Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon

Chairwoman
Lourdes M. Leon

Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon, a lifelong resident of Elizabeth, was elected to the Union County Board of County Commissioners in 2020. She made history as the first Hispanic woman elected to the Board and on January 6, 2025, she was named Chairwoman for 2025 under the theme of her initiatives “Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed to Progress.”

A dedicated community activist and award-winning educator, Leon served over 27 years in the Elizabeth School District. Born in Cuba, she immigrated to Elizabeth with her parents in 1971. She began her career in education as a teacher’s aide, working her way up to Vice Principal and eventually Principal of the Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center, which she helped open in 2003. In 2004-2005, she was honored with the Donald Stewart “Strive for Excellence” Educator’s Award for her outstanding contributions as an educator.

After retiring in 2013, Leon continued her public service as President of the City of Elizabeth Mayor’s Community Development Advisory Committee, a role she has held since 2017. In 2021, as a member of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety Committee, she was instrumental in overseeing Union County’s COVID-19 response, which included administering hundreds of thousands of tests and vaccines and distributing over 10 million meals to residents in need.

As a Commissioner, Leon has served as liaison to several key boards and committees, including the Advisory Council on Aging, the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Board, the Union College School Board of Estimates, the Shade Tree Advisory Board, and the Community Development Block Grant Board. She also serves as an alternate liaison to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. Her continued involvement reflects her deep commitment to supporting Union County’s residents. She has also taught English as a Second Language to adult students at the Verizon – Benchmark Hotels Corporation.

Chairwoman Leon holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kean University and completed 30 additional credits in Educational Leadership at Walden University and Marygrove College.

