Strengthening Community Impact Through Board Service & Leadership
January 16, 2026
OceanFirst Foundation is expanding its commitment to community impact by empowering emerging leaders to take on meaningful roles through nonprofit board and committee service. By connecting highly skilled colleagues and community members with nonprofits seeking strong volunteer leadership, we are helping organizations thrive – and helping our team and community members grow as emerging leaders.
In 2025, 32 OceanFirst WaveMakers completed the Introduction to Board Service training led by Keith Timko, Executive Director at the Support Center. The training equipped participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to take on nonprofit governance roles that aligned with their strengths and interests. Following the training, attendees participated in a high‑energy networking mixer with nonprofit partners – creating space for authentic connection and long‑term community engagement.
2025 partners included: American Cancer Society; American Red Cross; Anchor House; Boy Scouts Of America, Monmouth Council; Chef Lou’s Army; EarthShare NJ; Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center; Homes For All; HomeSharing; James R Halsey Foundation for the Arts; Meals on Wheels Greater New Brunswick; Meals on Wheels Ocean County; Mental Health Association of Monmouth County; New Jersey Angels; New Jersey Blind Citizens Association, Inc.; NJ Food Democracy Collaborative; Ocean Partnership for Children; Oceans Harbor House; The Oxx Foundation; Pinwheel Place; Roots and Wings; and Shore House.
Since the program’s launch, our Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator Julie Bellezza has successfully placed 25 WaveMakers on nonprofit boards – supporting local organizations and developing stronger leaders within OceanFirst.
If your organization is looking for committed, well-trained board or committee members, we invite you to participate in a 2026 session. Click here to learn more or reach out to Julie at jbellezza@oceanfirstfdn.org.