Jill G. Schafhauser, Chairperson, Occupational Center of Union County (OCUC) was recently honored as one of the 2026 NJBIZ Board Leadership Award recipients.

Established in 2026, the Award celebrates outstanding Board Members whose governance, expertise, and commitment have made a lasting impact on their organizations and the communities they serve. Honorees were selected for their demonstrated leadership, strategic influence, dedication to board service, and meaningful contributions that have advanced their organizations’ purpose and long-term success.

Schafhauser’s influence extends throughout Union County and beyond, reflecting her commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for those she serves. Guided by an enthusiasm for service, advocacy, and meaningful change, she continues to have a lasting impact through her dedication to empowering individuals and fostering positive community growth.

For more information on the NJBIZ Board Leadership award, click here: https://bit.ly/3QDgBNl

ABOUT JILL G. SCHAFHAUSER:
Throughout Jill’s career in banking, and nonprofit service, she has demonstrated the rare combination of visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and commitment to improving the lives of others. Her decades of service reflect not only professional excellence, but also dedication to strengthening organizations, empowering communities, and inspiring those around her.

Jill served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Roselle Savings Bank for sixteen years, guiding the institution with skill and steady leadership until her retirement in January 2017. Even after stepping down as CEO, her commitment to the bank and its mission remained steadfast, as she continued serving on their Board of Directors until the bank’s acquisition in 2020. Her long tenure is a testament to the confidence colleagues, employees, and community members placed in her judgment, leadership, and character.

Beyond her executive responsibilities, Jill played a role in advancing the broader community banking industry throughout New Jersey. She served on the Board of Governors of the New Jersey League of Community Bankers, as well as on its Executive Committee and Operations and Technology Committee. In these capacities, she helped shape policy, encourage innovation, and strengthen the future of community banking at a time of rapid change within the financial industry. She also served as a trustee of the New Jersey Community Bankers Education Foundation, supporting educational initiatives and professional development opportunities for future banking leaders.

As an advocate for underserved populations, Jill joined the Board of Directors of the Occupational Center of Union County (OCUC) in 2007. Serving as Board Chair since 2010, she has provided more than a decade of stable, compassionate leadership. Under her guidance, the organization has benefited from her strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and focus on its mission and the individuals it serves. Jill leads not for recognition, but because she genuinely believes in creating opportunities and improving lives.

ABOUT INROADS TO OPPORTUNITIES:
Since 1959, the Occupational Center of Union County, DBA Inroads to Opportunities, a 501 c3 non-profit, social services agency has been providing programs and services to over 400 individuals annually with various types of disabilities and ranging in age from 14 through retirement, many of whom are economically disadvantaged. Programs and services include transition from school to work, Pre-Employment Transition Services, Community Work Based Learning, Project SEARCH, vocational preparation, certificate training programs, job placement and coaching, day habilitation, benefits consulting, mental health services, and the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work program. Through its social enterprise, Opportunities Enterprises, Inroads also creates inclusive employment opportunities that support skill development, wage stability, and long-term career growth. Based in Roselle, New Jersey, Inroads to Opportunities supports individuals throughout northern and central New Jersey.
Celebrating its 67th year, Inroads to Opportunities is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an approved provider of the NJ Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Inroads is licensed by the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services, NJ Division of Mental Health, and Addiction Services to provide partial care and the Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide Day Habilitation, Pre-Vocational and Transportation Services. Inroads is an approved Medicaid provider and an approved Employment Network under the Ticket to Work Social Security initiative and an approved Benefits Planning and Counseling Service through the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

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