Somerset County Freeholders Unanimously Appoint Colleen Mahr as Administrator Starting 2021

Fanwood Mayor Will Serve as Deputy Administrator During a
Transition Through the End of the Year 

SOMERVILLE – The Somerset County Freeholder Board today unanimously appointed Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr to the position of Deputy Administrator at the regular meeting this evening. Mahr will work with retiring Somerset County Administrator Michael Amorosa from Sept. 28 through the end of the year, and then assume the role of Administrator on Jan. 1, 2021, for a term ending on Dec. 31, 2025.

“Colleen Mahr is an amazing, bipartisan choice to lead Somerset County as its Administrator during these difficult times. Whether rebuilding downtowns, growing businesses, or spearheading the fight for Raritan Valley One Seat commuter service to Manhattan, Colleen’s energy, intelligence, and commitment shine through,” said Freeholder Director Shanel Robinson. “Administrator Mike Amorosa has been a fantastic leader over the past decade, and I’m thrilled that he and Colleen will be working together through the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition.”

“I want to thank the Somerset County Freeholders for their support of my new role as the Deputy Administrator, and I look forward to working with them as Somerset County’s Administrator to fully realize their vision for the County,” said Mahr. “The next year to 18 months will be challenging but full of opportunities as we navigate the impact of the COVID–19 crisis and determine how we move forward as a community. I am also excited to partner with an amazing County team and Mike Amorosa during this transition as we work to rebuild our local businesses and economy, maintain our history of fiscal responsibility, and deliver the high level of services our local leaders and the residents of Somerset county expect.”

Mahr, who also serves as the Mayor of Fanwood, has decades of executive management experience in government and business with a major focus on economic and community development. During her 16 years as Mayor, Mahr transformed the community’s downtown and received numerous Smart Growth and Public-Private Partnership Awards.

Mahr is currently the Director of Business Development for DMR Architects where she manages a diverse portfolio of public and private projects focused on economic development and redevelopment. She is also the Co-Founder of the Raritan Valley Line Mayors Alliance where she vigorously advocated for One Seat service to Manhattan on the Raritan Valley Line, and is the immediate past president of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

“When I announced my retirement as County Administrator in July, I made a commitment to the Freeholders and the men and women I’ve worked with for the past four decades that I would do everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition in leadership of Somerset County Government,” said Administrator Amorosa. “I look forward to the next few months as Colleen and I transition to our respective new roles.”?

In addition to the appointment of Colleen Mahr, the Somerset County Freeholders also unanimously appointed Matthew D. Loper as County Engineer of the County of Somerset with a contract extension through December 31, 2025.