Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea
Chairwoman: Senior Services and Solid Waste Management
Term Expires: 12/31/2024
Phone: 732-929-2001
Email: CommissionerCrea@co.ocean.nj.us

Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea, a dedicated and active Ocean County leader will serve as the 2024 Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

Director Crea of Little Egg Harbor Township, was sworn into office for her first term on the Ocean County Board of Chosen Commissioners during the Board’s Jan. 5, 2022, organization meeting.

Director Crea has closely worked with the Department of Human Services and the Ocean County Board of Social Services in helping the most vulnerable of residents in Ocean County. A staunch advocate for implementing the Homelessness Trust Fund in Ocean County, Director Crea garnered the support of the Board of Commissioners establishing the fund in 2023. The fund will supplement existing social services programs and help support services that assist the homeless and needy individuals and families.

Director Crea has also worked with Human Services in the creation of the Ocean County Opioid Advisory Council which oversees the use of funds distributed by the National Opioid Litigation Resolution against pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Funding priorities include public awareness and education, prevention, care management and workforce development.

Director Crea serves as liaison to Ocean County’s award winning recycling program which has provided environmental and economic benefits to Ocean County for decades. In addition to the traditional recycling programs, the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management has made program outreach a priority and has established many innovative services that have taken recycling to a new level.

Director Crea is the Chairwoman of the Office of Senior Services. More than 200,000 seniors call Ocean County home. Director Crea works closely with office staff in order to provide a host of important services that focuses on independent living for the elderly as a priority.

Director Crea also serves as liaison to the Ocean County Planning Department, which plays an integral role in county government, charged with a number of regional responsibilities including the Community Development Block Grant program and also the popular Ocean County Pumpout Boat Program.

Director Crea proudly served as both a Committeewoman and Mayor in Little Egg Harbor Township. She was a member and liaison to the Little Egg Harbor Township’s Senior Advisory Board.

Director Crea served as a member of the Ocean County Board of Health and as a trustee to the Great Bay Regional Volunteer EMS. She is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 493. She is a proud recipient of Southern Ocean County Woman of Achievement award from the Girl Scouts of Ocean County.

Director Crea retired in 1994 as Bureau Chief of the New Jersey Division of Taxation and is a Graduate of the Certified Public Managers Program.

Director Crea was recently widowed after being married to Richard Crea for 41 years. She has two stepchildren and seven grandchildren.