North Brunswick, N.J. – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has been selected as the 2021 recipient of “Public Servant of the Year Award” by JNESO District Council 1, the professional health care union which represents some 5,000 nurses and techs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“JNESO chose to honor Governor Murphy for his steadfast commitment to health care workers, and continuous efforts to support labor and help us create better working conditions in the Garden State. We know we have a voice with Governor Murphy,” said Douglas Placa, Executive Director of JNESO.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award for public servant of the year from my wonderful friends at JNESO. I am firm believer in the importance of strong unions and am proud to do all I can to support the labor union,” stated Governor Murphy in a pre-recorded acceptance speech that will be shown to member on Thursday, April 15 during JNESO’s virtual convention.

JNESO Board President Elfrieda Johnson noted that the Governor’s commitment and support was particularly critical during the height of the pandemic. “Governor Murphy actively fought for all health care workers in Washington to secure the Personal Protective Equipment that we needed to stay safe and continue caring for our patients.”

The Governor added, “This administration recognizes that the real heroes of the past year are our health care professionals and frontline workers, so I proudly share this award with each of you at JNESO. New Jersey owes each and every one of you a debt of gratitude for you work getting us through this pandemic, your selflessness, and your acts of compassion.”

JNESO has also selected three recipients for $1,000 JNESO College Scholarships that will be presented during the convention to students pursuing careers in health care. The scholarships are named after board members or leaders whose efforts have had a positive impact on JNESO members and the organization as a whole.

• Julie Meixell, a resident of Pen Argyl, Pa., will receive the Virginia Spiegel Scholarship for members advancing their education in health care. She is an RN in the Mother/Baby Labor and Delivery Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono. She is pursuing a Master’s of Nursing Education at Aspen University and plans to become an OB (Obstetrics) nurse educator.
• Nicole Wedel, a resident of Clifton, N.J., will receive the Laura King Scholarship for members and their immediate family in any field of higher education. Nicole will start medical school this fall at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
• Devon Marie Traenker, a resident of Southampton, N.J., will receive the Barbara Crosby Scholarship for members and their immediate family to advance their education in health care. She is a Nursing Major at Thomas Jefferson University and hopes to become an oncology nurse.

JNESO represents health care professionals in 19 facilities including hospitals, rehabilitation centers and home care services across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To learn more about JNESO visit www.JNESO.org.