2025 Burlington County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception Program Book
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 Burlington County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception! It is a true honor to gather with you this evening at the beautiful Deerwood Country Club in Westampton, to celebrate the spirit of service that thrives in Burlington County.
Our community is built on the quiet strength of leaders who show up, roll up their sleeves, and work every day to make life better for others. Tonight, we proudly recognize two such individuals: Samantha DeAlmeida-Roman, whose advocacy has expanded opportunities in the skilled trades across New Jersey, and Bob Gray, whose leadership at Gray Trucking has supported families and contributed to economic growth in our region.
This evening is not only a celebration of Samantha and Bob, but also a reminder of the impact of Scouting America, Garden State Council. Thanks to your support, young people throughout southern New Jersey are learning to lead, serve others, and make ethical choices grounded in the values of Scouting.
On behalf of the Garden State Council, I extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, honorees, committee members, and each of you for making this evening possible.
Enjoy the celebration!
Warm regards,
Charles Miller Event Chair
OUR MISSION
The mission of Scouting America, Garden State Council 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, 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.
EVENT PROGRAM
6:00 P.M. WELCOME RECEPTION Hors d’oeuvres & Open Bar
6:45 P.M.
OPEN SALAD STATIONS, CARVING STATIONS & PASTA STATIONS
7:15 P.M. INVOCATION
Fr. Andrew Hanyzewski St. Andrew’s Church, Mt. Holly, NJ
7:20 P.M. WELCOME
Charles Miller, Chair President & CEO, Miller Transportation
7:25 P.M.
THE COLOR GUARD
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE, SCOUT OATH & SCOUT LAW Scouts BSA Troop 20, Medford, NJ
7:30 P.M.
WHAT SCOUTING MEANS TO ME
Owen Sweet Scouts BSA, Troop 20, Medford, NJ
7:35 P.M.
GARDEN STATE COUNCIL SCOUTING IMPACT & SCOUTREACH VIDEO
Tim Guim
President, Board of Directors, Scouting America, Garden State Council President, PCH Technologies
Committee & Sponsor Recognitions
7:40 P.M.
DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARDS PRESENTATION
SAMANTHA DEALMEIDA-ROMAN
President, Associated Builders & Contractors – NJ Chapter Garden State Council Good Turn Society Member Presented By: Bill McGrath
ROBERT GRAY
President & CEO, Gray Trucking
Former President, Board of Directors, Scouting America, Garden State Council Garden State Council Good Turn Society Member
Presented By: Christine Mohan
CLOSING REMARKS
Charles Miller, Chair
President & CEO, Miller Transportation Group
Scouting has taken me on incredible adventures and taught me how to lead—with confidence, resilience, and purpose. “ ”
OWEN SWEET
Scouts BSA, Troop 20Medford, NJ
Owen Sweet, a proud member of the Camden Catholic High School Class of 2025, will be heading to Florida Tech University in the fall. In September 2024, he became Medford Troop 20’s 97th Eagle Scout.
Owen’s journey through Scouting has taken him on countless adventures, from high-adventure treks to summer camps, where he has spent more nights under the stars (and in the rain) than most Americans. These experiences have helped shape his strong sense of leadership, which he continues to demonstrate both at school and in his community.
Beyond Scouting, Owen is a passionate fisherman, gamer, and robotics team leader. He enjoys concerts, movies, and spending time with friends.
Thanks
$23,859
$22,750
$96,286
The award presented this evening is a miniature replica of The Ideal Scout, a bronze statue sculpted in 1915 by Dr. R. Tait McKenzie, a longtime member of the Philadelphia Boy Scouts executive board. Created to represent the spirit and character of an “ideal” Scout, the figure symbolizes reverence, truthfulness, integrity, and service—qualities that define both Scouting and strong civic leadership. Today, many councils across the country present this iconic award at events like the Distinguished Citizens Award Reception, often referring to it as the “Good Scout” or “Distinguished Citizen” award. While honorees may not have a personal Scouting background, they are selected for their outstanding example of leadership, service, and commitment to the values that Scouting works to instill in young people.
Pictured: The Ideal Scout statue, a timeless symbol of Scouting values, stands proudly outside the Garden State Council Scout Shop.
SAMANTHA DEALMEIDA-ROMAN
President, Associated Builders and Contractors – NJ Chapter
Samantha DeAlmeida Roman serves as President of the Associated Builders and Contractors, New Jersey Chapter (ABC New Jersey), the largest chapter in the country with over 1,400 member companies. ABC is a national trade association representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms across 68 chapters. As the youngest ABC chapter president nationwide, Samantha is a dynamic advocate for New Jersey’s construction industry.
Under her leadership, ABC New Jersey has been a dedicated supporter of the Garden State Council, Scouting America, including serving as title sponsor for the Council’s annual Scouting for Food project. In 2024, ABC New Jersey was formally recognized as a member of Scouting America’s Good Turn Society, honoring its commitment to community service and youth development.
Samantha brings more than a decade of experience in public affairs, government relations, and policy. She previously served as second vice president and government affairs liaison for ABC New Jersey, and held key roles with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the New Jersey Hospital Association, and the New Jersey State Legislature.
