Council | New Jersey Council of County Colleges

Council Leadership and Members

The Council joins the leadership of trustees and presidents to strengthen and support New Jersey’s network of Community Colleges. The Council is led by a Chair (always a trustee) and governed by an Executive Committee that includes four Trustees and three presidents.

Council Executive Committee

Jessica R. Purnell

Chair, Camden County College

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Barbara Horl

Vice-Chair, Brookdale Community College

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Dorothy Hall

Trustee-At-Large Member, Salem Community College

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Dr. Sheetal Ranjan

Trustee At-Large Member, Bergen Community College

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Dr. Mark McCormick

Secretary, Middlesex College

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Dr. David Stout

Treasurer, Brookdale Community College

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Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin

President, UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ

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Council Meetings

The Council holds quarterly meetings throughout the year to bring together the Council 36 Trustee and President members. Unless otherwise modified by resolution of the Council, the regular in-person public meetings shall commence at 6:00 p.m.

Joined by the leadership of trustees and presidents to strengthen and support New Jersey’s network of Community Colleges, the Council is led by a Chair (always a Trustee) and governed by an Executive Committee that includes four Trustees and three presidents.

Council Meeting Schedule and Resources

Council Meeting Schedule

Monday, February 23, 2026, Virtual
Monday, June 15, 2026, Virtual
Monday, September 14, 2026, Middlesex College /NJCC
Monday, November 16, 2026, Middlesex College/NJCC (Re-organization)

Press Releases

October 7, 2026 | News Story

Testimony of Maria Heidkamp Chief Innovation and Policy Officer, New Jersey Council of County Colleges for the Senate Higher Education Committee Hearing on Funding

At the Council, we believe the future of higher education is collaborative. We have demonstrated this through the collective vision of our Opportunity Agenda, and through our deep partnerships with high schools, four-year colleges and universities, community based and social justice organizations, and with employers, especially through our Pathways Initiative. Our commitment to collaboration extends to the 35 organizations that have joined our Future Ready New Jersey Coalition

Press Releases

September 3, 2026 | News Story

NJCCC Statement Urging Governor Sherrill to Provide Financial Relief for Faculty and Staff at Community Colleges and to Establish a Working Group on the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP)

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges commends Governor Sherrill for her leadership in waiving higher health benefit contribution rates for state workers in 2027 and establishing a working group of unions, legislators, experts, and other stakeholders to develop concrete, evidence-based measures to address soaring health care costs and the structural challenges of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).

Posts

August 3, 2026 | News Story

Job Description: Director of AI Strategy and Innovation

Committees

NJCCC has committees that lead, guide, and support the important work of the Council. The committees ensure greater involvement of trustees and presidents in the work of the Council, and ensure that all efforts of the Council are aligned with the collective priorities of the 18 Community Colleges.

Each of the committees meet throughout the year to establish and then implement priorities for the coming year. Each committee is chaired by a Trustee and a President. Each of the seven members of the Council’s Executive Committee, made up of four trustees and three presidents, serve as co-chairs of the Committees to facilitate reporting and alignment. Each Committee provides updates on their work at quarterly Council meetings. Council staff members support the work of each committee.

See Full List of Council Committees

The Council’s Committees

College Collaboration

A critical purpose of the Council is to engage in activities for the advancement of New Jersey’s Community Colleges, perform certain sector coordinating responsibilities as required by New Jersey and federal statutes, and coordinate statewide efforts for the 18 Community Colleges.

Funding Formula

State law gives the Council the responsibility to develop and recommend to the State Treasurer a formula for the allocation of state operating aid to the 18 community colleges. In 2021, the Council adopted a new funding formula that is aligned with the key values of access, equity, and success.

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Course Review

The Council manages an inclusive process of the 18 Community Colleges to approve credit courses that are eligible for state funding.

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General Education

In order to meet the commitment outlined in the New Jersey Presidents’ Council’s Statewide Transfer Agreement, the Council manages the inclusive process of approving courses for designation as General Education.

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Perkins Program

The Council supports the efforts of the New Jersey Department of Education with the implementation of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, a critical investment in the state’s Community Colleges.

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Chapter 12

The Council provides recommendations to the State Treasurer on the implementation of the state’s Chapter 12 program, providing critical funding for college the infrastructure needs of Community Colleges.

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Joint Purchasing Consortium

The Joint Purchasing Consortium brings together the 18 Community Colleges to pursue efficiencies in the procurement of goods and services.

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Affinity Groups

The Council’s Affinity Groups serve as a forum for cooperation and information sharing for functionally-aligned campus staff designated by the presidents. Affinity Groups meet regularly throughout fthe year to provide guidance to the Council on matters of concern and interest, and serve as a resource to the Council in the implementation of Council priorities.

Staff

The Council staff is a diverse group of professionals that collaborate together to fulfill the mission of the Council. Each staff member comes from a unique background of experience that allows the Council to lead innovative initiatives that are improving the future of NJ.

Leadership

Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D.

President

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Catherine Starghill, Esq

Vice President & Chief Workforce Innovation Officer

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Jacob C. Farbman, Ed.D., APR

Executive Director, Economic Mobility Initiatives

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Maria Heidkamp

Chief Innovation and Policy Officer

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Linda Scherr, Ph.D.

Chief Academic Officer

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Megan Swieconek

Director, Council Operations

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County Colleges

Council Leadership and Members

Council Meetings

Statewide Events

Council News

Testimony of Maria Heidkamp Chief Innovation and Policy Officer, New Jersey Council of County Colleges for the Senate Higher Education Committee Hearing on Funding

NJCCC Statement Urging Governor Sherrill to Provide Financial Relief for Faculty and Staff at Community Colleges and to Establish a Working Group on the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP)

Job Description: Director of AI Strategy and Innovation

Committees

College Collaboration

Affinity Groups

Staff

Contact the Council

Council Newsletter

County Colleges

Council Leadership and Members

Council Meetings

Statewide Events

Council News

Testimony of Maria Heidkamp Chief Innovation and Policy Officer, New Jersey Council of County Colleges for the Senate Higher Education Committee Hearing on Funding

NJCCC Statement Urging Governor Sherrill to Provide Financial Relief for Faculty and Staff at Community Colleges and to Establish a Working Group on the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP)

Job Description: Director of AI Strategy and Innovation

Committees

College Collaboration

Affinity Groups

Staff

Contact the Council