Ocean County Government
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  Director John P. Kelly has been an Ocean County elected official since 1993. He was sworn into his 11th three-year term on the Board of Commissioners during the Board’s organization meeting Jan. 4, 2023. Read more

  Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi was sworn to his first three year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s reorganization meeting Jan. 3, 2024. A successful businessman and a long-time public servant, Commissioner Sadeghi brings years of leadership experience to the Board. Read more

  Commissioner Virginia E. "Ginny" Haines, a lifelong resident of Ocean County, brings years of public service and leadership experience to the Board of Commissioners. She was sworn into her third three-year term on the Board during its organization meeting Jan. 4, 2023. Read more

  Commissioner Robert S. Arace was sworn into his first three-year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s 2025 organization meeting on Jan. 6. A lifelong resident of Ocean County, Commissioner Arace is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and family-friendly community. Read more

  Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione was sworn to her first three-year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s Jan. 6, 2025 Organization Meeting. Read more


Michael J. Fiure, County Administrator
101 Hooper Ave. Admin Building
Toms River, NJ 08754
Phone: (732) 929-2147 | Email: MFiure@co.ocean.nj.us


History | Contact the Commissioners | Meeting Dates | Meeting Agendas
Meeting Minutes | Budget Information | Audit Reports

Who We Are

Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission is the primary leader and catalyst for the promotion of public interest in the arts and the preservation of cultural and heritage in Ocean County. Established by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners in 1969, the Commission is made up of nine members and two alternates along with staff members. It is the central county agency charged with advocating for the arts and humanities in Ocean County.

The Commission and staff develop, foster and evaluate programs and services in the arts and history to further the growth and knowledge of the County’s cultural and heritage resources. The staff works directly with individuals, organizations and community groups, as well as municipal, state, regional and federal agencies to advance local arts and history activities.

Commission Members

Bahiyyah Abdullah
Alison Amelchenko
Dr. Henry Jackson
Roberta Krantz
Kevin W. Pace
Lori Pepenella
Jennifer J. Sancton
Sara Siegler
Linda Starzman

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Commission Alternates

Kelly Fliller
Tova Herskovitz
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Staff

Timothy G. Hart, Director
R. Joseph Latshaw III
Catherine McLearen
Andrea Sauchelli
Alexandra Smith
Samantha Stokes
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Our Mission

By encouraging creative and cultural expressions through inclusiveness and education, the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission promotes public interest in the arts and the
preservation of cultural and heritage.
Adopted: February21, 2006

Our Vision

The Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission will be the primary leader and catalyst in promoting the arts and cultural heritage in Ocean County.
Adopted: November 20, 2001