Initiatives

Speech

• Good evening, everyone.
• Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate the progress and unity that make Union County so special.
• It is truly an honor to stand before you as your new Chairwoman, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve this incredible community.
• Before I dive into plans for the year ahead, I want to take a moment to recognize my mother, who is not able to be here today, but is watching live from home and to thank my family and friends for their support.
• I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Senate President Nicholas Scutari for being here.
• Your strong leadership has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that directly benefit the residents of Union County, and we are grateful for your commitment.
• Thank you to our outgoing Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded, for your outstanding leadership in 2024.
• It was an honor to make history together as the first Chairwoman and Vice Chairwoman team, and I am proud of all we achieved for Union County under your guidance.
• Let’s give her a round of applause.
• Thank you to my Commissioner colleagues for your confidence in me – I am certain we are going to have a great year.
• As I prepared for today, I reflected on how public service has truly become a way of life for me, and it gives me great pleasure and honor to serve all the residents of Union County.
• This, I can do because of our resident’s support, which motivates and inspires me every day to give my very best.
• My career experiences have taught me the importance of dedication, leadership, and making a difference in people’s lives—qualities I carry with me in every role I take on, especially as a County Commissioner.
• Today, as we chart our course for this year, I am proud to announce: Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed to Progress.
• This theme expresses our commitment to making sure every resident knows what Union County can offer and how we, as your County Commissioners, are here to serve you.
• It highlights our goal of creating meaningful connections among residents, creating opportunities, and making it so everyone has the tools to thrive.
• Union County is not just a collection of towns and cities; we are a united community, bound by mutual values and a collective vision for the future.
• In the year ahead, we will prioritize grassroots engagement, working so that every resident can access the resources they need to live with dignity and achieve their goals, even during challenging times.
• This work would not be possible without the incredible team behind it. My heartfelt thanks to County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, our County Directors, Constitutional Officers, and every dedicated County employee.
• Your hard work and professionalism touch thousands of lives every day and are essential to advancing our shared mission.
• As we move forward, it is important to reflect on the ideals that built this County and our nation.
• Next year, we will join the rest of America in celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution.
• This milestone serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, unity, and sacrifices that shaped our history and continue to inspire our work in Union County.
• It is also a moment to recognize the promise of this nation—a land that opens its doors to people from all corners of the globe, including those like my own Hispanic family, who came here with dreams of a better future.
• Just as the Revolution paved the way for progress, we remain committed to ensuring public safety, increasing availability to essential resources, and creating a community where all residents can live securely and confidently.
• Union County is steadfast in protecting residents’ well-being through impactful programs like the Sheriff’s Lifesaver Program, the Blue Envelope Program, and the Special Needs Registry.
• These essential services are now part of ACCESS Union County, which stands for Accessible Community Care, Emergency Support, and Safety – a centralized initiative that unifies these critical programs, streamlines information, and confirm residents receive the care they need in times of crisis.
• This initiative reflects our strong commitment to compassion and accessibility, providing peace of mind to families.
• For example, expanding the Sheriff’s Lifesaver Program, which was originally designed to assist Alzheimer’s patients, to include children with autism and others in need.
• As someone whose father lost his battle with Alzheimer’s, I understand firsthand the vital impact of programs like these for families facing similar challenges.
• The Sheriff’s Office will also expand its programming with more self-defense classes, senior scam awareness workshops, and fingerprinting events for children, further strengthening trust and emphasizing their pledge to serve our community.
• The Prosecutor’s Office is equally dedicated to assisting residents by offering expungement clinics that provide individuals with a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to our society.
• Through our Department of Public Safety, the Union County Fire Academy recently underwent renovations, and we are continuing to expand the Union County Regional Communications Center.
• These advancements ensure that our first responders have the training and resources necessary to effectively address emergencies and protect our communities.
• While safeguarding our residents is a cornerstone of our mission, true progress extends beyond security – it’s about developing trust and making sure every resident can reach their full potential in a connected and supportive community.
• Our Department of Parks and Recreation plays a vital role in bringing these efforts to life.
• Through free children and senior swim lessons, the summer concert series, the summer theater program, and community garden initiatives, our parks bring residents together, enrich lives, and create spaces for connection and growth.
• But we are not stopping there.
• We are committed to further developing and enhancing our park systems to certify they remain accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all, reinforcing their role as essential places for recreation, relaxation, and community-building.
• As we continue to strengthen our parks and recreation offerings, we are also prioritizing the delivery of essential services across all areas of county government.
• This year, we are launching the Community Resource Access Initiative, a bold step toward bridging gaps and building even deeper connections with the communities we serve.
• Through this, we will bring Union County’s resources directly to our residents, meeting them where they are and that no one is left behind.
• We are introducing programs like Coffee with a Commissioner, which will bring commissioners to senior centers and community spaces, creating a relaxed atmosphere for open discussions.
• Regular Community Resource Seminars will provide important insights into housing, healthcare, employment, and public services, featuring direct participation from commissioners and department leaders to spark meaningful dialogue and connect residents with the support they need.
• For those unable to attend, our new Digital Accessibility Site will offer recorded seminars, multilingual guides, and interactive tools, ensuring all residents can learn about support anytime, anywhere.
• Another key focus of our efforts this year will be empowering the next generation.
• Our youth are the future of Union County, and we are dedicated to equipping them with meaningful opportunities to grow and succeed.
• That is why we are launching a Youth in Government Day, which will offer students a unique, hands-on experience in county government.
• Participants will shadow officials, observe daily operations, and gain insight into the essential work that helps our residents, while learning about the scope and impact of county responsibilities.
• This initiative seeks to inspire civic engagement, emphasize the importance of local government, and prepare young leaders to build a stronger Union County.
• By empowering our youth, we empower our future.
• My experiences as an educator have shown me the transformative power of nurturing young minds, fueling my passion for creating programs that motivate and support the leaders of tomorrow.
• These young leaders will inherit the world we leave behind, and it is our responsibility to make certain they understand the importance of caring for our environment.
• By investing in our youth and their future, we also renew our promise to sustainability.
• Union County has long been a leader in environmental stewardship, and this year, we are doubling down on those efforts.
• Through the Shade Tree Commission and Office of Open Space through our Parks Department, we will plant hundreds of new trees across the County, enhancing our green spaces and contributing to a healthier environment.
• We are expanding recycling programs in schools and introducing a Used Clothing and Accessory Program, offering convenient drop-off locations to help reduce waste while benefiting our municipalities.
• Building on last year’s success, we are expanding recycling events, including hazardous waste collections, paper shredding, and scrap metal drop-offs, to meet growing demands.
• These efforts reflect our focus on a cleaner environment and the well-being of future generations.
• None of this would be possible without the support of our community. Your active engagement and enthusiasm fuel the success of these programs and inspire us to reach even greater heights.
• While we advance environmental initiatives, we continue to be committed to addressing residents’ immediate needs through innovative programs and improved services.
• This year, the Department of Human Services is launching Social Services Resource Hubs, centralized locations providing residents with one-stop access to a wide range of tailored services.
• Nonprofit partners will also host offices within the Elizabeth and Plainfield Social Service buildings and the Union County American Job Center on designated days, streamlining information to programs like healthcare, housing, and application assistance.
• By leveraging data to track service use, address gaps, and improve outcomes, this initiative enhances the efficiency and impact of support services, empowering residents to achieve stability and success.
• We are also expanding our services at our county health clinic.
• In addition to providing vaccines and flu shots, we will now offer physicals for children, bringing essential healthcare closer to families in our community.
• And through multilingual seminars, we will help residents navigate assistance programs and connect with resources in their preferred language, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity.
• In partnership with the Surrogate’s Court, they will expand its “Setting Your Intention” presentations, highlighting the importance of estate planning, and launch a Guardianship Talk Series focused on parents of children with developmental disabilities as they approach adulthood.
• The court will also enhance outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, partnering with community stakeholders to host a webinar with updates for same-sex couples on estate planning and adoption matters.
• Additionally, they are proud to play a role in creating forever families in Union County – as the adoption clerk for the Superior Court of New Jersey – and they are excited to now offer monthly wedding ceremonies for all residents wishing to celebrate their union in our community.
• These efforts reflect Union County’s commitment to equality, demonstrating that every person—regardless of race, color, or background—is treated with respect.
• As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism and determination.
• To the residents of Union County – thank you for your trust and partnership. You are the driving force behind our work and the foundation of our success.
• We are committed to connecting communities, strengthening services, and creating opportunities so every resident feels supported and empowered.
• Together, we will meet any challenge with determination, ensuring Union County remains a place of prospect and progress.
• To my fellow Commissioners, County Manager, Directors, and staff: your dedication and hard work are the backbone of our achievements, and I am proud to serve alongside you.
• Together, we will make 2025 a year of connection, innovation, and growth—a year that reinforces our commitment to every resident and the future of Union County.
• Thank you.

