TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce has named Karen Hershey as its new president and CEO, the chamber announced this week.

Hershey, a resident of Island Heights who spent 12 years working as a deputy attorney general for the state, takes over for Noelle Carino, who left after leading the chamber for three years. "The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce has steadfastly served the Toms River business community for 100 years, and I am humbled and excited to lead the chamber as we begin this new chapter," Hershey said in a news release. "My immediate goal is to ensure that the services we provide to our members will enable them to succeed and prosper. I am also looking forward to strengthening our existing partnerships and building new ones with local coalitions, governments and non-profit organizations to promote a strong local economy and support the community."



Hershey had been executive director of New Jersey's Site Remediation Professional Licensing Board, where she was responsible for managing the organization's efforts to oversee the licensing and conduct of site remediation professionals. Hershey also was a deputy attorney general in New Jersey from 1987 to 1999 and has also held positions as government spokesperson and marketing manager. Hershey also has served as mayor of Island Heights and president of the borough's council.

She received high honors in economics from Douglass College-Rutgers University and has a law degree from Seton Hall University.

"Karen's diverse background as an organizational manager, respected community leader, and lawyer makes her the ideal person to take on the challenge of leading the Cchamber in the rapidly changing business world," said Jonathan Petro, chairman of the chamber. "As we celebrate our 100th year as the driving force of economic development at the Jersey Shore, the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce continues to be vital and progressive. I think Karen will do a great job of advocating for our members and advancing the interests of our community as a whole."

Hershey also serves as a volunteer with New Jersey Literacy and lives in Island Heights with her partner Eileen Dechon, a retired registered nurse and former paramedic with the New York City Fire Department.

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