Stephanie Gorman, a distinguished health officer with the Morris County Division of Public Health, has been sworn in for her second consecutive term as president of the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO). Her reappointment underscores her continued dedication to strengthening public health leadership and advancing initiatives that safeguard communities across New Jersey.
The oath of office was administered during the NJACCHO General Membership Meeting at the Atlantic City Convention Center, held in conjunction with the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference. Among those attending were Morris County leaders including Commissioner Douglas Cabana, who administered the oath, Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Commissioners Christine Myers and John Krickus, Sheriff James Gannon, and Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, reflecting the county’s support for Gorman’s leadership at both local and state levels.
Commissioner Cabana highlighted Gorman’s significance, stating, “We’re proud to have Stephanie representing Morris County again as NJACCHO president. Her leadership exemplifies the county’s commitment to public health and advancing key initiatives across the state.”
NJACCHO serves as the collective voice for public health professionals from 104 health departments across New Jersey’s 21 counties and 565 municipalities. For over 113 years, the association has been a cornerstone of public health advocacy, wellness promotion, disease prevention, and resident protection. Gorman, a member of NJACCHO since 2014 and a board member since 2018, has played a central role in expanding the organization’s reach and influence.
Carlos Perez, chief health officer in the Morris County Division of Public Health, emphasized Gorman’s impact: “Stephanie’s leadership has strengthened our local and state health systems. Her reappointment as NJACCHO president recognizes her achievements and her ability to guide New Jersey’s public health community through complex challenges.”
Reflecting on her first term, Gorman described it as “one of the most challenging, unpredictable, exhausting, yet inspiring years of my career.” Under her guidance, NJACCHO advanced the 21C public health modernization initiative, protected essential grant funding, expanded statewide partnerships, and developed New Jersey’s first comprehensive costing model for public health services. These accomplishments provided critical insight into resource allocation and long-term investment in core health programs.
Gorman emphasized the association’s progress, noting, “Our voices are being heard, our work is being recognized, and 21C is finally gaining momentum. This is a reflection of the resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment of local public health leaders.”
Looking ahead, her next term will focus on navigating New Jersey through a period of significant events and responsibilities. High-profile initiatives such as the 2026 World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations highlight the importance of a coordinated, resilient public health system capable of supporting large-scale events and emergency preparedness efforts.
Gorman reaffirmed her commitment to advancing NJACCHO’s strategic priorities, emphasizing the need to strengthen member engagement, enhance representation, and solidify the role of local public health in statewide decision-making. Her leadership continues to ensure that New Jersey remains at the forefront of public health innovation, wellness promotion, and community protection.
For more insights into public health initiatives and wellness programs across the state, readers can explore the health and wellness resources available throughout New Jersey.
