Brent Ragans named President of Ferring Pharmaceuticals

PARSIPPANY — Ferring Pharmaceuticals (US) announced that Brent Ragans has been appointed as President. In this role, Mr. Ragans oversees the commercial, manufacturing, and development operations of the global Ferring Pharmaceuticals Group in the United States. Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. is located at 100 Interpace Parkway

“Ferring is entering a new phase in which it will expand its leadership in Reproductive Medicine and Maternal Health, Orthopaedics, and Gastroenterology,” said Mr. Ragans. “Among the highlights, we look forward to seeking regulatory approval for what may become the world’s first approved microbiome-based therapy.”

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Brent Ragans has more than 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical business. He joined Ferring Pharmaceuticals (US) as vice president of commercial operations in 2012 and was named chief commercial officer in 2016. Prior to Ferring, he led North American consumer healthcare strategy and corporate development for Sanofi. Earlier during 12 years at Sanofi, he managed major business units, including general therapeutics, specialty markets, and cardiovascular, and led teams of more than 2500 representatives.

As the President of Ferring US, Mr. Ragans reports to Aaron Graff, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Member of the Executive Committee, and Executive Chairman of Ferring Holding Inc. (US). Mr. Ragans succeeds Paul Navarre, who is leaving the company.

“Brent has been one of the key architects of our US business since joining Ferring eight years ago,” said Aaron Graff, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Member of the Executive Committee, and Executive Chairman of Ferring Holding Inc. (US). His track record of success, broad background, and deep knowledge of Ferring positions him well to lead the company into its next successful chapter.His track record of success, broad background, and deep knowledge of Ferring positions him well to lead the company into its next successful chapter.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to helping people around the world build families and live better lives. In the United States, Ferring is a leader in reproductive medicine and maternal health, and in specialty areas within gastroenterology and orthopedics.

Bonnie Tully named President Evonik Corporation

PARSIPPANY — Bonnie Tully has been named President of Evonik Corporation, effective June 1. As president of Evonik Corporation, Tully is responsible for the North America region, which recorded sales of $3 billion in fiscal 2019. Evonik Corporation is located at 299 Jefferson Road.

Tully replaces John Rolando, who is retiring after 33 years with Evonik and its predecessor companies. Prior to becoming president, Bonnie was Chief Financial Officer of the North America region.

“Bonnie Tully‘s leadership skills and broad experience within the organization make her the right person to head the North American region as we continue to position Evonik as a world-leading specialty chemical company driven by innovation and sustainability,“ said Ute Wolf, Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG who is responsible for North America. “I also want to thank John Rolando for his efforts in leading the region through tremendous growth and helping transform Evonik‘s portfolio and culture into the best-in-class organization we know today.“

Tully began her career with Rohm & Haas as a project engineer in 1996. Between 1998 and 2006 she worked as a materials manager and technical manager at Evonik Oil Additives (Rohmax) in Houston, Texas. She subsequently transferred to Singapore to work as a plant manager for Oil Additives supporting the Asia-Pacific region. In 2011, Tully became the head of Site Service in Mobile, Ala., Evonik’s largest site in North America, with more than 800 employees.

Tully holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University.

Morris County Retirees Education Association Announces Scholarship Recipients

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Retirees Education Association Philanthropic Fund (MCREAP) will proudly award twelve $2,000. scholarships to Morris County students who are pursuing a career in education.

First-year recipients of this award include Arianna Granda, Morris Knolls High School; Anna Marina Accumanno, Hanover Park High School; Caroline Berardo, Parsippany Hills High School; Nicole Kahwaty, Morris County School of Technology who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by Visions Federal Credit Union; Ashleigh Paige Muth, Hanover Park High School who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by the Estate of Ann Korinda; McKenzie Shea Lynch, Mt. Olive High School who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded in the memory of Tina Antalek and finally Katie Elizabeth Berger, Boonton High School who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by the Executive Board of Morris County Retirees Education Association.

Second-year recipients include undergraduate Anna Lenger of Kutztown University (Chatham High School); Arianna Lee of The College of New Jersey (Morris Knolls High School); Courtney Graf of Shippensburg University (Roxbury High School); Savannah Jenks of St. Joseph’s University (Chatham High School) who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by Visions Federal Credit Union and finally Avianna Miller of Drew University who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by the Estate of Ann Korinda.

We wish these deserving young people well as they prepare to enter the moat rewarding and challenging profession.

Prosecutor’s Office Detective Commended for Saving a Life While Off-Duty

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker presented a commendation to Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Luis Goncalves for intervening while off-duty, saving the life of a woman.

Detective Goncalves was traveling on Route 3 in Lyndhurst on May 20, returning from an investigation.

Detective Goncalves observed a female sitting on the edge of a high bridge with her feet dangling off the bridge. Fearing she was attempting to commit suicide, Detective Goncalves contacted the Lyndhurst Police to report his observation.

Detective Goncalves identified himself as a detective with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and told the dispatcher that he would standby and render further assistance. The female got off the ledge and attempted to walk towards the busy highway.

She was stopped from entering the highway, and Detective Goncalves assisted with the translation of the Spanish language. He detected that she had slurred speech and was incoherent.

Upon a search of the woman, a controlled dangerous substance was retrieved and she was secured by Lyndhurst Police officers for further investigation.

