing and stock trading.
Clifford G. Raisch, Vice Chairman
MCIA Commissioner since 2003
Cliff Raisch joined the Monmouth County Improvement Authority in 2003 with extensive experience in the trade and manufacturing industries. He is the president and owner of a Red Bank–based business that inspects and grades rubber for use by the government and private industry. Previously he worked for the United Nations and participated in negotiations to stabilize the world price of natural resource commodities.
He holds a degree in Quantitative Methods from Fordham University.
A resident of Middletown, Mr. Raisch previously served on the township’s Planning Board. He has also been active on the Environmental Commission and in the local recreation community.
Richard Gatto, Treasurer
MCIA Commissioner since 2006
Richard Gatto, E.A. joined the Monmouth County Improvement Authority in 2006. He is an experienced accountant specializing in taxation, financial planning, and financial management of condominiums, townhouses, and multi-family dwellings.
Mr. Gatto earned a BA in Public Accounting from Pace University. His business credentials include being a registered Investment Advisor, an enrolled Agent, an accredited Tax Preparer and an accredited Tax Advisor. He is also a member of the National Society of Accountants.
A 25-year resident of Freehold Township, Mr. Gatto currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Freehold Township Planning Board (1998 to present). He is also director of the Freehold Center Partnership.
He has also been active in several Monmouth County organizations including the Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts (now the Girl Scouts of Jersey Shore) from 1997-2001 where he served on the Board of Directors and as Chairman for the Executive & Finance Committee. In 2006, he served as the chairman for the Nominating Committee of the Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts. Mr. Gatto has been recognized for his dedication and commitment to community involvement and received the 5th annual Cellular One Good Samaritian Award for his service to the community.
James S. Gray
MCIA Commissioner
Jim is serving his second term as an MCIA Commissioner, orginially serving from 1992 to 2002. Jim was the appointed Clerk of the Board of Chosen Freeholders serving until March of 2011.
Jim's background includes 25 years in human resources, management, consulting and administration. He has been employed by various firms in this capacity, as well as his own firm. He was also Director of Administration for the State of New Jersey, Board of Public Utilities from 1996 to 2002.
Jim has always been a volunteer in his community including community theater and also served on Manalapan's governing body as a Committeeman and Mayor.
Jim is an avid golfer and grandfather of one.
Andrew J. Melnick
MCIA Commissioner
Mr. Melnick joined the Improvement Authority in 2013.