MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo and Deena Leary, Director of the Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works, have been honored by the non-profit TransOptions mobility organization for support of efforts to improve transportation options and the quality of life in Morris County and Northwest Jersey.
They were among the recipients at TransOptions’ recent 2015 recognition event held at the Meadow Wood Manor, Randolph.
The awards highlighted the efforts of elected and government officials, businesses, teachers, municipalities, and individuals who made a positive difference in their communities during the past year in the areas of transportation, business, safety and community.
DeFillippo, a second-term freeholder and former mayor and councilwoman in Roxbury, was honored as 2015 Elected Official of the Year as an advocate for “smart transportation planning’’ through her role as a freeholder in serving on the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority’s Board of Trustees.
Leary was honored as 2015 Government Official of the Year for her long-standing efforts to improve transportation options for residents of Morris County, where she oversees six divisions, including transportation planning, road and bridge construction, and land preservation.
“There are so many deserving people and groups who were honored by TransOptions for their hard work and dedication to making our county and this region of New Jersey a better place to live and work,’’ said DeFillippo. “I congratulate them all, and also congratulate TransOptions, for their efforts to improve the quality of life for our communities.’’
TransOptions is a transportation-oriented non-profit organization that delivers programs and services that improve mobility, the environment and quality of life in northwestern New Jersey.
It helps find alternative commute options and offers programs in bicycle, pedestrian and teen driver safety, as well as environmental education and sustainability. The organization also provides commute options such as carpooling, vanpooling, mass transit, biking and walking.
For more information on TransOptions, visit: http://www.transoptions.org/
The full list of TransOptions 2015 “champions,’’ includes:
- Elected Official of the Year: Morris County Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo
- Volunteer of the Year: Lesa McGuiness, JCP&L
- Government Official of the Year: Deena Leary, Director of Morris County Department of Planning and Public Works
- Employer of the Year: Realogy
- Outstanding Media of the Year: WSUS Radio
- Teacher of the Year: Fred Fogle, Kitattinny Regional High School
- Cycling Advocate of the Year: Stephen Noble of REI
- Commuter of the Year: Hal Herbert, BASF
- Supporter of the Year: PSE&G
- Municipality of the Year: Hanover Township
- Safety Champion of the Year: Rose McCauley, Hanover Township Public Schools
Each of the “champions’’ also was awarded a citation of “commendations and praise’’ from the legislators of the 25th Legislative District –state Sen. Anthony Bucco and Assemblymen Michael Patrick Carroll and Anthony Bucco. Jr.
The following employers received 2015 recognition from TransOptions as New Jersey Smart Workplaces:
Platinum-level New Jersey Smart Workplaces: AAA, Alcoa, Atlantic Health System, BASF, Bayer Healthcare, Morris Plains Borough, County of Morris, Cycle Craft, Drew University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Marty’s Reliable Cycle, MetLife, NECA, Nestlé Nutrition, NJM Insurance Group, Pershing LLC, Realogy, REI, Thorlabs Inc., Tiffany & Co., Wyndham Worldwide
Gold-level: Avis Budget Group, Washington Borough, Fiserv, The Casey Group, GlaxoSmithKline; Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, Hanover Township, Washington Township (Warren County), TransOptions
Silver-level: Borough of Madison, County College of Morris, Hyatt Morristown, KYOCERA Document Solutions America, Inc., Maersk, Inc., Yukon Graphics
Bronze-level: DSM Nutritional Products, Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Hartshorn Group, New Bridge Services, ShopRite of Morristown, Sussex County Chamber of Commerce.
