John Risley, Chairman

South Jersey Economic Development District Chairman and Atlantic County Commissioner.

John Risley was elected Commissioner-at-Large in November 2011 and Vice Chairperson in 2014. He previously served on the Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 2004. Commissioner Risley has devoted a lifetime of public service as a past president of the Mainland Regional Board of Education, a Linwood City Councilman, former President of Somers Point City Council and most recently, past Deputy Mayor for Egg Harbor Township. John is the owner and President of L. O. Thomas and Company, Inc. a FINRA/SIPC member investment firm founded in 1929. He has been guiding clients with investment advice for over 35 years. John is a member of M. B. Taylor Lodge in Hammonton and a Past Master of Keystone Lodge in Linwood. John resides in Egg Harbor Township with his wife, Dawn and children, Ashley, John, III and Harold.

Ed Ramsay, Vice Chairman

South Jersey Economic Development District Secretary

Ed graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Business Management and Marketing, after attending Gloucester County College and Gateway Regional High School.  Professionally, Ed has been involved in real estate for 34 years including sales, brokerage, landlord, tax liens and private investment. 

As a Salem County resident, Ed has been actively attending meetings for the Economic Development Council, Salem County Improvement Authority, Tourism Advisory Council, Youth Services Commission, Agriculture Development Board, Municipal Councils, and Planning Boards.

Ed proudly served in the US Air Force as a ground/satellite navigation electronics technician. 
Before moving to Pittsgrove, Ed served his hometown of Wenonah as Borough Council President and 2nd Lieutenant in the Fire Department, in addition to other committees.

County Commissioner Ed Ramsay is serving his first term on the Salem County Board of County Commissioners.

Joseph Sileo, Treasurer

Joseph Sileo is a family man, businessman, and community leader. Joe was born and raised in Northern Jersey but has proven his loyalty to Cumberland County over the past 33 years.

Joe graduated high school as a varsity athlete and went on to study business management and economics at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. There, Joe met his Vineland-born and raised college sweetheart and now wife of 40 years, Sharon Petalino Sileo. Joe moved his family to Vineland in 1988 where he raised three daughters and has since welcomed four grandchildren. In his downtime, Joe loves kicking back with his two rescue dogs, Olive and Ruby.

Joe built his career experience working in Millville as the sales manager of Kane Steel Co. As a leader in the industry, Joe has strengthened several metal distribution and fabrication companies by increasing profitable growth and building strong network relationships. Using this expertise, Joe will passionately fight for the economic development of Cumberland County.

As the owner and operator of a small, retail business on Landis Avenue in downtown Vineland for many years, Joe is a strong proponent of local entrepreneurs. He got involved with the early stages of Vineland’s downtown improvement initiative and believes maintaining our local businesses will strengthen Cumberland County.

Joe has always taken an interest in helping his neighbors and community. As a dedicated father, Joe volunteered to coach Vineland Pigtail League softball for 16 years. Joe became a Board Member of the National Exchange Club of Vineland and president-elect for 2 additional years and a member of the Vineland Board of Education Facilities Review Committee. He has been a long-time supporter of local nonprofits such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the YMCA of Vineland. Passionate about making a difference, Joe took his efforts a step further in 1992 by running for Vineland City Council.

Joe’s leadership skills, business experience, and genuine concern equip him with a strong voice for supporting his neighbors of Cumberland County.

Bobby Barr, Secretary

South Jersey Economic Development District Secretary and Cape May County Commissioner.

Graduating from Ocean City High School in 1999 and the State of New Jersey’s Stockton University in 2004 with a degree in Communications, Commissioner "Bobby" Barr is a lifelong resident of Cape May County proudly serving the people as Commissioner on the Board of Cape May County Commissioners. 

Commissioner Barr has significant experience in public service, previously serving as the 4th Ward Councilman and Council President of Ocean City, Community Outreach Coordinator for Legislative District 1’s Senator Testa and Assemblymen McLellan and Simonsen, and Board member on the State’s Pinelands Commission.  

In addition to his current service as County Commissioner, Bobby also serves as Legislative Aide to Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Chairman of the Ocean City Housing Authority and Board member of the Cape May County ARC.   

Commissioner Barr’s achievements in public service are vast, including but not limited to dedicating more capital improvements to Ocean City’s 4th Ward within his first two years in local public office than in the entire history of the 4th Ward. Some of those capital improvements included the opening of a new American Legion Post 524 Building, the remodeling of 52nd Street Playground, and various drainage improvements to relieve floodprone areas of routine tidal flooding.  

Commissioner Barr’s philosophy has always been, if you want government to succeed, you have to listen to the people. Barr specializes in constituent services and welcomes comments and questions from the residents of Cape May County.  

Bobby continues to reside in Ocean City’s 4th Ward with his family.