Women of Achievement Awards 13TH ANNUAL
Honoring this year’s outstanding business and community leaders in each of the six counties that comprise Garden State Council, BSA
NOVEMBER 14, 2024 SAPPHIRE GRAND
Debbie Behnke
Donna M. Perez
Eve Pappas
Nicole Gillespie
Rubye Hutchinson
Gaëtane Jean-Marie, Ph.D.
Linda Estacio
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
Welcome
Tammy Garrison, Chair
Opening Ceremony
Pledge, Scout Oath and Law, Invocation
Michael Esimio, Daniel Seibel, Cameron Tarditi, and Gavin Tarditi
Order of the Arrow, Lenape Lodge
Scout Speaker
Ginny Chesnutt, Scouts BSA, Troop 2048 & Order of the Arrow Member
Recognition of Event Committee and Volunteer Appreciation
Debra Rosen, Garden State Council Board, Immediate Past President
Recognition of Sponsors
Deanna Keough, Development Director
Women of Achievement
Awards Presentation
Burlington County: Nicole Gillespie
Camden County: Eve Pappas
Cape May County: Rubye Hutchinson
Cumberland County: Donna M. Perez
Gloucester County: Gaetane Jean-Marie, Ph.D.
Salem County: Debbie Behnke
Woman Scouter of the Year: Linda Estacio
Closing Remarks from the Scout Executive
Patrick Linfors
CHAIR
TAMMY GARRISON
Tammy Garrison is the Director of Sales at South Jersey Gas Company, where she has dedicated over 35 years. She takes pride in leading a committed Sales team focused on customer growth and delivering exceptional service.
Tammy is deeply involved in her community, serving as VP of Fund Development for the Garden State Council and as VP on the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation board. As Cubmaster for Pack 25 in Millville, she enjoys guiding Cub Scouts through badge work, fostering growth, and creating lasting family memories.
A lifelong resident of Cumberland County, Tammy lives in Millville with her husband, Dan, and their blended family of four children and eight grandchildren. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wilmington University.
Scouting is adventure, family, fun, character, leadership, and so much more. In Scouting, boys and girls start with their best right-now selves and grow into their very best future selves. Fun, hands-on learning and achievement puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today –and for life.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Garden State Council, Scouting America, is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
THE SCOUT OATH
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
THE SCOUT LAW
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
THE SCOUT MOTTO
Be Prepared.
GARDEN STATE COUNCIL IMPACT
The vision of the Garden State Council is to provide exciting, fun, and values-based experiences of the highest quality to as many youth as possible. Our mission is to deliver exceptional youth programs focused on character development and leadership training, empowering young people to make ethical decisions and reach their full potential, so they can better serve their families, communities, and country.
The Scouting Edge
The Scouting Edge, a study by The Harris Poll for Scouting America, underscores Scouting’s significant impact on ethical behavior and civic engagement. The research shows that Scouts and alumni are more likely to engage in constructive behaviors and uphold stronger ethical values than their peers who haven’t participated in Scouting.
Key findings include:
Values and Ethics Education:
Scouts and alumni teach their children values and ethics earlier, and learn them sooner than non-Scouts.
Civic Engagement:
Scouts and alumni are more active in voting, volunteering, and community participation, viewing these as core aspects of good citizenship.
Ethical Awareness:
Scouts are more likely to identify behaviors like littering, tax evasion, and resume dishonesty as “absolutely wrong.”
Religious Connection:
Alumni are more likely to identify with a religion and attend services regularly.
Overall, The Scouting Edge confirms that Scouting plays a crucial role in fostering leadership, ethical development, and civic responsibility.
For full details, see the complete report. https://www.scouting.org/about/research/ the-scouting-edge-study/
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Tammy Garrison, Chair
Catherine Allen-Carlozo
Lavinia Awosanya
Denise Beckson
Joanne M. Connor
Allison Eckel
Camille E. Fitzmartin
Tammy Garrison
Sue Ann Leighty
Betty Maul
Lt Colonel Barbara McCormick
Christine Mohan
Pat Purdy
Debra Rosen
Kimberly Schieber
Vivian Smith Badon
Theresa Widger
Garden State Council Staff Advisors
Deanna Keough, Development Director
Patrick Linfors, Scout Executive
13TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
SPONSORS
13TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
DONORS & SUPPORTERS
Thank you to our donors and supporters
Advertisers
Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA)
F&S Fresh Foods
Inspira Health
Morgan Stanley/Charles Allen
Rowan University
Salem Community College
Senator Troy Singleton
The Authority
The CEO Group
WHIBCO, Inc.
