Fort Monmouth revitalization authority chair resigns

Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Chairman James V. Gorman has resigned.

During his seven years on the board, the authority sold 11 properties and is under contract or in active negotiations for 17 others.

“It’s been an honor to work with our chairman, James V. Gorman, over the past seven years,” said Executive Director Bruce Steadman. “Much of our success can be credited to the chairman’s excellent leadership, forward-thinking vision and his unwavering commitment to our mission. He will be greatly missed.”

Notable achievements during Gorman’s tenure include the opening of data-security giant Commvault’s 275,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Tinton Falls; the reuse of Fort Monmouth’s former Child Development Center as Trinity Hall School in Tinton Falls; and the rebirth of the former Patterson Army Clinic as AcuteCare in Oceanport.

Gorman has consistently shown a strong commitment to the FMERA mission — to create an atmosphere in which employers will employ and investors will invest, to maximize the jobs created and the value of the property — while also ensuring the goals of the Reuse and Redevelopment Plan are met, according to a release.

Gorman also serves as chairman of Blue Warrior Capital LLC, a private equity and merchant banking firm headquartered in Red Bank. He was a founding member of the firm in 2008.

He also was a founder of National Atlantic Holdings Corp. and Home State Insurance Co.

He has served as chairman of Freehold-based charity IEP Youth Services, which serves abused children ages 8 to 21, since 1997. He was a member of Gov. Chris Christie’s transition team in 2009 and 2010.

Gorman was honored by the NAACP in 1996 for Employment Practices, and in 1995, he was named “Insurance Man of the Year” by the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey.

“Chairman Gorman has been a strong advocate for fast-tracking the redevelopment of the fort as a thriving, live-work-play community,” said Tim Lizura, New Jersey Economic Development Authority president and chief operating officer. “His dedication to FMERA’s work has been paramount to its success, and we’re grateful for his contributions.”

Vice Chairman Dr. Robert Lucky will serve as interim chair until a new one is appointed by Gov.-elect Phil Murphy.