Former Commissioner Herb Yardley was elected to the Sussex County Commissioner Board in November, 2017 and served as a Stillwater Township Committeeman, Deputy Mayor and Mayor . He received his undergraduate degree from Newark State College (Kean University) and a Master’s degree in Environmental studies from Montclair State University. He has had a long and distinguished career having worked in Public Health for close to 40 years. He started his career in Edison Township, and went on to Warren County, and was Health Officer in Denville township and then Sussex County. He served as the Administrator/Health Officer of the Department of Environmental and Public Health Services for Sussex County in from 2005 to 2015 .As Health Officer, Yardley was responsible for all programs within the Department of Environmental and Public Health Services including the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program, Environmental Health, Public Health Nursing, Special Child, Mosquito Control, HAZ-MAT, Weights and Measures, and Medical Examiner’s Office and Public Health Nursing.
He was an adjunct instructor at Warren County Community College and lectured at East Stroudsburg University and Rutgers University on a variety of public health topics. Mr. Yardley has lived in Stillwater Township for over 38 years with his wife Pat. They have two sons Daniel and David, and have 4 beautiful grandchildren, Zachary and Drake who live in Stillwater and Amelia and James who reside in Florida.
Dr. Silverthorne is a lifelong learner who received her Bachelor’s degree in Food and nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics from Montclair State University. From there, she completed a dietetic internship and became a Registered Dietitian. After that, she earned a Master of Science and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Silverthorne served as an adjunct professor for over ten years at Montclair State University and is an adjunct professor at Saint Elizabeth’s University. She has been Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Saint Clare’s Health for over ten years, overseeing the clinical nutrition operations and the food services for three campuses.
Dr. Silverthorne demonstrates her passion for academics through her involvement and oversight in education, from early learning to higher experiences. She has served on the Board of Directors for Rainbows of Learning Preschool since 2013. She also serves on MSU’s academic advisory board for their dietetic internship program and on Saint Elizabeth University’s Food and Nutrition Advisory Board.
Dr. Silverthorne has resided in Frankford Township since 2000 with her husband and three children. She is active in their church community, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Roman Catholic Church in Branchville, and is excited to be part of the Board of Trustees for Sussex County Community College.
Katherine Pepe has been a resident of Sussex County since 2002. She has over twenty years of educational experience, primarily in Community Colleges and Technical Training. She has two Bachelor’s degrees, a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Community Counseling, and a School Counseling Certificate, all from the University of Utah.
Katherine’s work experience as an administrator in several Community Colleges has provided her with a broad background in running educational programs. She has experience in developing and implementing specialized training programs for local businesses, coordinating education programs with community agencies, and articulating Community College education with University programs. Katherine understands the need for training programs to evolve from course work to job placement which meets the needs of the local community.
Lena Frank is an independent business consultant for small businesses. She provides strategic advice for creating, developing, and implementing optimal business strategies to deliver results to meet the company’s goals and objectives. Lena has held various roles in the pharmaceutical and animal health industries. Her most recent industry role was VP of Program Management, where she guided new cancer medications through development involving various alliance relationships, more than 100 clinical trials, and hundreds of outsourcing contracts, all while overseeing development budgets. Other roles in her career included new product development, product management, sales, marketing, alliance management, and business development.
Lena has spoken and published topics such as conflict, trust, and relationship management, all in the support of various professional associations. Her certifications and credentials include Project Management Professional (PMP), Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM), Certified Strategic Alliance Professional (CSAP) and Private Company Governance Certification. Lena earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University and an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University.
Lena has been a Wantage, NJ resident since 2009, where she co-owns and operates White Possum Farm. She is an avid outdoors person and enjoys hiking, canoeing, gardening, and photography, where she can immerse herself in nature and think about both business and life. On the days she stays indoors, she enjoys curling up with one of her cats and a good book.
John Santillo is a retired Engineering Manager who worked in the defense industry for 45 years. He has degrees from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Steven’s Institute in the RF/Microwave Field. John’s objective is simple: to spread the word about the benefits of SCCC and ensure the College's continued success. John has been married for 35 years and has two grown children. In his spare time, he enjoys Amateur Radio, camping with his college buddies, and riding his Harley.
Matthew Cable is a computer programmer who has spent most of his life in Sussex County. A graduate of Blair Academy, he earned his degree in History from Goucher College in 2015. After college, he pivoted to programming, a transition made possible by taking math courses as a non-matriculating student. This experience fueled his passion for supporting non-traditional students as they pursue new career paths. He envisions the College becoming an even stronger community hub, offering opportunities for students to acquire entirely new skill sets. Outside of honing his coding abilities, Matthew enjoys exploring the area's scenic hiking trails and immersing himself in a good book.