Supporters
Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel
Bowman & Company
Cape May County Chamber of Commerce
Carol Gooberman
Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
Deanna Keough
Debra Behnke
Debra Rosen
Dr. Richard LaPalomento
DRBA
Gaetane Jean-Marie, Ph.D.
Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce
Hoffman’s Exterminating Co. Inc
Joyce Skradzinski
Lisa Hutchinson
Martina Singleton
McCann & Sons Realtors
NJ Third Legislative District
Pat Purdy
Patrick Linfors
Robert Morris, Jr.
Robin Weinstein
Rowan University
Sue Ann Leighty
Tammy Garrison
Vivian Badon
Wells Fargo Advisors
SCOUT SPEAKER
GINNY CHESNUTT
Virginia “Ginny” Chesnutt was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, in 2007, the middle child in a military family — her father has been serving in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. In 2010, her father was assigned to MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa Florida, and four years later to Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, and Ginny and her family moved with him each time. After spending seven years in Arkansas, the Chesnutt family moved once again, this time to Edwards, an Air Force base located about two hours away from Los Angeles, California. After barely spending a year at that duty location, the family began their 2,703 mile road trip across the U.S. towards New Jersey and Joint Base Maguire/ Dix/Lakehurst.
Ginny joined Scouting America in 2019 when the Troop program opened its enrollment to girls. Currently a Life Scout working toward her Eagle Scout rank, she has enjoyed many adventures in her Scouting journey. She has attended eight summer camps — including one staff position — and completed a 65-mile backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Reservation. Ginny has been a member of two Girl Scout Troops and three Scouts BSA Troops, counting several terms as Senior Patrol Leader among her positions of responsibility. And she was elected into the Order of the Arrow and is a current member of Garden State Council’s Lenape Lodge 8. In short, Ginny has Scouted longer than she hasn’t.
ABOUT THE WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Women of Achievement Award, presented by the Garden State Council, honors exceptional women who embody the values of leadership, determination, and service—principles central to Scouting. This important award celebrates women whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the growth and wellbeing of Southern New Jersey.
Funds raised through this event directly support Scouting programs across the area, helping provide over 4,000 youth with life-changing opportunities in leadership, outdoor adventure, and community service. Your generous support helps nurture confident, ethical leaders who positively shape their communities.
Past recipients include influential civic, business, and philanthropic leaders, each leaving a significant mark on the community.
2024 HONOREES
Nicole Gillespie
Mayor of Moorestown Township
Burlington County Honoree
Nicole Gillespie was elected to Moorestown Township Council in 2018 and has served as Mayor since 2020. A former naval officer, educator and non-profit CEO, Nicole brings extensive leadership experience to her role. She is an active volunteer with the Moorestown Rotary and serves on the board of the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern NJ, Contact of Burlington County and the NJ Council of Mayors. A US Naval Academy graduate with a PhD from the University of California, Nicole enjoys reading and exploring unique travel destinations. After moving approximately every 2 years for the first half of her life, she now resides in Moorestown and proudly calls South Jersey her home.
Eve Pappas
VP of Business Development Growth, Hoffman’s Exterminating
Camden County Honoree
Eve Pappas has been a significant figure in the pest control industry for 43 years, currently serving as Vice President at Hoffman’s. Her leadership roles include the Pennsylvania Pest Control Association and the National Pest Management Executive Leadership Board. Eve founded a local chapter of the Professional Women in Pest Management Council and has received several accolades, including the NPMA Women of Excellence Award and NJBIZ’s Best Fifty Women in Business for 2023. She co-founded the Tri-Canine Response Team and is actively involved with the Board of Elections. Eve enjoys spending time with her family, including her spouse, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild.
Rubye Hutchinson
CARES Recovery Specialist, Cooper University Health Care
Cape May County Honoree
Rubye Hutchinson, a CARES Certified Recovery Specialist at Cooper University
Hospital Cape Regional, has been a dedicated advocate for the Cape Addiction Recovery Program (CARES) since May 2019. A lifelong resident of Woodbine, Rubye’s personal journey through recovery fuels her commitment to helping others. She earned an Associate Degree in Human Services and a Certificate in Addiction Counseling from Atlantic Cape Community College.
Rubye is the founder of two active support groups in Woodbine: Change & Hope and Tools of Light. She has also received several accolades, including the 2017 Scouter of the Year Award for both Woodbine Troop 77 and Pack 77. In March 2024, she was honored with the NAACP Cape May County Outstanding Community Service and Achievement Award.