Prosecutor Knapp said “The heroic lifesaving actions of Detective Goncalves while off-duty undoubtedly prevented a tragedy from occurring. He and all of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office detectives are unreservedly dedicated to protecting and preserving the safety of our residents. I am very proud to recognize Detective Goncalves for his service under very adverse circumstances.”

Clap Out for Our Parsippany Graduates

PARSIPPANY — We can’t have a graduation or a party, but we can show the seniors our love…right from our own homes!!!

This is happening on graduation day, Thursday, June 18. Parsippany High School graduates in the morning and Parsippany Hills High School graduates at 6:00 p.m. From 5:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., let’s clap like crazy, blow those horns, shake that cowbell.

Make some serious noise to say congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Parsippany Community Update June 3, 2020

PARSIPPANY — As the growth rate of COVID-19 cases continues to slow, I am happy to see that Phase 2 of New Jersey’s reopening plan will be coming into effect on June 15. Over the coming weeks, we expect more municipal services to open up to the public, just as the recycling yard did earlier this week.

Murphy Announces Outdoor Dining Protocols and Process to Expand Premises for Liquor License Holders

TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 150, permitting outdoor dining starting on Monday, June 15, with an accompanying Executive Directive from the New Jersey Department of Health that lays out health and safety standards that food or beverage establishments are required to follow. In addition, the Governor announced a special ruling by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control creating a pathway for liquor license holders to expand the premises on which they may serve alcohol.

“Restaurants and bars throughout New Jersey have been immensely cooperative with necessary public health measures that were placed upon them while battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Allowing outdoor dining and the expansion of alcohol-serving areas will allow restaurants and bars to begin welcoming customers back while continuing to comply with necessary social distancing guidance.”

Executive Order No. 150 allows outdoor dining at food or beverage establishments in New Jersey starting on Monday, June 15. Establishments will be required to follow a number of COVID-19 health and safety protocols issued by the Department of Health, including a limit of eight customers per table, and requirements of at least six feet of distance between parties. In addition, for as long as indoor dining is not permitted, food or beverage establishments are required to prohibit smoking in any outdoor areas designated for the consumption of food and/or beverages.

The Order further notes that municipalities are permitted to use their existing authority to allow food or beverage establishments to expand their footprint to outdoor areas, both within their property and among municipally-governed areas, including but not limited to sidewalks, streets, or parks.

Additionally, a special ruling by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will temporarily permit establishments with liquor licenses to expand their licensed premises into outdoor areas that are either contiguous or non-contiguous to their permanently licensed premises. Establishments may apply through the POSSE ABC Online Licensing system, and if approved will be issued a temporary permit effective on June 15th that will run until November 14, 2020. ABC will not take action on any application until it receives an endorsement or approval by the appropriate governing body officials, and it is the responsibility of the licensee to comply with local ordinances and site plan requirements.

Click here for a copy of Executive Order No. 150

Click here for a copy of DOH Executive Directive on Outdoor Dining

>Click here for a copy of NJ ABC Special Ruling

Follow-up Note from the Board of Education Regarding Tonight’s Rally

PARSIPPANY — The communication that came out yesterday regarding the Board of Education’s decision to not allow usage of Parsippany High School parking lots for tonight’s rally was based solely on current laws and policies in place within the District.

The organizers of the rally had not contacted nor coordinated with the Board of Education.

With that said, we have advised the Police Department that the lots will not be cordoned off and will be available to our law enforcement agencies as necessary and as they see fit.

The Board of Education supports our entire community, and we always want to see and work towards a better way forward. While the rally tonight is not a Board of Education organized event, the Board appreciates and supports everyone’s’ right to respectfully express their opinions on the current issues facing many of our community members.

Parsippany Community Update June 1, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Both of our volunteer EMS squads rely on fundraising from members of the public to ensure the best training and equipment possible. That’s why they’re able to provide Parsippany residents with such a high quality of service, even during the most trying times. You can donate to our Volunteer EMS squads through the information provided below:

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Inc.
9 Dunnerdale Road
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Tax ID 22-2409171
Click here to donate.

Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad
PO Box 41
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
Tax ID 22-6088546
Click here to donate

Letter to the Editor: A letter to Dr. Barbara Sargent

parsippany focusDear Editor: 

Good evening Dr. Sargent,

My name is Olivia Johnson and I am a senior at Parsippany High School. I am writing to you in regards to the BOE’s refusal to allow the peaceful Black Lives Matter protest to start on Parsippany High School’s grounds. As a black student here in the district, I can tell you first hand that you and all of the schools I have been through in this district have done very little for your black students.

There has habitually been little to no support for your black students whether it be during Black History Month, during traumatic tragedies such as the brutal murder of George Floyd, or outright and blatant racism by the student body. I am writing to tell you that we are tired of seeing little to no allyship on behalf of the BOE.

People are simply asking to gather on school grounds because it is a central location in Parsippany. No one is going to damage property or incite violence. What about protesting police brutality and speaking up for the Black Lives Matter movement is inherently violent and riot-inducing to you? There are plenty of peaceful protests all throughout the country, especially in New Jersey, that has been going on for the past few days.

The people of Parsippany and neighboring towns are seeking to exercise their freedom to assemble and freedom to speak up for what they believe. Your choice to prohibit us from using Parsippany High School as the starting point for a powerful and meaningful demonstration, especially to your black student body, is very telling of where your interests and care reside. Please reconsider this decision.

Thank you,
Olivia Johnson