Bergen’s Executive Assistant to Trustees Honored
PARAMUS, N.J. – The Association of Community College Trustees has selected Bergen Community College Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees and the President Maria Ferrara to receive the “professional board staff member - northeast region” award.
The honor recognizes the top board support professional working at one of the hundreds of community colleges in the northeastern United States. Bergen Board of Trustees Chair Dorothy Blakeslee nominated Ferrara for the honor.
“We have nominated Maria not just in recognition of the work she completes on our college’s behalf; we have nominated Maria because she represents an unsung member of the community college world that has provided immeasurable support of our sector’s mission,” Blakeslee said. “From helping students navigate challenges in registration, providing a sympathetic ear or simply by smiling, Maria encourages students and helps them on their individual journeys. This impact, not reflected in her official responsibilities as a board secretary, solidifies her selection for this prestigious honor.”
Ferrara, of Elmwood Park, joined Bergen in 2013. During her 11 year tenure, Ferrara has served as the confidential point-of-contact and liaison between the College’s trustees, president and counsel. As executive assistant, Ferrara plays a significant role in events such as the institution’s commencement ceremony, while leading special initiatives such as the College’s “souper bowl” canned goods drive and the first “Black Women’s Maternal Health Summit.” In recognition of her efforts, Ferrara has received commendations from individuals such as New Jersey Gov. James J. McGreevey and the 2023 Bergen County Italian American Heritage Month Outstanding Community Service Award. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck.
“I take great pride in my ability to support this institution and the goals of the president,” Ferrara said. “I have not developed these skills and performed at this level to earn recognition - I have done so as a reflection of my work ethic and appreciation for the College and its mission. I truly believe the work I complete in support of Bergen can change lives.”
The ACCT awards program also recognized the nation’s top trustees, equity programs, chief executive officers and faculty. Honorees will travel to ACCT’s leadership congress in Seattle this October to receive their awards.
“Community colleges serve countless needs throughout the country, from traditional higher education to workforce development, professional certifications and much more,” ACCT Board of Directors Chair Jay Nardini said. “The individuals and institutions selected to receive this important recognition are deeply committed to their communities and regions. They work every day to change lives for the better.”
A nonprofit educational organization of governing boards, ACCT represents more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,000 community, technical and junior colleges in the United States and beyond.
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
Photo Caption: Maria Ferrara
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