The Somerset County Republican Organization announced that Peapack & Gladstone Borough Councilman Don Lemma will run for Somerset County Commissioner.

Lemma is in his second term on the Peapack & Gladstone Borough Council. He brings to the table more than 30 years of experience managing some of the world’s largest and most complex private sector and academic institutions. Most recently he worked at Columbia University where he held the dual titles of Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Associate Dean at Columbia Business School. Prior to his tenure at Columbia he worked at Stanford University where he held the dual titles of CIO and Director of Computing of the SLAC National Laboratory.

Peapack & Gladstone Mayor Mark Corigliano wholeheartedly endorsed his longtime colleague: “Donald Lemma is a proficient and capable leader. His experience in senior management roles for both Fortune 500 companies and prestigious educational institutions as well as his time and accomplishments serving the Borough Council make him an ideal candidate for Somerset County Commissioner. His joining that body will provide the balance and experience that our County needs.”

Councilman Lemma moved to Somerset County in 1986, where he lived in Bridgewater and served as Councilman and Council President. He lives in Gladstone with his wife
of 35 years, Marianita, a retired high school teacher. The couple has two adult children. In addition to his service on the borough council, Lemma has also served on the Borough’s Land Use Board and Board of Health, and currently serves as Fire Commissioner.

“I am proud to endorse Don Lemma,” said SCRO Chair Tim Howes. “Whether we are opposing overdevelopment or promoting sound emergency management, Don is the
leader that Somerset County needs.”

Lemma will seek first seek the endorsement of the Somerset County Republican Organization at its annual screening meeting on March 14, 2023.