The Mayor and Council selected Lillian L. Nazzaro, Esq. current Mercer County Administrator to run the City. After a search managed by the executive search firm Jersey Professional Management, the Mayor and Council received thirty-six resumes for the City Manager position, narrowed the field to six candidates, and selected Nazzaro citing her administrative experience. Nazzaro has been the Mercer County Administrator under County Executive Brian M. Hughes for the past four years, serving as the first woman to hold that position. Prior to that, she worked as the Deputy County Administrator. She also served as Deputy Counsel for Mercer County as a litigator for 15 years.
Recently, Assemblyman Dan Benson won the County Executive position over Brian M. Hughes, Nazzaro’s boss.
Mercer County operated with a 380-million-dollar budget with over 1500 employees. Asbury Park has a budget of 55 million dollars, 247 full time employees, 52 part time employees and 227 seasonal employees.
Fred Raffetto, City Attorney
City Attorney Fred Raffetto read a prepared statement outlining the search process, provided the public with Nazzaro’s biographical information, and highlighted, “Mercer County operated with a 380-million-dollar budget with over 1500 employees. Asbury Park has a budget of 55 million dollars, 247 full time employees, 52 part time employees and 227 seasonal employees. ”
Deputy Mayor Quinn made the motion to appoint Nazzaro. Before the vote, Quinn welcomed Nazzaro and quipped, “You are the only City Manager we ever interviewed or hired that had an Alpaca farm.” Clayton, Anderson, and Moor took turns welcoming Nazzaro, citing her credentials and looking forward to beginning together. The vote to appoint was unanimous. Councilwoman Chapman was absent. “I am looking forward to this. Working with you individually and with Council,” remarked Nazzaro, thanking the Council and staff and the public for the welcome.
I am looking forward to this. Working with you individually and with Council.
Lilly Nazzaro, newly appointed City Manager
Nazzaro was hired to replace current City Manager Donna Vieiro who announced six months ago that she was retiring from her position on December 31.
Ms. Nazzaro earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University and Juris Doctor degree from University of Dayton Law School. She is a Hopewell Township resident where she lives with her family. She starts her position with the City on December 16, 2023.