Business and Industry Award
New Jersey Food Council (NJFC)
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) is the state’s largest alliance of food retailers and their supplier partners, proudly comprising job creators and entrepreneurs – the anchors of the communities they serve. NJFC members are the cornerstone of the community, widely known for supporting neighborhood programs, charities, civic giving initiatives and those in need.
NJFC serves as their staunch advocate on legislative and regulatory issues in Trenton, developing strategic partnerships and continually enhancing the value of the “beyond essential” food industry in New Jersey. As one of New Jersey’s largest industries, food and agriculture are vital to the state. A recent Rutgers University Economic Impact Assessment found that the NJ food industry generated $157 billion through sales, workforce and direct value added. NJFC continues to grow and evolve, proudly representing almost 400 companies including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in the state. Learn more at www.njfoodcouncil.com.
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“Legislative Leadership Awards”
Senator Declan J. O'Scanlon Jr.
Senator Declan O’Scanlon is a lifelong Monmouth County resident raised in Little Silver. He began his fight for fact-based policy serving as a member of the Little Silver town council for 14 years. He was elected to the State Assembly in 2008 and has served in the State Senate since 2018, including as the current Senate Republican Budget Officer.
In addition to being an active Legislator, the Senator is CEO of FSD Enterprises Inc., a wireless communications infrastructure consulting company. Declan is also the Board President of Love Thy Neighbor, a faith based charitable non-profit organization.
“The Hon. S. Thomas Gagliano Founder Award”
Tony MacDonald
Tony MacDonald is senior ocean policy fellow with the Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute and served as its director from 2005-25. He was previously the executive director of the Coastal States Organization and the special counsel and director of environmental affairs at the American Association of Port Authorities.
He has also practiced law with a private firm in Washington, DC, working on environmental and legislative issues, and served as the DC environmental legislative representative for the mayor of New York City.
“Legislative Leadership Awards”
Senator Vin Gopal
State Senator Vin Gopal, the first South Asian American elected to the New Jersey Senate, represents one of the state's most competitive districts. Currently the Senate Majority Whip and Education Chair, he has passed dozens of laws focused on school funding, property tax rebates, and affordable healthcare.
An entrepreneur and former EMT, Gopal founded a non-profit to support Monmouth County charities and previously taught at Monmouth University. He holds an MPA from Rutgers and lives in Long Branch with his family. His career spans leadership in manufacturing, veterans' affairs, and community-driven pandemic response.