Brookdale Alumnus Champions Community, Communication, and Leadership

For one Brookdale Community College alumnus, the path to leadership began with a simple but powerful realization: helping others is at the heart of meaningful work.

After studying public relations and business at Brookdale, Terence Wall discovered that the communication and business skills he developed would become the foundation for a career spanning municipal leadership, education governance, and the private sector.

Educational Foundations and Global Perspective

During his studies at Brookdale Community College, he attended the highly regarded Brookdale Community College International Studies program which brought his education to the University of West London, England (formerly Ealing College). After graduating from Brookdale, he furthered his studies at West Virginia University, Thomas Edison College and Keller Graduate School where he earned his Masters in Public Administration degree.

A Career Dedicated to Public Service

During Terence’s public sector career, he was the Chief Executive Officer/Chief Administrative Officer and Joint Insurance Fund Commissioner in four New Jersey municipalities including Cranford, North Arlington, Keansburg and Jackson. He served as an Acting CFO when needed. His municipal certifications from Rutgers include Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA), Registered Municipal Clerk (RMC), and Affordable Housing Professional (AHP).

Leadership in the Private Sector

Today, he is a Vice President at Marsh McLennan Agency with offices in Red Bank, New Jersey. He focuses on providing employee benefit and business risk management solutions to public entities, private companies, and non-profits. Marsh McLennan Agency is part of Marsh, the largest insurance broker in the world with offices in 130 countries.

Reflections on the Brookdale Experience

Looking back, he credits Brookdale with helping him find direction during an important stage of his life.

“Brookdale enabled me to focus on what areas were part of my next journey as a young adult,” he said. “I enjoyed the communication studies, and the business applications translate to almost any industry.”

A graduate of Holmdel High School, he chose Brookdale because of its strong reputation and accessibility for students in the region, something he later championed during his time in public leadership.

“Brookdale is one of the best community colleges in the country and having that opportunity locally for students is incredibly important,” he said.

Civic Engagement and Elected Leadership

His dedication to community service began early. In his twenties, he volunteered as an emergency medical technician (EMT) with his local first aid squad, eventually serving as vice president and dedicating nearly a decade to the organization. That experience sparked a passion for civic engagement that would shape his career.

In his early thirties, he ran for the Holmdel Township Committee, ultimately serving three elected terms and gaining firsthand insight into how government, business, and community organizations work together. More recently he served seven years on the Holmdel Board of Education, including serving as Board Vice-President and President.

Terence has served on numerous boards over the years and currently is a Trustee for Sustainable Jersey. The organization is based out of TCNJ with the mission of empowering New Jersey communities to build a better world for future generations with the tools, training and financial incentives necessary to pursue critical sustainability initiatives.

“It’s ultimately about helping people,” he said. “You learn that every organization, public or private, is really about how you can make a difference in someone’s life.”

The Power of Communication

Across the many roles he has held, from municipal administration to corporate leadership, he believes one skill connects them all: communication.

“Effective communication is essential, especially when people come to the table with different perspectives,” he explained. “If you can find areas of common ground, you can turn those differences into better ideas, better policies, and better solutions.”

He notes that communication skills often develop in unexpected places, recalling his time in community theater, where collaboration and public speaking helped build confidence that carried over into his professional life.

Supporting the Next Generation through ChamberCast

That philosophy also guides his work as host of ChamberCast, a podcast produced originally with the Holmdel Chamber of Commerce which he cofounded with his wife Jeanne and then partnered with the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce. The monthly live streaming podcast highlights local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders. Notably, local students also attend with their teacher to network, ask questions and be a part of the conversation.

ChamberCast has connected entrepreneurs and community members while helping spotlight issues ranging from mental health to workforce development. Over one hundred student internships have been formed with businesses in and around the bell works ecosystem. The focus on the future generation of learners and leaders is part of each broadcast.

Inspiration and Advice for Students

Terence credits the love and support of his family during life’s journey as his source of continued inspiration. “A day can be long yet a life seem so short. Time is your most valuable asset. It’s so important to pause and remember what’s most important to you.”

When giving advice to students, he often shares lessons learned throughout his career, especially the importance of exploration and resilience.

“It’s as important to discover what you don’t like as it is to discover what you do,” he said. “Both experiences help you refine your direction.”

He also encourages students to invest time in volunteer work, even when schedules feel overwhelming. “You’re never too busy to volunteer,” he said. “The value you gain from helping others often exceeds what you give.”

Perhaps most importantly, he believes success is built on human connection in an increasingly digital world. “Technology will always be a tool,” he said. “But the ability to communicate, make eye contact, and connect with people will always matter. The people who build trust and relationships will lead.”

Looking Forward

Today, as a professional leader, community advocate, and happily married father of four, he reflects on the journey that brought him from Brookdale classrooms to boardrooms and community service. His message to the next generation is simple but powerful: trust your path.

“Focus on your own journey. Be patient with yourself, follow your dreams, and don’t be afraid to fail,” he said. “If you stay true to what matters to you and keep working toward doing good things, opportunities will open. God Bless you, let’s make a good memory every day and always be humble and kind.”

For him, the journey that began at Brookdale continues to be defined by the same principle that first inspired his career: helping people and strengthening the communities around him.