Long-Serving FMERA Board Member Recognized for Impact on Region’s Economic Development

The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC) this month presented Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders Director Lillian Burry with its President’s Award at its 52nd Annual Silver Gull Award Dinner. In honoring Freeholder Burry, MODC recognized her career-long commitment to economic development within Monmouth County.

President’s Award recipient Freeholder Director Lillian Burry (Photo courtesy of Monmouth County photographer Michael Colarusso)

Freeholder Burry is currently the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) Board’s longest-serving member. She was appointed by Governor Jon Corzine to the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority, FMERA’s predecessor, in 2009 and to the FMERA Board by Governor Chris Christie in 2010.

“Freehold Burry has been an integral part of the FMERA Board since Day 1,” FMERA Chairman James V. Gorman said. “Over the last seven years, Lillian’s insight and expertise have helped shape many of our decisions and helped attract redevelopment efforts to the Fort that have led to investment and job creation for the people of Monmouth County.”

As Chairwoman of FMERA’s Veterans Staff Advisory Committee, Freeholder Burry has been a strong advocate for veterans in and around Monmouth County. In addition, last year, she was instrumental in helping to secure funding necessary for FMERA to purchase the remainder of the Fort from the United States Army. She is also a member of FMERA’s Real Estate Committee.

Freeholder Burry was first elected to the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2005. Since then, she has served that board in many capacities, such as overseeing the day-to-day functions of the Park System, and public services including the Sheriff’s Office, Correctional Institution, County Surrogate and the County Clerk. She is also the Freeholder member to the County Planning Board, Parks and Recreation Commission and Library Commission.

This month Freeholder Burry was also honored by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs as a 2017 New Jersey Woman of Achievement. The award celebrates the significant accomplishments of distinguished women in New Jersey who have demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, humanitarianism, philanthropy, community service, the arts, and public service.

Photos from the May 4 MODC event can be found at http://www.modc.com/photo_album.html.

Congratulations, Freeholder Burry!