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. 

Edward A. Mullen started his public safety career in Perth Amboy in 2002 as a volunteer firefighter with the Fire Department and as an EMT with Perth Amboy Police EMS, while obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from New Jersey City University. He was appointed as a career firefighter in 2004 and rose through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Provisional Fire Chief, and ultimately being promoted to Fire Chief in 2019. Chief Mullen oversees the 84-member department that provides more fire & rescue services than any other department in the State. Besides running the administration of the Fire Department, he also has successfully obtained over $8.3 million in grant funding for the Perth Amboy Fire Department. In 2023, Chief Mullen was awarded Chief of the Year by the NJ State Fire Chief’s Association.

The history of the Mullen name in Perth Amboy goes back four generations. Chief Mullen’s great-grandfather, Edward J. Mullen Sr., served the Perth Amboy Fire Department with 50 years of service and as Fire Chief in 1953. His Grandfather, Edward J. Mullen Jr. served the Perth Amboy Police Department with 40 years of service, retiring as the Police Chief. His Father, Edward R. Mullen served with the McClellan Engine Company 3 of the Perth Amboy Fire Department in the 1970’s and is currently an Ex-Chief and active member of the Iselin Volunteer Fire Company # 1 with 50 years of service. The fourth-generation Edward A. Mullen has served Perth Amboy for 23 years. He is married to his wife of 15 years, Ashley, and has two children, Eddie (the 5th) and Maddie.

Aside from working for the Perth Amboy Fire Department, he serves on the executive board for the Perth Amboy Police Athletic League and executive board for the New Jersey Career Fire Chiefs Association. He is also an active member of the New Jersey Fire & EMS Institute and the New Jersey Deputy & Battalion Chiefs Association where he assists with running educational seminars for the New Jersey fire service. Lastly, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners for Woodbridge Township Fire District 9 and is also an Ex-Chief and active member of the Iselin Volunteer Fire Company # 1, where he serves with his father.

Superintendent of Perth Amboy Schools, Dr. David Roman has played a vital role in sustaining and advancing the longstanding partnership between the Jewish Renaissance Foundation and the district. While his leadership spans the past 11 years, the collaboration he has helped steward—particularly through the School-Based Youth Services Program—reflects over 25 years of shared commitment to student success and holistic support.

Unanimously elected by Middlesex County Superintendents to serve as Vice President and currently Board President for Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ), Dr. Roman’s tenure has been marked by transformative achievements in academic outcomes, inclusive education, and facility modernization. Under his guidance, Perth Amboy Public Schools has earned recognition as a Lighthouse District and dramatically increased its graduation rate, biliteracy achievements, and statewide rankings. His leadership has also been instrumental in the development of innovative learning environments, including the state’s first public stand-alone Dual Language School and the largest SDA high school ever built in New Jersey.

As Custodian of Educational Partnerships & Community Continuity, Dr. Roman exemplifies the values of collaboration, resilience, and community empowerment. His dedication to youth development and educational excellence continues to shape the future of Perth Amboy.