NJUA to posthumously honor Florio with Distinguished Service Award

Gov. Jim Florio, a champion for the energy and environmental sectors during his time in office, will be honored posthumously with Distinguished Service Award by the New Jersey Utilities Association Thursday during the group’s annual conference at the Seaview Golf Resort in Galloway.

As governor, Florio was responsible for a wide variety of initiatives, many of which led to significant changes in New Jersey public policy and governance.

Florio also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975-1990, where he authored the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, known as the “Superfund” law, to clean up the most polluted sites in the country. He was also a New Jersey Assemblyman from 1969-1975 and served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. He was a Founding Partner in the law firm of Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor LLC.

For a complete agenda – and to register – click here.

NJUA CEO Rich Henning said Florio is so worthy of the honor.

“Governor Florio created a lasting legacy in New Jersey that will have a positive impact for generations,” he said. “He understood the importance and nuance of public policy like few before or since. Governor Florio remained a sage voice even after his time in the Statehouse ended and we can think of few people more deserving of NJUA’s Distinguished Service Award.”

Right after the presentation, Cindy Jebb, the first woman to be named President at Ramapo College, will discuss student recruitment in an interview with Aqua New Jersey President Larry Carson.

Jebb, who retired as a Brigadier General from the U.S. military after 39 years of service to take the job, is a former military intelligence officer, an active member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a well-regarded scholar and instructor. Jebb has taught courses in Comparative Politics, International Security, International Relations, Cultural Anthropology, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, and Officership. She is the author and co-author of three books, two monographs, and a variety of journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers.

NJUA’s 108th annual conference will feature a variety of speakers and panelists discussing the latest issues and news impacting the utilities industry.

Among some of the many featured speakers and panelists:

· State Sen. Andrew Zwicker;

· State Sen. Holly Schepisi;

· Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo;

· NJBPU President Joseph Fiordaliso;

· NJBPU Commissioner Mary-Anna Holden;

· NJBPU Commissioner Dianne Solomon;

· NJBPU Commissioner Zenon Christodoulou;

· and former NJBPU President Rick Mroz.

The conference will cover such topics as New Jersey’s Water Master Plan, the focus on affordable utility services, and electrification.