Press Release

Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon Announces “Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed To Progress” at 168th Annual Reorganization Meeting

At the 168th Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon was sworn in as Chairwoman of the Commissioner Board, making history as the first Hispanic woman to lead the Board. Chairwoman Leon announced her initiatives for 2025 under the theme, “Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed to Progress,” emphasizing grassroots engagement, access to resources, and developing opportunities for all residents.

“Union County is a vibrant and diverse community, and our strength lies in the connections between its people and the resources we provide,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As Chairwoman, my focus is on ensuring that every resident feels supported and empowered. Together, we will continue to build bridges, create opportunities, and create a community where everyone has the tools to succeed. I look forward to a year of connection, innovation, and growth.”

A lifelong resident of Elizabeth, Chairwoman Leon emigrated from Cuba with her family in 1971. She is a dedicated community activist and award-winning educator, serving more than 27 years in the Elizabeth School District, where she rose from a teacher’s aide to Vice Principal and Principal of the Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center. Her achievements include receiving the Donald Stewart “Strive for Excellence” Educator’s Award in 2004-2005.

After retiring in 2013, Chairwoman Leon continued her public service as President of the City of Elizabeth Mayor’s Community Development Advisory Committee and joined the Commissioner Board in 2020. She has played a critical role in initiatives like Union County’s COVID-19 response, which included administering hundreds of thousands of tests and vaccines, and distributing over 10 million meals to residents in need.

Chairwoman Leon holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Kean University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Her commitment to public service and dedication to Union County’s residents reflect her passion for creating meaningful connections and driving progress.

At the Reorganization meeting, Commissioners Alexander Mirabella, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded were also sworn into their new terms; James E. Baker, Jr. was sworn into his new term prior to the meeting.  Commissioner Joseph C. Bodek assumed the role of Vice-Chairman. During the meeting, the Commissioners also voted on appointments to various County advisory boards and approved the Board’s 2025 schedule and procedural rules.