Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort

Commissioner
Michèle S. Delisfort

Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort is a distinguished Planner and Public Figure with over 25 years of experience in the planning industry. Her career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Planner Award from the American Planning Association in 2019, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the field. Michèle’s leadership extends beyond her professional accomplishments, as she has been a mentor to countless aspiring Planners, nurturing the next generation of talent.

Currently, Michèle serves as the Principal and Managing Partner of Nishuane Group, LLC, a premier Urban Planning consultancy firm. Her business development expertise has played a pivotal role in the firm’s expansion and its dedication to socially conscious initiatives. Through her innovative approach to planning, Michèle has successfully bridged the gap between Urban Planning and community development in New Jersey, advocating for a holistic approach that enhances the quality of life for residents.

In addition to her professional commitments, Michèle is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers her time and expertise with various organizations, including her roles as an Executive Committee member and Redevelopment Chairperson of the American Planning Association-NJ Chapter, an Ethics Committee member with the National American Planning Association, Chairperson of the Haiti Liaison Committee, and Board Member of the National Haitian-American Elected Officials Network. Michèle also actively participates as a Finance Committee member at St. Joseph Church and serves as a Trustee at New Jersey Future.

Michèle’s extensive resume also includes her role as the former Mayor of Union Township, where she made significant contributions by applying her expertise in City & Regional Planning to the governing body. Her efforts led to approximately $500 million in redevelopment investments for the township, improvements to commercial corridors, enhanced public safety, road repairs, and policy initiatives aimed at beautifying the town’s downtown, parks, and public spaces.

She is a staunch advocate for community engagement and consensus-building, earning recognition for her role in the adoption of a new Master Plan in 2021, which received the Statewide award for the outstanding plan of the year from the NJ Planning Officials. In recognition of her outstanding leadership, Michèle was honored with the 2021 Mayor of the Year Award by the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce.

During her tenure as Mayor of the Township of Union, Michèle played a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating the Township of Union’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing vital support to residents and businesses in navigating the challenges posed by the crisis. Her strategic approach to development, responsiveness to community needs, and proactive stance on quality-of-life issues have made her a driving force in the Township of Union.