Brookdale to Host President’s Summit of Monmouth Mayors on April 17

Brookdale to Host President’s Summit of Monmouth Mayors on April 17
Regional leaders to explore “Harvesting Opportunity Around a Shared Vision”

LINCROFT, NJ — Brookdale Community College will host the President’s Summit of Monmouth Mayors on April 17, 2026, bringing together municipal leaders, innovators, and regional partners for a dynamic day of collaboration, strategy-building, and community engagement.

The Summit, themed “Harvesting Opportunity Around a Shared Vision,” will focus on strengthening Monmouth County’s Main Street economy by aligning the growing forces of agriculture, hospitality, tourism, and technology. Through discussion and partnership, the event will explore actionable ways to support local businesses, cultivate a skilled workforce, and enhance quality of life across the county.

“Brookdale is proud to serve as a convener for the leaders shaping the future of our communities,” said Dr. David M. Stout, President of Brookdale Community College. “By bringing together mayors, industry experts, and community organizations, we can cultivate new partnerships and ideas that help Monmouth County thrive.”

Monmouth County’s mayors will have a unique opportunity to contribute to a shared vision for regional growth rooted in innovation, economic resilience, and community vitality.

Keynote Address

The Summit will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Jack L. Harris, Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Director of Sustainability at Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Dr. Harris will share insights on sustainability, resilience, and the evolving opportunities within local community ecosystems.

Panel of Community Innovators

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Jackeline Mejías-Fuertes, Regional Director of the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College, will bring together leaders working at the intersection of agriculture, community development, and economic growth.

Featured speakers include:

Joe Atchison III, Assistant Secretary and Director of Marketing and Development, New Jersey Department of Agriculture
The Honorable Kim Guadagno, President and CEO of The Mercy Center and former Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
Mayor Jason Cilento, President of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors
Karyn Moskowitz, Coordinator of the Building a Healthier, More Equitable Community Initiative and Founder and Executive Director of New Roots, Inc.
Marilyn Schlossbach, Owner and CEO of the Marilyn Group and founder of Food for Thought by the Sea

Additional participation will include representatives from the Grown in Monmouth Initiative, the Office of U.S. Senator Andy Kim, and students from the Monmouth County Vocational School District FFA, highlighting the next generation of agricultural and community leadership.

The Summit will also include a special tour for mayors of Brookdale’s state-of-the-art Esports Arena, the region’s premier hub for the rapidly expanding esports industry, showcasing how emerging technologies are shaping workforce development and economic opportunity.

Designed specifically for Monmouth County mayors and community stakeholders, the President’s Summit provides a forum for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and identifying strategies that help municipalities grow stronger together.

By bringing together leaders from government, education, agriculture, and business, the Summit aims to advance a shared Agri–Main Street economy—one that supports local innovation, entrepreneurship, and community vitality across Monmouth County.

Monmouth County mayors interested in attending are encouraged to register and join this collaborative conversation shaping the region’s future.