August 19, 2022 – Medford, NJ – The New Jersey State Federation of Democratic Women has chosen two members of the Burlington County Chapter, Mayor Nicole Gillespie, of Moorestown and Willingboro resident Yeta Markham-Phillips, to be honored at the 2022 Peg Roberts Award Luncheon on October 15, 2022 in Edison.

“I admire the incredible work these women have done, not just in support of Democratic ideals, but in their communities for the betterment of everyone. It’s important that we recognize the quiet efforts people make for the greater good and I am thrilled that our State Organization saw those outstanding qualities in Nicole and Yeta,” said Burlington County Chapter President Nancy Youngkin.

Dr. Nicole Gillespie, a Naval Academy Graduate with a PhD in science education, is one of three 2022 Outstanding Elected Official honorees, chosen for her extraordinary efforts in Moorestown, most notably by improving long-neglected infrastructure, cutting red tape, and creating a community that is more welcoming and inclusive to residents and businesses alike.

Yeta Markham-Phillips, a retired educator, and dedicated volunteer, is the recipient of the Peg Roberts Award. She is a member of the Burlington County Democratic Committee, the coordinating secretary for the Burlington County Chapter of the Federation of Democratic Women, and the Corresponding Secretary for the Willingboro Democratic Club. For 45 years, she has dedicated her time to voter registrations, canvases, and other support work for Democratic organizations, exemplifying the spirit of the Peg Roberts Award.

Peg Roberts, for whom the Award is named, is the mother of former NJ Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts. She was a dedicated volunteer, working diligently behind the scenes to support the Democratic Party, a role that is crucial, yet rarely recognized for its importance.

Also being honored at the October 15 luncheon, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Mikie Sherrill for Outstanding Elected Official in the northern region and County Commissioner Melonie Marano of Essex for the central region. And this year New Jersey has the honor of being home to the recipient of the National Federation of Democratic Women’s award for Outstanding Elected Democratic Woman Holding Office, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver.