(Trenton, NJ) - The New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) is pleased to announce that it will inaugurate Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III as the Association’s 85th President at 11:00 a.m. on January 23, 2026 in the Senate Chambers of the State House in Trenton. “I look forward to leading this exceptional organization as it continues to serve as a steadfast advocate and trusted resource for county governments across the State, with a unified, solution-driven, and nonpartisan approach to solving critical issues such as the diversion of 911 fees, homelessness, health benefits reform, and much more,” Commissioner Kern said.

The Honorable Douglas Steinhardt will administer the oath of office to Commissioner Kern. NJAC also will swear in its board of directors and slate of executive officers, which include Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella as 1st Vice President, Monmouth County Commissioner Dominick DiRocco as 2nd Vice President, Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur as Secretary Treasurer, and Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Y. Robison as Immediate Past President. Following the reorganization meeting, all guests are welcome to join NJAC for a luncheon celebration at the historic Masonic Temple.

“As Garden State residents continue to struggle with paying the highest property taxes in the nation, county governments are uniquely positioned to deliver essential services to those in need in a more cost-effective manner, and I look forward to working with the Association’s outstanding executive team and board members to alleviate this overwhelming burden,” stated Kern. NJAC is committed to advocating for legislation, regulations, and policy directives that empower county governments to operate more efficiently and effectively. As a nonpartisan organization that represents the only true regional form of government in the State with a proactive and unified voice, NJAC is dedicated to enhancing the level of service provided and saving valuable taxpayer dollars. Please contact John Donnadio at (609) 394-3467 or Jdonnadio@njac.org with any questions or concerns. You may also visit our website at www.njac.org for additional details about county government and NJAC.