Patrick Gillespie holds more than three decades of experience spanning healthcare, government and public policy, with deep roots in New Jersey. He most recently served as Regional Vice President, State Affairs for Elevance Health, leading state affairs across a multi-state region spanning the Northeast from Maine to the District of Columbia. In that role, he also supported Wellpoint New Jersey operations, giving him vast knowledge of the health plan and the complex healthcare and public policy environment in which it operates. 

Gillespie’s career spans leadership roles in healthcare and public service at the federal, state and local levels. Before joining Elevance Health, he served as Director of State Government Affairs for Cigna and held leadership positions in several insurance industry trade organizations, including the New Jersey Association of Health Plans. His extensive public service in New Jersey includes serving as executive director of the New Jersey Senate Majority Office, the state’s Smart Growth Ombudsman under Gov. Richard Codey and district director for U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. He also served as mayor and councilman-at-large of Old Bridge Township. Most recently, he was selected to serve on the Board of the Supportive Housing Association (SHA) of New Jersey. 

 As SVP, Director of Retail Banking, Business Banking & Government Banking Popular Bank, Mary Makfinsky is a highly accomplished banking executive with more than 35 years of experience across retail banking, commercial banking, and treasury services. Throughout her distinguished career, she has successfully led initiatives at both the local and national levels, consistently delivering exceptional results while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service, community engagement, and organizational excellence. 

A dedicated community leader, Mary actively serves on several boards and supports numerous philanthropic and fundraising initiatives. She currently serves as Chair of the Newark Regional Business Partnership and the Newark Renaissance Foundation, playing a pivotal role in advancing economic development and community revitalization efforts throughout the region. 

In recognition of her leadership and impact, Mary was named one of NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business in 2018. She is widely respected for her passion for mentoring others and cultivating workplace cultures where employees feel empowered, valued, and supported in achieving their professional goals. 

As Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Banking, Business Banking, and Government Banking at Popular Bank, Mary oversees the Metro New York and New Jersey branch network, as well as the Business Banking and Cash Management teams. Through her visionary leadership, strategic expertise, and dedication to people development, she continues to drive business growth, strengthen client relationships, and inspire her teams to achieve their highest potential. 

Jeanette Rios, a proud native of Perth Amboy, has dedicated her life to serving her community with unwavering passion, leadership, and commitment. Raised in San Sebastián, Jeanette pursued her education at University of Puerto Rico, where she built the foundation for a lifelong mission of uplifting and empowering others.
With more than 15 years of experience in local government with the City of Perth Amboy, Jeanette has made a lasting impact through her dedication to public service. Jeanette Rios furthered her role in public service for 15 years as Business Manager for the Perth Amboy Parking Utility and later in the Office of the Mayor, where she served as Mayor’s Aide. Her commitment to the community also extended to the Perth Amboy Police Department, where she proudly volunteered as an Auxiliary Police Officer and retired with the rank of Lieutenant. Her service reflected her deep devotion to public safety, mentorship, and community engagement.

In 2011, Jeanette founded All Stars Academy, a before-and-after childcare program created to support working families and provide children with a safe, enriching environment. What began as a vision to help local families has grown into a thriving organization serving more than 300 students annually. In 2016, she expanded by opening a second location, and most recently, she proudly launched a third All Stars Academy location, continuing her mission of educational and community support.

Jeanette’s entrepreneurial spirit also led her to partner with her niece, Francheska Torres, to launch Tailored for Success, a retail business for school apparel that reflects their shared commitment to empowerment, opportunity, and community development.

As a former President of the Pepino Athletic Social Club, Jeanette has been a strong advocate for youth athletics, cultural initiatives, and civic engagement. She has generously supported numerous local organizations and causes, as well as various civic associations throughout the community.

Above all, Jeanette is deeply grateful for the love and support of her family. She would like to thank her sons, Jeremy and Devyn, her daughter Jenisse, and the love of her life, her husband, Luis Ricky Vega, for always standing by her side and supporting her journey of service and leadership.

Jeanette Rios truly embodies a life of service and compassion. She firmly believes that by helping others, we create a stronger, more united, and more caring community. She would also like to extend her heartfelt gratitude to The Jewish Renaissance Foundation for this incredible honor and for recognizing her dedication and contributions to the community. This recognition inspires her to continue serving and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Andrew L. Toth Jr. is a lifelong member of the Edison Township community whose life and career have been defined by a commitment to public safety, leadership, and service to others.

A proud alumnus of J.P. Stevens High School, Chief Toth developed an interest in public safety at an early age. At just fourteen years old, he joined the Edison Police Explorers, where he gained his first exposure to law enforcement and public safety through training, community service, and hands-on activities designed to provide young participants with an understanding of the responsibilities of those who serve their community.

While still a student at J.P. Stevens, Chief Toth began his career in the fire service by joining the Oak Tree Volunteer Fire Company. That early experience as a volunteer firefighter established the foundation for what would become a lifelong career dedicated to the fire service and the protection of the Edison community.

Following high school, Chief Toth continued his education at Middlesex County College and the Middlesex County Fire Academy, where he developed the technical knowledge and professional skills necessary for a career in fire protection and emergency services. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to continuing education and professional development, earning numerous professional certifications and specialized credentials, including an Arson Investigator’s License and certifications through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management series.

Over the course of his career, Chief Toth has gained extensive experience in fire suppression, fire prevention, fire investigation, emergency management, and municipal public safety. His dedication to the profession, combined with his commitment to training and professional development, has allowed him to serve in positions of increasing responsibility and leadership.

Chief Toth’s career ultimately led him to become Chief of the Edison Division of Fire in February of 2023, where he provides leadership and direction for the Division and oversees the delivery of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency response, training, and fire and life safety services to the residents and businesses of Edison Township.

In addition to his responsibilities as Fire Chief, Chief Toth serves as Director of the Edison Township Office of Emergency Management. In this capacity, he plays an important role in the Township’s emergency preparedness, response, and coordination efforts during major incidents and emergencies. His experience in both the fire service and emergency management has given him a broad perspective on public safety and reinforced the importance of preparedness, leadership, coordination, and community resilience.

Chief Toth’s dedication to his hometown and his profession has been recognized throughout his career. In 2026, he was inducted into the J.P. Stevens High School Hall of Honor, recognizing his accomplishments and lifelong commitment to serving others. The honor holds particular significance given that his path into public safety began while he was a student at J.P. Stevens, when he first became involved with the Edison Police Explorers and the Oak Tree Volunteer Fire Company.

From a teenager discovering his passion for public service to becoming the Chief of the Edison Division of Fire and Director of Emergency Management, Chief Toth’s career reflects a lifetime of service, leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the safety and well-being of his community.