Rubye continues to contribute to her community and county through the Inside-Out Prison Ministry, Life Recovery Group, and Youth Group Programs, in partnership with Woodbine Recreation, as well as revitalizing the Boy Scouts of America program in Woodbine. A mother of two daughters and a grandmother of three, Rubye’s dedication to both her personal and professional life exemplifies her unwavering commitment to community service
Donna M. Perez
Financial Advisor, SVP – Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors
Cumberland County Honoree
Donna has been in the financial industry since 1989. With extensive experience throughout major shifts in the markets, she has dedicated her career to delivering the personalized investment planning services her clients deserve. Donna joined Wachovia Securities, a predecessor firm of Wells Fargo Advisors, in 2002 to take a team approach in providing personalized financial advice for individuals and families.
Donna is securities registered as well as insurance licensed in over 40 states.
As a Financial Advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors, Donna believes that the team approach allows clients the assurance that there is always a registered representative available to answer any of their financial questions.
Personal Life
Donna and her husband, George, live in Vineland and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. She believes that giving back to the community is very important. Donna is a Vineland Rotarian and serves as a board member on the following organizations: Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce, Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA, Inspira Health Network, and the Cumberland County Economic Development Board. On November 5th, 2024, Donna was elected to the Vineland Board of Education. Donna also serves as a Deacon at her church, Chestnut Assembly of God.
Dr. Gaëtane Jean-Marie
Dean of College of Education
Rowan University
Gloucester County Honoree
Dr. Gaëtane Jean-Marie is the Dean of the College of Education and Professor of Educational Leadership at Rowan University. With 30 years in higher education, she has previously served as Dean of the College of Education and Richard O. Jacobson Endowed
Chair at the University of Northern Iowa. A native of Haiti, Dr. Jean-Marie is fluent in Creole and semi-fluent in French. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rutgers University and her Ph.D. and graduate certificate in women’s studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Her extensive experience includes roles as department chair and co-director of the Center for Educational Research, Policy, and Evaluation at the University of Louisville. She has been a research fellow with multiple policy and research centers and has published over 90 publications. At Rowan, she has led initiatives such as Teach Camden, MOCHA program, and the ROPES dual enrollment program to create teacher education pipeline programs. Dr. JeanMarie is also an editor and serves on several advisory boards, including the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate and the Council of Academic Deans from Research Education Institutions. Recognized for her research and leadership, she has received numerous awards, including the Candace Woman of Achievement in Education and one of New Jersey ROI Influencers: Higher Education.
Debbie Behnke
Board Member, Habitat for Humanity
Salem County Honoree
Debbie Behnke Hassler is a dedicated advocate for the disabled community and a committed public servant. Inspired by her late son, Darryl Behnke, the first wheelchair-using Eagle Scout in New Jersey, Debbie has played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives. She co-founded Darryl’s Wheels, a foundation providing transportation for disabled individuals, and was instrumental in establishing Freedom Village, a 60-unit accessible apartment complex in Salem County, named in her son’s honor.
A lifelong Salem County resident, Debbie was appointed as a Commissioner for the Delaware River and Bay Authority in 2024, contributing to regional infrastructure and economic development. She also founded Salem County Disability Awareness Day and has been deeply involved in Habitat for Humanity, launching programs such as the Recyclable Ramp Program and Veterans Repair Corps.
A licensed realtor, published author, and church trustee, Debbie continues to inspire others with her resilience, even after overcoming a recent stroke. Her work, along with her husband, Charlie, remains a lasting testament to her commitment to community service and advocacy.
2024 HONOREES
Linda Estacio
Director of Operations, US Dept. of Labor
2024 Woman Scouter of the Year
Linda Estacio began her Scouting journey as a Girl Scout and returned to Scouting in 2005 when she and her husband Manny unexpectedly became Tiger Cub Den leaders. Determined to be well-prepared, Linda quickly earned training in all Cub Scout positions by September 2005. Her dedication led her to become a trainer for various Cub Scout programs, including Tiger, Cub Scout, Webelos, BALOO, and Den Chief training. She also attended Philmont Training Center in 2007.
Linda earned her Wood Badge beads in 2009 and, along with Manny, organized innovative Fun with Son weekends. She served as Committee Chairperson for Medford Lakes Pack 48 for seven years, then as Advancements Chairperson for five years, guiding Scouts through their Eagle rank and mentoring young women as Troop 48 welcomed girls.
In 2015, Linda joined the Order of the Arrow (OA) and has been an active member, serving as treasurer adviser and Lodge Adviser, and earning Vigil Honors in 2019. She is a Silver Beaver Award recipient and has been recognized with various Cub Scout and OA honors. Linda also volunteers extensively in her community and is the Director of Operations for the Northeast Region at the US Department of Labor.
