Published on July 25, 2024
On July 24th, Surrogate Heather Darling, serving as President of the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey (COANJ), led the General Session Meeting at Picatinny Arsenal Military Base in Wharton. The event brought together New Jersey's Sheriffs, County Clerks, Surrogates, and Registers of Deeds and Mortgages to discuss important matters related to their offices and the services they provide to their respective counties.
The meeting featured an inspiring keynote address by Major General John T. Reim, Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal and Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments & Ammunition. General Reim, a native of Franklinville, NJ, shared his extensive experience in leadership and acquisition, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in both military and civilian roles. His insights into the intersection of defense and public service resonated strongly with the COANJ members, highlighting the shared goal of serving the community with excellence.
During the session, the Academic Achievement Award recipients were honored for their outstanding contributions: Mackenzie Durkin of Essex County, Alexandra Williams of Mercer County, and Ryan Milancewich of Monmouth County. Surrogate Darling praised their dedication and hard work, underscoring the importance of recognizing and supporting young leaders in public service. The event also provided a platform for discussing future initiatives and legislative advocacy aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the offices represented by COANJ.