New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation

Board of Directors

Recommendations for nominations must be submitted by Nov. 22.

The New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation established within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), will be incorporated as a nonprofit corporation and is responsible for raising funds for the maintenance and development of New Jersey’s state parks and forests, as well as county and municipal parks and open spaces.

Funding raised by the foundation will be used for improvements to facilities and infrastructure, expand and enhance recreation and education opportunities, natural resource conservation and equitable access beyond the routine operations of State Parks and open space areas, or county and municipal parks.


Board of Directors Membership

The New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation shall be governed by a board of directors, which consists of 12 members, as follows: (1) the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, or the commissioner’s designee, who shall serve as a nonvoting, ex officio member; (2) the Secretary of State, or the secretary’s designee, who shall serve as a nonvoting, ex officio member; (3) the State Treasurer, or the treasurer’s designee, who shall serve as a nonvoting, ex officio member; (4) the chairperson of the Garden State Preservation Trust established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-4), or the chairperson’s designee, who shall serve ex officio; (5) six members of the public, appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall have expertise in open space preservation, recreational development, natural lands management, or fundraising. Of the public members appointed, at least three (3) members shall represent nonprofit organizations having open space preservation or environmental education as their corporate purpose, and two (2) members shall have experience advancing the causes of equity or environmental justice; (6) one member of the public appointed by the President of the Senate; and (7) one member of the public appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly.


Solicitation for Recommendations

DEP is seeking recommendations to fill six (6) vacancies of public members to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall have expertise in open space preservation, recreational development, natural lands management, or fundraising.

At least three (3) members shall represent nonprofit organizations having open space preservation or environmental education as their corporate purpose, and two (2) members shall have experience advancing the causes of equity or environmental justice.

Restrictions

All public members of the board of directors shall be residents of the State and shall be selected to provide diverse geographic representation across the State. No person holding elective public office shall be eligible to be a member of the board of directors. No member of the board of directors shall engage in any business transaction or professional activity for profit with the foundation or the department.

Term of Service

Of the public members first appointed by the Governor, one (1) shall be appointed to a term of one (1) year, two (2) shall be appointed to a term of two (2) years, two (2) shall be appointed to a term of three (3) years, and one (1) shall be appointed to term of four (4) years. Following the expiration of the original terms, the public members shall serve for a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment. Any vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, for the unexpired term. A public member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed.

Compensation

Members of the board of directors shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Recommendation Guidelines

Individuals interested in being considered must complete the application below and submit it along with a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and one letter of recommendation by the application deadline.  Individuals may recommend themselves to be considered.

Any person or organization may prepare the letter of recommendation to accompany the candidate’s application.

The DEP values and welcomes diversity; therefore, applications from individuals of all racial, gender, religious, and ethnic groups, and all geographic areas of New Jersey are encouraged.

Criteria used to evaluate candidates will include:

  • the background and experience that would contribute to the mission of the New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation
  • a diversity of perspectives on the Board (e.g., geographic, economic, social, cultural, linguistic, educational background and professional/organizational affiliations)
  • demonstrated experience with open space preservation, recreational development, natural lands management, or fundraising
  • demonstrated experience engaging in environmental justice and equity issues at the New Jersey state, New Jersey local, tribal, or national level
    excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and consensus-building skills
  • ability to attend New Jersey State and Open Space Foundation meetings, participate in working group calls, and complete tasks on behalf of the Foundation.

All appointments will be at the discretion of the Governor.

Application material submitted may be subject to the Open Public Records Act.