As I think about our Association, I’d like to say it's an honor to have the opportunity to serve for the next two years as your President. I’m grateful to those past Presidents and Executive Council members who have worked and devoted personal resources to lend to the vision that makes NJEHA the strong, successful organization it is today.

I owe a great amount of thanks to Immediate Past President Aimee Puluso, who over the years has been an outstanding leader and colleague. During her presidency, she put much effort into increasing how efficiently and purposefully the Association moves, and did so in a manner which was highly professional and caring. Her work with the Executive Council to revise our By-Laws allows for the rapid gathering of ideas, resulting in timely decision-making which is important for many Council functions. In my ten years of involvement, I have learned that the inherent drive and dedication of the Council comes from a history of nurturing by our past Presidents, and I also extend special thanks to Bill Dotts, Cynthia Weaver, Theresa Lombardi, and Kim Zagorski.

As I assume this role, I keep in mind the trust and belief I have in the Executive Council. They are a group with exceptional aptitude and sense of service. I look forward to working with each of them and their committee volunteers to accomplish our goals and contribute to the overall mission of NJEHA.

In our current situation, public and environmental health professionals throughout New Jersey currently face many challenges in a tough economic climate. Many of us have witnessed the disbanding of departments, and felt the effects of program cuts and budget reductions in both the public and private sector. As a result, we are limited or at times share resources while called upon to protect the public from health threats be it natural disasters such as Sandy, communicable infection, national security, and a multitude of other conditions. Despite these difficulties, we move ahead and perform at our highest ability to prevent illness, injury, or death.

One of the objectives of NJEHA in the face of such challenges is to further enhance our memberships’ collective ability to negotiate the current landscape and thrive. We will accomplish this by continuing to improve communications and strengthening mutual efforts between other health organizations through the Public Health Association Collaborative Effort and various levels of government, as well as private sector entities. As these relationships are nurtured, the Association will continue to represent the interest of our members and present a cohesive voice while participating in advisory boards, committees, and legislative processes.

In addition, the Association looks to reach out to prospective members and engage those who bring a wealth of knowledge through practical applications in the workforce. We encourage members, new as well as seasoned to share their views, experience or expertise by submitting articles for this newsletter, project abstracts, or assisting as a volunteer at our annual educational conference. To assist and support active members, the Association will continue to make available scholarship money and service awards to those well-deserving recipients.

Lastly, at the center of Association efforts to bring together those at the forefront of our field is our annual educational conference at the Tropicana Resort and Casino March 3, 4, and 5. Our Executive Council works diligently throughout the year to expand the scope of programs and credits offered, and to bring to our attendees a wide variety of speakers and topics. Coinciding with the educational experience is an opportunity to network with colleagues, which in and of itself is a valuable asset toward developing professionally and enhancing one’s knowledge. Once again, I’m grateful for the support and honored to have the opportunity to serve as President of this dutiful organization. In my efforts I will hold true to the mission of the Association, and I look forward to hearing from the membership and seeing you all at future programs.

Sincerely,
Marconi A. Gapas
Marconi A. Gapas
NJEHA President