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
PAST HONOREES
2012
Chairman: Jennifer Young, Director – External Affairs, Verizon Communications
Camden County
Patricia Purdy
President
Southern New Jersey Council
Boy Scouts of America
Cape May County
Lynda Pagliughi
1st Lady of Avalon, NJ
Gloucester County
Pamela S. Clark
Secretary & Treasurer Cetteri & Connell Insurance
Cumberland County
Marlene Z. Asselta
President
Southern New Jersey Development Council
Salem County
Julie A. Acton
Freeholder Director Salem County
2013
Chairman: Pamela S. Clark, Secretary & Treasurer, Cetteri & Connell Insurance
Burlington County
Amy R. Webb
Principal & CEO
Saratoga Benefit Services, LLC
Cumberland County
Louise Bertacchi
Chair
Vineland Downtown District
Camden County
Debra Rosen, Esq. Partner Archer & Greiner LLC
Gloucester County
Nina S. Sorelli C.P.A, C.F.E. Partner Bowman & Company LLP
Cape May County Maura McMahon McMahon Agency
Salem County
Joyce Skradzinski
Executive Director
South Jersey Chapter American Red Cross
Searchable list available online: https://gardenstatescouting.org/women-of-achievement
2014
Chairman: Debra Rosen, Esq., Archer & Greiner LLC
Burlington County
Mary Ann Boccolini
President & CEO
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
Cumberland County
Gail Marino
President & CEO
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
Camden County
Stacey J. Sinclair, Esq.
Chief Operating Officer
Archer & Greiner P.C.
Gloucester County
Lynda L. Hinkle, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Law Office of Lynda L. Hinkle
2015
Cape May County
Maryanne Adams
President & CEO
Avalon Flooring
Salem County
Tammy Maciocha
Major Accounts
South Jersey Gas
Chairman: Debra Rosen, Esq., Archer & Greiner LLC
Burlington County
Peg Knight, RN
Philanthropy Chair
American Red Cross
Cumberland County
Kathleen Norton
Gallaher
Vice President
TD Bank
Camden County
June A. Sernak
Executive Director
American Red Cross
Gloucester County
Michelle Gollapalli
Vice President of Development
Executive Director
Kennedy Health Care Foundation
2016
Cape May County
Vicki T. Clark
President
Cape May County Chamber of Commerce
Salem County
Linda DuBois
PE/Health Teacher
Township Committee Member
Pittsgrove Middle School & Township
Co-Chairs: Debra Rosen, Esq., Archer & Greiner LLC
Christine Mohan, Senior VP Support Services, Pardee Resources Company
Burlington County
Jennifer Starkey
VP | Relationship Manager
TD Banks
Cumberland County
Pamela Ann
Sjogren
Chair, Board of Trustees
Cumberland County College Whibco, Inc.
Camden County
Tish Colombi
Former Mayor Haddonfield
Gloucester County
Barbara Wallace
Mayor
Washington Township
Cape May County
Ronnie Town
Sr. Public Affairs Manager
Atlantic City Electric
Salem County
Lt. Col. Gwyn
Parris-Atwell
Nurse Practitioner
Kennedy Health
2017
Co-Chairs: Debra Rosen, Esq., Archer & Greiner LLC
Christine Mohan, Senior VP Support Services, Pardee Resources Company
Burlington County
Mary Ann O’Brien
Surrogate
Burlington County
Cumberland County
Tammy Garrison
Sr. Account Executive
Territorial Sales Manager
South Jersey Energy Company
Camden County
Adrienne Kirby, PhD
President and CEO
Cooper University Health Care
Gloucester County
Barbara McCormick
Lt. Colonel, MSN, RN, CEN Kennedy Health
2018
Cape May County
Nancy Cleaver
Senior Vice President & Chief Lending Officer
Crest Savings Bank
Salem County
BJ Ayars
Technical Analyst, Emergency Preparedness PSEG Nuclear, LLC
Co-Chairs: Debra Rosen, Esq., Archer & Greiner LLC
Christine Mohan, Senior VP Support Services, Pardee Resources Company
Burlington County
Sharon M. Hammel
Chief Retail Officer Republic Bank
Cumberland County
Shirley J. Sever
Retired Sales & Marketing
Adjunct Professor
Cumberland County College
Camden County
Debra P. DiLorenzo
President and CEO
Chamber of Commerce
Southern New Jersey
Gloucester County
Jennifer Young
External Affairs
Southern New Jersey Verizon
2019
Cape May County
E. Marie Hayes
Freeholder
Cape May County
Salem County
Nicki Burke
Surrogate
Salem County
Co-Chairs: Debra Rosen, Esq., Archer & Greiner LLC
Christine Mohan, Senior VP Support Services, Pardee Resources Company
Burlington County
Felicia Hopson
Freeholder
Burlington County
Cumberland County
Dr. Shelly Schneider
Interim Superintendent
Millville Public Schools
Camden County
Joccola T. Thomas
Assistant VP of Business Development
South Jersey Federal Credit Union
Gloucester County
Lisa Carney
Agency Owner
Farmers Insurance
Cape May County
Dr. Barbara Gaba
President
AtlanticCape Community College
Salem County
Ceil Smith
Executive Director
SCC Foundation
Salem Community College
Co-Chairs: Debra Rosen, Esq., Archer & Greiner LLC
Christine Mohan, Senior VP Support Services, Pardee Resources Company
Burlington County
Bridget Wiese
Vice President & Sr Store Manager Republic Bank
Cumberland County
Veronica Sergiacomi
Safety Specialist
Atlantic City Electric
Camden County
Dr. Helene Burns
Sr. VP & Chief Nursing Officer Jefferson Health
Gloucester County
Patricia D.
