Decades of Dedication: Honoring Commissioners Kelly & Haines
On December 17, 2025, Ocean County bid farewell to two pillars of public service — Commissioners John P. “Jack” Kelly and Virginia “Ginny” E. Haines — during their final Board of Commissioners meeting. With over three decades of dedicated leadership, Commissioner Kelly was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal stewardship. Commissioner Haines, whose career spanned more than 40 years at the local, County, and state levels, was honored for her trailblazing roles in state government and her passionate advocacy for parks, recreation, and environmental preservation.
The ceremony featured heartfelt tributes from the 9th District State Sen. Carmen Amato and Assemblyman Gregory E. Myhre, Vetworks, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, former Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea, and incoming Commissioners Ray Gormley and Sam Ellenbogen. Commissioner Kelly and Haines’ retirement mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Ocean County. We thank them for their extraordinary service and lasting impact on our community.