She works tirelessly to ensure ABC members have equal opportunities to compete for public contracts and provide quality jobs across the state. Samantha also collaborates with educational institutions and community organizations, including the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, to expand ABC’s apprenticeship programs into underserved areas. She is a strong advocate for increasing female and minority participation in the trades.
A graduate of Monmouth University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degrees in homeland security and public policy. Samantha has been recognized on Insider NJ’s Insider 100 Millennials list, ROI-NJ’s Women in Business Influencers, Save Jersey’s “Right Women to Watch,” and the 2024 Titan 100.
She lives in Monmouth County with her husband, John, daughter, Reagan, and their cherished animals—a horse, pony, goat, and French bulldog.
ROBERT “BOB” GRAY
President, Gray Trucking
Bob Gray is a successful entrepreneur and President of Gray Trucking, located in Beverly, NJ. He is a graduate of Lincoln Tech, where he studied automotive and diesel technology, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2017 in recognition of his successful 40-year career.
A lifelong Scouter, Bob earned his Eagle Scout award in 1979 with Troop 280 in Holland, PA. He is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, Ajapeu Lodge.
As an adult, Bob has remained actively involved in Scouting. He has served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 26 in Medford, NJ; District Committee Finance Chair; and as a member and officer of the Garden State Council board since 2003. During his tenure as Council President, Bob co-led the successful merger of Burlington County and Southern New Jersey Council to form the Garden State Council in 2012.
Bob is a recipient of the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver Award, and the Outstanding Eagle Scout recognition. He currently serves on the Garden State Council Boy Scout Foundation.
Active in his community, Bob also serves as the President of the Birchwood Lakes Colony Club. He is a dedicated fundraiser for Scouting, the Make-AWish Foundation, and various other community initiatives supporting those in need.
Bob enjoys cooking for his family and friends, spending time outdoors, and sailing. An avid sailor, he is currently the Commodore of the Union League of Philadelphia Yacht Club.
Bob and his wife, Deirdre, reside in Medford, where they proudly raised their two sons, Rob and Tom, both Eagle Scouts.
2024 Craig Greenwood
2024 Bill LaVan
2023 Brad Denn
2023 Lee Bealuk
2022 Kristi M. Howell 2022 Jill Peterson 2019 Hon. Barry Parker
2019 Robert C. Silcox
2018 Hon. Mary Ann O’Brien
2018 Hon. Jean E. Stanfield
2016 Calvin H. Knowlton 2016 Orsula V. Knowlton 2015 John A. Latimer 2014 Jim Brennan Jr. 2013 Charles S. Miller 2011 Frank Giordano
Robert C. Halgas 2009 Brigadier General
James J. Grant 2008 Mary Wells* 2008 Hon. John A. Sweeney 2007
James K. Wujcik 2006 William S. Haines Jr. 2005 Jerald R. Cureton, Esq.
Richard J. Cureton
Peter J. Hovnanian
Stephen J. Hovnanian
Irvin E. Richter 2002 JoAnn Winzinger 2002 Hon. Philip E. Haines, Esq.
Franco Harris
Glenn R. Paulsen
Hon. Martha Bark*
Dennis Flanagan
Hon. Diane Allen
Craig W. Yates
Renee L. Borstad*
Hon. Vincent R. Farias
Dr. Robert C. Messina Jr.
Hon. Martin L. Haines*
Dr. Carmine DeSopo
Hon. H. James Saxton 1992
James E. Palmer
Robert C. Shinn Jr.
Thomas P. Foy* 1989 Richard A. Alaimo 1988 J. Garfield DeMarco* 1987
Jirair S. Hovnanian*
*Deceased
2024 Burlington County Distinguished Citizen Honorees: Craig Greenwood and Bill LaVan
CHARLES MILLER
President, Miller Transportation
Charles “Chip” Miller, President of Miller Transportation Group, is a respected business and community leader who was honored as New Jersey’s 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year. He supports countless civic and charitable causes—including Scouting America Garden State Council, Burlington County Animal Shelter, Legacy Treatment Services, and Samaritan Hospice. A dedicated advocate for youth development, Chip has long served on the Garden State Council’s fundraising committee and chairs the Burlington County Distinguished Citizens Award Committee. Through initiatives like the Miller Employee Children’s Scholarship Program and a financial assistance program for employees facing hardships, Chip continues to lead with compassion and purpose, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
EVENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
About the Committee
The Burlington County Distinguished Citizens Awards Committee is a dedicated group of community leaders committed to advancing the mission of Scouting in South Jersey. Through their time, outreach, and generosity, committee members help identify sponsors, engage community support, and ensure the success of this annual celebration. Their efforts directly benefit the youth served by Scouting America, Garden State Council.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Doris Alaimo
Richard A. Alaimo
Founder and Chairman, Alaimo Group; 1989 Burlington County Distinguished Citizen Honoree
2023 Burlington County Distinguished Citizen Honoree
Brad Denn
Managing Partner, Padden Cooper, LLC
2023 Burlington County Distinguished Citizen Honoree
Allison Eckel
Deputy Director, Burlington County Board of Commissioners District Chair, Garden State Council Pine Hill District
Craig T. Greenwood
Senior Account Executive, The Barclay Group 2024 Burlington County Distinguished Citizen Honoree
Richard W. Hunt, Esq.
