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

Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea, a dedicated and active leader of Little Egg Harbor Township, was sworn into office for her first term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s Jan. 5, 2022 organization meeting.

Commissioner Crea serves as Chairwoman of Human Services and Social Services and as liaison to a number of Ocean County Departments that help serve as a lifeline for many Ocean County citizens.

In addition, Commissioner Crea serves as liaison to Ocean County’s award winning recycling program.

As Chairwoman of Human Services and liaison to the Ocean County Board of Social Services, Commissioner Crea works closely with those agencies and affiliated partners in making certain programs and services are in place to help the most vulnerable and needy citizens in Ocean County. She also serves as a member of the Board of Social Services.

Social Services serves as a lifeline for thousands of Ocean County residents who are having a difficult time keeping food on their table or a roof over their heads. The mission of the Ocean County Board of Social Services is to serve County residents in the administration of approximately 60 programs including General Assistance, SNAP and Family Care.

The Ocean County Department of Human Services is responsible for overseeing about $21 million in publicly funded services delivered to individuals in the community every day. The Department is made up of different units with each focused on specialized areas of need, service delivery and program development. Those areas include Mental Health Board, Workforce Development Board, Children’s behavioral health treatment and support and support for individuals living with disabilities.

Commissioner 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.

As liaison to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management, she is tasked with overseeing the County’s award-winning recycling program and a host of other environmentally beneficial programs.

Commissioner Crea had 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.

Commissioner 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.

As a devoted and committed leader, Commissioner Crea’s contributions have extended beyond elected office. In 2020, then Mayor Crea successfully spearheaded and brought Interfaith Health and Support Services of Southern Ocean County to Little Egg Harbor. This organization helps homebound and elderly who may be unable to drive to their medical appointments or get to a grocery store. Their volunteers provide many more services as well for seniors.

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

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