Commissioner Director Joseph H. Vicari
Chairman: Senior Services and County Operations
Term Expires: 12/31/2023
Phone: 732-929-2002
Email: CommissionerVicari@co.ocean.nj.us

Ocean County Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari is an experienced and staunch advocate for consumers, seniors, education, tourism, and the local business community. He is serving as the Director of the Board of Commissioner for 2023.

The most experienced Freeholder/Commissioner in the state of New Jersey, Director Vicari has been known as a problem solver since he was first elected to the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders now the Board of Commissioners in 1981. He is currently in his 14th term on the Board. Director Vicari also served as mayor of the state's 10th largest community five times during his tenure as a Toms River (Dover) Township Committeeman from 1980 to 1994.

A lifelong educator, Director Vicari has given his support to the many programs at the nationally recognized Ocean County Vocational-Technical Schools, in addition to the partnership forged with Kean University providing local students with a four-year degree on the Ocean County College Campus in Toms River. He is a staunch advocate for the OCVTS Performing Arts Academy located on the campus of Ocean County College. The Vo-Tech’s apprentice program has been lauded as one of the best in the nation. Director Vicari has always stressed the importance of training programs for residents of all ages and creating job opportunities for the future.

As Chairman of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, Director Vicari advocates for the County’s more than 200,000 seniors citizens. The Department’s Meals-on-Wheels program is a model throughout the state. He’s also worked closely with law enforcement to combat senior fraud and other scams that target this vulnerable population.

The Ocean County Office of Consumer Affairs, while under Director Vicari’s oversight, was recognized by the state Attorney General as the leading county consumer affairs office in the State of New Jersey.

As a supporter of fiscal conservative policies, Director Vicari takes pride in the efforts of the entire Board of Commissioners that has resulted in the County maintaining a AAA bond rating – the highest possible – even during difficult economic times and also the tax rate has continued to decline for the seventh straight year.

Director Vicari promotes doing business locally through his “Buy in Ocean County” program. In 2014, his efforts to work with small businesses expanded with the creation of the Division of Business Development and Tourism. He is also promoting an effort to ensure that the county’s businesses are “senior friendly” by providing easy access to older and disabled residents.

He additionally serves as liaison to the Ocean County's Workforce Development Board, Ocean County Library system, Ocean County’s Airport, and Tourism and Business Advisory Council.

He continues to spearhead economic stimulus programs with partnerships between the County and with the military. A staunch supporter for Joint Base McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst, Director Vicari promotes the many economic benefits of the base as it relates to Ocean County.

After graduating St. Peter's University, Jersey City, he earned his M.A. in education, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University. A lifelong educator, he worked as a teacher, elementary school principal and as Superintendent of Schools.

Director Vicari is committed to working for the people of Ocean County. His dedication and lifelong service to Ocean County has shown his leadership to be second to none. Director Vicari is looking forward to continuing his service to the people of Ocean County. He and his wife have two children and two grandchildren.