Construction and Procurement Attorney, Parker McCay
Deanna Keough
Development Director, Garden State Council
Patrick Linfors
Scout Executive, Garden State Council
Rick Wright Partner, MBI-GluckShaw
2025 BURLINGTON COUNTY DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS AWARD RECEPTION
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
PREMIER SPONSOR
EAGLE SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Thank You To Our Donors And Supporters
ADVERTISERS
The Barclay Group
Cramp's Liquorestore, Inc.
The Earle Company
Environmental Resolutions Inc
Garrison Architects
Hirschberg Mechanical
Christine A. Mohan
Harry Muhlschlegel
New Road Construction Management Co., Inc.
NJM Insurance Group
Northeast Great Dane
Parker McCay P.A.
Perinchief Chapels, Inc
South Jersey Port Corporation
Surety Title Company LLC
SUPPORTERS
A&M Truck Tire Service
Atlantic Trailer Leasing
Marc Baldwin
Lee W. Bealuk
Orest & Lynn Bezpalko
Birchwood Colony Club
Marc H. Circus
Brian Crescenzo
Robert R. Dwyer
AJ Kreimer
Mark Madrack
Martin Bontempo Matacera Bartlett, Inc.
Mt Holly Lodge No 848
Northeast Great Dane
Gail Pratt
Pat A. Purdy
Debra S. Rosen
Ryebread Architects
Richard Wright
Congratulations
BOB GRAY
on receiving the Burlington County Distinguished Citizens Award from Scouting America, Garden State Council
Your involvement and dedication has made a lasting impact on Scouts, shaping future leaders and community-minded citizens. Thank You for your dedication and service to Scouting.
FROM THE MOHAN FAMILY
Proud Supporter of the 2025 Distinguished Citizen Awards Reception Hosted by Scouting America, Garden State Council
BOB GRAY
Since 1912
MILLER FORD LINCOLN | MILLER SUBARU
MILLER AUTO LEASING | MILLER TRUCK LEASING
MILLER LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
Congratulations
2025 DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS
Samantha Roman Bob Gray
Stephen R. Cooper, CPA/PFS
Bradley H. Denn, CPA/PFS
Adam D. Drewry, CPA
Ginger M. Evans, CPA
Robyn G. Rusinski, CPA
Bob Gray & Samantha Roman
For receiving this year’s Distinguished Citizens Award!
Garden State Golf Classic 2025
to the Inaugural Gala! a celebration of community, character, and the spirit of Scouting!
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026 | 7 P.M.
AT THE WESTIN IN MT. LAUREL, NJ
Join us for an elegant evening featuring a cocktail hour, online silent auction, sit-down dinner, live music, and dancing. Proceeds support the mission to instill the values of the Scout Oath and Law in youth across southern New Jersey. Be a part of something meaningful—help shape the future of Scouting!
To learn more, visit: bit.ly/GSC-2025-Event-Donation
WAYS TO GIVE
Your generosity supports over 4,500 youth and 1,800 adult volunteers across seven South Jersey counties, including programs like ScoutReach, which brings Scouting’s leadership, character-building, and community engagement opportunities to underserved youth. Your contribution helps ensure all young people can experience the values of Scouting, regardless of background or resources.
ANNUAL GIVING – FRIENDS OF SCOUTING
Support year-round programs, training, camperships, and outreach with a direct annual gift.
MONTHLY GIVING – Pathfinders Circle
Monthly gifts provide reliable support for year-round programs and camps.
MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers match donations. Ask your HR team or check our website.
MAJOR & PLANNED GIVING – GOOD TURN SOCIETY
Leave a legacy with a gift of cash, securities, or planned giving (e.g., bequests, life insurance). Gifts of $25,000+ earn Good Turn Society recognition.
Honor a Scout, leader, or loved one. Personalized courtyard pavers create a lasting legacy.
SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
Showcase your business while supporting community-centered events. Sponsorship opportunities include highvisibility receptions, award dinners, and tournaments—offering brand exposure, networking, and a powerful way to give back.
FLAGSHIP PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPS
EAGLE MENTOR & RECOGNITION
RECEPTION – Celebrate Scouting’s top achievers
PINEWOOD DERBY – Inspire creativity and family fun
SUMMER CAMP CAMPERSHIPS – Support outdoor adventure
MERIT BADGE SPONSORSHIPS – Spark youth interest in STEM, trades, or civics
Custom sponsorships offer recognition, community engagement, and brand visibility.
FOUNDATION & GRANT GIVING
Use your foundation or donor-advised fund to support aligned initiatives.
MONTHLY GIVING – Pathfinders Circle
Monthly gifts provide reliable support for year-round programs and camps.
MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers match donations. Ask your HR team or check our website.
VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT
Get involved! Join an event committee, lend your skills, or volunteer locally.
