Leaving Things Better: Union’s Business Administrator Ron Manzella Retires – TAPinto.net

UNION, NJ – At Union’s last Township Committee meeting of 2019, retiring Union Business Administrator Ron Manzella attended his last meeting.

Mayor Michele Delisfort presented Manzella with a Testimonial Resolution celebrating his retirement and outlining his career successes.  Delisfort said Manzella “had a prosperous career in government marked with accomplishments in fiscal responsibility, economic development, management, and government relations.”

“Ron’s motto is ‘to leave things better’,” said State Senator Joseph Cryan, presenting Manzella with a New Jersey State Resolution.  “People look at Ron and don’t always know the breadth and depth of his commitment to the Township of Union.  But, because of his intellect, reasonable judgment, and the ability to make others achieve their best, it’s safe to say tonight, he’s left things better.”

Manzella said the Township Committee “empowered me to develop a vision.  We’re in the middle of a transformation in our community in a very positive direction.  Change is not always easy.  But in the end, you look back and see what we accomplished.  Working for the Township of Union, although toward the end of my career, was the best duty I ever had.  I want to thank you for the privilege of serving.  It has been a remarkable way for me to end my career.”

Manzella graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology in 1972.  He earned a Master’s Degree in rehabilitation counseling in 1974, and an Education Specialist Degree in marriage and family counseling in 1984, both from Seton Hall University.  He holds a Public Managers Certificate from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and post-Masters Graduate credits in labor negotiations.

Manzella began his career in government in Essex County where he served in various capacities including Executive Director of the Irvington Youth Resource Center, Director of the Essex County Division of Youth Services, Director of Essex County Correctional Services, and as Acting Essex County Administrator.

In Union, Manzella began his career in 2003 as the Director of Public Works, then Assistant Administrator in 2005, and Township Administrator in 2011.

As Union’s administrator, said Delisfort, Manzella “handles the development and presentation of operational and capital budgets, labor and contract negotiations, and helps to ensure that the township is moving forward according to the needs of the residents and the directives of the Township Master Plan.”

Manzella is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the NJ Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, the Irvington Juvenile Conference Committee, the Child Placement and Review Committee, the Magnet School Advisory Board, the Irvington Special Services Advisory Board, and the Boy Scouts Executive Committee.  Manzella was inducted into the East Orange Hall of Fame in 2018.  He was a member of the Union Board of Education for 21 years.

“You’ve made such a difference on so many levels,” said Cryan.  “We have a community on the rise, property values are increasing, a community that’s strong financially, that’s safe, that’s on the rise.  We owe you a sincere debt of gratitude.”

Manzella lives in Union with his wife Linda. He has two children, Carrie and Ronnie.  He has three grandchildren, Carrie and Billy’s daughters Julianna and Alyssa, and Ronnie and Gina’s daughter Ronnie.