An expert in community based recreation services and program sponsorships, Leblein Josephs built partnerships with a plethora of local businesses and non-profit organizations, enabling the Department of Community Programs to produce more than 30 special events each year. Under her leadership, a new Summit Community Center building center project was initiated and significant improvements were made to the Summit Family Aquatic Center, municipal golf course, Cornog Fieldhouse at Soldiers Memorial Field, Investors Bank Field and Tatlock tennis courts. She established the TryCAN recreation program that serves children with special needs in 12 area communities, and provides peer mentoring opportunities for hundreds of area teens.
"We greatly appreciate the innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit that Judith has brought to her work in Summit for the benefit of the entire community,” explains Mayor Nora Radest. She truly has created a legacy of sharing the fun for citizens of all ages and abilities. We wish her all the best in retirement and in her future endeavors.”
As assistant director for the Department of Community Program, Mark Ozoroski successfully managed Summit’s youth sports leagues with an emphasis on youth sports safety and coaching. He also manages Summit municipal golf course operations. Ozoroski is the recipient of the 2014 New Jersey Recreation and Park Association Professional of the Year Award.
Radest continues: “So much of who we are as people begins in our community center and parks, and on our sports fields. Summit’s Department of Community Programs provides everything from drowning prevention to after-school programs for children, to the only daily social interaction a senior citizen might experience. I am confident that Mark will build on the solid foundation created by his outstanding predecessor and continue to develop enriching and engaging programs for the community to enjoy.”
Supplemental career highlights for Judith Josephs:
A published author and radio personality, Leblein Josephs has worked in the field of recreation, parks and leisure services for more than 40 years, serving the townships of South Orange and East Brunswick, and Borough of Leonia prior to her tenure in Summit.
A 2003 member of the World Waterpark Hall of Fame, Leblein Josephs is a recent recipient of the Kelly Ogle Award for Safety, and is the only member to win every award given by the World Waterpark Association. Leblein Josephs has held leadership positions in both the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association and the National Recreation and Park Association.
Judith Leblein Josephs is the recipient of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2019 President’s Award for her dedication and service to the Summit community.