Governor-appointed December 19, 2024.
Dr. Carrick has a long and distinguished career in education, including serving as superintendent in Mendham Borough, Tewksbury Township, and the Cranford Public Schools. Most recently, she held interim positions as Chief School Administrator in Fredon Township in Sussex County and Assistant Superintendent in South Orange-Maplewood. As indicated in NJ Statute 18A:64A-8, Dr. Carrick is the Executive County Superintendent and a member of the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Carrick earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University, a Master of Arts in Special Education, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a doctorate from Seton Hall’s College of Education and Human Services.
Paul Fiore has been a lifelong resident of Sussex County. He grew up in Fredon and graduated Kittatinny High School. His passion for working with his hands was cultivated at a very young age, as the years went by Paul continued to excel as his mechanical aptitude was enhanced during his teenage years. This journey brought him to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 102. Paul completed a five-year apprenticeship to master his craft as a Journeyman Wireman. He continued to build on his education working his way through the ranks. Paul has served in various roles from Foreman to Project Manager and Labor Superintendent.
Always one to have an impact on those he meets, Paul embraced the opportunity to serve as the Training Coordinator for IBEW Local 102 in 2009. In this role he oversaw the growth of nearly 500 apprentices each year. He was instrumental in implementing various continuing education programs that provided the foundation for lifelong learning to the entire membership of Local 102. Today, close to 800 Journeyman per year pursue education pathways forged by Mr. Fiore.
Paul's passion for education and safety within the construction labor industry led him to Rutgers University. While in New Brunswick, he received his OSHA outreach training certificate (OSHA 500) in 2002. The Rutgers School of Public Health is a regular stop for Paul as he returns regularly to maintain his certifications. These certifications allow Paul to be a presence in the classroom as he enjoys the opportunity to educate the construction community on safety.
Paul is currently a Business Representative for IBEW Local Union 102 where he also serves as the Safety Officer. Mr. Fiore comes from a family of labor representatives and is a proud advocate for workers’ rights and fair labor practices. Paul is the proud father of two children, his son Nico joined him at Local 102 and is currently a Journeyman Wireman. Paul’s daughter Maria is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Social Work at West Virginia University.
Christine Quinn has been a resident of Sussex County for over three decades, where she lives with her husband. Collectively, they share five children and eight grandchildren. Quinn is an accomplished professional specializing in global change management, digital learning solutions and learning and development architecture. She holds degrees in Business & Computer Science and Telecommunications as well as numerous professional certifications including ATD Master Trainer and Agility Coach / Agility Master Certification.
Since 2013, Ms. Quinn has been a dedicated member of the Sparta Town Council, serving as Mayor on two occasions as well as serving as a member of the Planning Board, Senior Advisory Committee, The Recreation Advisory Committee and the Dept of Health. During her tenure on the council she served as co-founder of several initiatives including the Sparta CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and The Salute 07871 / Hometown Heroes Initiative (supporting our military servicemen and women). In addition to her service on the council, Mrs. Quinn served as President of the Sussex County League of Municipalities and held a position on the Executive Board of the NJ League of Municipalities.
James Santonastaso has been a resident of Sussex County since his family moved to the area in 2007. He attended Kittatinny Regional High School, where he was a member of the varsity swim team and debate team. After graduating from Kittatinny, James enrolled at Sussex County Community College where he studied for 2 1/2 years. Upon graduating from SCCC with an Associates degree, James transferred to Rutgers University - Newark and graduated at the top of his class with a Political Science Bachelors degree. Santonastaso graduated from Rutgers during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to Sussex County to live with his family.
James remembers his time at SCCC fondly, forming lasting bonds with students and staff that he still keeps in contact with today. Upon returning to Sussex County after finishing his studies, James became a partner at a consulting firm specializing in brand management and marketing. He has worked closely with non-profits, NGO’s, elected officials and community organizations, helping them to facilitate effective relationships with the public as well as expand their “reach” both physically and virtually. Mr. Santonastaso is excited to bring his passion to the trustee board and ensure SCCC receives the attention and support it deserves.
Today, James Santonastaso is a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Agent serving the public on a daily basis. He is a resident of Wantage Township and continues to be an active member of the SCCC community and the County as a whole.
Governor-appointed December 19, 2024.
Michael Crispino graduated from Sussex County Community College in May 2024. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society, and takes pride in his pursuit of academic excellence and personal development. He will be attending Rutgers University in the fall. He says, “I am grateful for this leadership opportunity, where I have the ability to give back to a community at SCCC that has given me so much. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching sports, and exploring nature. I am excited to get to work, and for what lies ahead!”