Claghorn, Ed.D.
Dean, Business Studies
Rowan College of South Jersey
Cape May County
Melanie Collette Speaker, Consultant
MoneyTalk with Melanie
Salem County
Elizabeth “Betsy” Harris
Co-Owner
Cowtown Rodeo & Farm Market
Co-Chairs: Debra Rosen, Esq., Archer & Greiner LLC
Christine Mohan, Senior VP Support Services, Pardee Resources Company
Burlington County
Anne Caruso Manager First Choice Business Brokers
Cumberland County
Minerva Alvarado
Development Director SERVPRO
Camden County
Christina Renna
President & CEO
Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey
Gloucester County
Joanne Connor
Chief of Staff Rowan University
2020 2021 2022
Cape May County
Joanne Carrocino
President & CEO
Cape Regional Health System
Salem County
Theresa Widger Stakeholder Outreach Specialist PSEG Nuclear
Co-Chairs: Anne Caruso, Sales Manager, Loyalty Business Brokers
Dr. June DePonte Sernak, Statewide Multicultural Diversity Consultant, Center for Family Services, Bridget Weise, Senior Store Manager, Republic Bank
Burlington County
Dr. Tiffany Worthy
CEO & Board Chair
ATP Foundation
Cumberland County
Christy DiLeanoardo
Div. Dir., Business Services & Workforce Development
Cumberland Co. Dept. of Workforce Development
Camden County
Betty Maul President
Front End Graphics
Gloucester County
Robin A. Walton
Senior VP, Gov. & External Affairs
INSPIRA Health Network
Cape May County
Denise Beckson
VP Government Affairs & HR
The Morey Organization, Inc.
Salem County
Elaine Dunner
Dir. of Busienss Dev. & Marketing
Pennsville National Bank
2023
Co-Chairs: Anne Caruso, Sales Manager, Loyalty Business Brokers
Dr. June DePonte Sernak, Statewide Multicultural Diversity Consultant, Center for Family Services, Bridget Weise, Senior Store Manager, Republic Bank
Burlington County
Kristi Howell
CEO
Burlington Regional Chamber of Commerce
Cumberland County
Tyrese Gould
Jacinto
CEO
Cohanzick Native Reserve
Camden County
Lavinia Awosanya
Chief Development Officer Food Bank of South Jersey
Gloucester County
Catherine Allen-Carlozo
Financial Advisor
HFM Investment Advisors LLC
Cape May County Camille E. Fitzmartin
Administrative Manager Pennoni
Salem County
Sue Ann Leighty
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity, Salem County
WOMEN SCOUTERS OF THE YEAR
PAST HONOREES
Christine Mohan (2016)
Anne Manieri (2017)
Joan Ballard (2018)
Allison Eckel (2019)
Carol James (2020)
Vivian Badon (2021)
Kristine Pepe (2022)
Pat Leth (2023)
Congratulations Donna!
Do you know a woman who embodies excellence, leadership, and service? We are We are seeking nominations for Women of Achievement honorees…someone whose impact in their field or community deserves recognition. If you know an inspiring woman who has made a difference, we want to hear from you!
Additionally, we’re looking for passionate individuals to join our planning committee and help bring this special event to life. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your ideas, energy, and expertise in honoring remarkable women.
To submit a nomination or express interest in serving on the planning committee, contact Development Director Deanna Keough at deanna.keough@scouting.org.
