Gyorfy, Ravitz to Serve as Morris Township Mayor, Deputy Mayor in 2023

Wilson to serve new role as Deputy Mayor for Public Outreach

Morris Township Mayor Mark Gyorfy and Committeeman Bud Ravitz announce that they have the support of their colleagues on the Morris Township Committee to serve as mayor and deputy mayor in 2023. In the Township form of government, the mayor and deputy mayor are chosen by the Township Committee for one-year terms.

For 2023 Committeewoman Cathy Wilson will be appointed by the governing body as Deputy Mayor for Public Outreach, recognizing the former mayor’s talent as an enthusiastic advocate for residents across the Township.

Mayor Mark Gyorfy was sworn in as mayor in January 2022. Prior to serving as mayor, Gyorfy served as deputy mayor in 2021. Since being elected in 2018, Gyorfy has focused on environmental, transportation and legislative initiatives, including introducing the Township’s electric vehicle charging requirement for commercial properties, establishing the Township’s first traffic calming policy, and partnering with state legislators to introduce land-use reform initiatives on the state level.

Over the past year, Gyorfy has served with Committeeman Ravitz on the Parks and Recreations Advisory Committee, where they have focused on moving the Collinsville Playground/Tucker Field Reconstruction Project forward.

“I am grateful for the support of the governing body to continue to lead the Township Committee through 2023,” Gyorfy said. “As we face financial headwinds in the coming months, Morris Township will continue to work directly with our residents to focus on advancing commonsense initiatives that make our community stronger and more resilient.”

William “Bud” Ravitz is beginning the third year of his first term on the Township Committee. This past year, Bud introduced two pay-to-play ordinances which were unanimously adopted by the governing body. One dealt with campaign contributions and the other was specific to developers.

In introducing those ordinances, Ravitz stated that it is paramount that the public have a renewed faith that their local government officials represent the needs of their constituents and the township, not individuals or groups with special interests. In addition, Ravitz has been instrumental in the prioritization of the Collinsville Playground and Tucker Park restoration project and helping to expedite public projects.

Ravitz says, “I’m honored to have been selected to serve in this capacity in 2023. I have been committed to the practice of continuous improvement my entire adult life. With my dedication, vision, and history of success, I will continue to deliver for the residents in what will be a financially difficult year.”

Deputy Mayor Cathy Wilson led Morris Township as mayor during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Prior to that, she served as deputy mayor in 2019. Wilson is noted for implementing video coverage of Township Committee meetings, expanding work on environmental initiatives, leading the Township’s recent success in earning Sustainable Jersey certification, and promoting informed citizen engagement on land-use and transportation issues.

“I’m excited to serve in this new position as Deputy Mayor for Public Outreach,” Wilson said. “My passion for years has been to ensure that residents have the information they need to understand what’s going on and the encouragement to participate if they choose. As we prepare for a challenging year ahead, I look forward to working together with my colleagues in new ways to ensure that our outreach with residents is as effective and inviting as possible.”

Mark Gyorfy

Mark Gyorfy was born and raised in Morris Township and was first elected to the Township Committee in 2018 at age 26.

Gyorfy has driven initiatives with his colleagues to enhance the Township’s constituent communications as well as to introduce important legislative measures to address traffic concerns, protect the environment, support first responders, and strengthen requirements for redevelopment proposals.

Gyorfy is a Morristown High School graduate and studied government and counter terrorism at the University of Maryland. He then worked for U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-08), advising the congressman on homeland security, veterans’ affairs, and financial services policy.

A volunteer firefighter for over thirteen years, Gyorfy continues his service as a lieutenant at Hillside Hose Company No. 1. He currently works in the financial services industry.

Bud Ravitz

Bud Ravitz is a lifelong resident of New Jersey. He was a political newcomer when he first ran for office in 2019 when he lost by a mere eight votes in what was the tightest race in recent Township memory. He subsequently ran in 2020 and won by a significant margin.

During his first term, Bud has continuously strived to restore residents’ faith in their local government by leading the effort to curtail even the slightest notion of financial impropriety in local government by ensuring the passage of two pay-to-play ordinances. In addition, he was very vocal in opposing a hotel on Mt. Kemble Ave.

Ravitz holds an undergraduate degree in management information systems from California State University, Fullerton, a master’s degree in systems analysis and design from Kean University, and a master’s of education administration from The College of New Jersey.

Bud spent the bulk of his career at AT&T and has become a consultant specializing in relationship management.

Cathy Wilson

Wilson has lived in Morris Township since 2007. She is the mother of two grown children and grandmother to four young boys.

Wilson is a retired educator. Her 30-year career in Illinois and Michigan spanned a wide range of positions including teacher, principal, and central office administrator.

Wilson was first elected to the Township Committee in 2017 and re-elected in 2020. She served as mayor in 2020 and deputy mayor in 2019 and 2022. Wilson has a longstanding passion for the importance of civics. She is noted for authoring several thought-provoking commentaries on local issues.

Wilson has a bachelor’s in English from Washington University in St. Louis, a master’s in special education from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, a master’s in educational leadership from National Louis University in Illinois, and a master’s in negotiation and conflict resolution from Columbia University in New York City.