TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County College Foundation has named Kenneth J. Malagiere (Toms River) as Executive Director. He assumed the position on October 9, 2017. Mr. Malagiere formerly served on the Ocean County College Foundation Board of Trustees for seven years.
“I am so very humbled and excited to begin my new role as Executive Director for such an outstanding college foundation,” said Mr. Malagiere.
“The Ocean County College Foundation’s dedication to the College’s students and the community has had a meaningful and tangible impact on the entire region. As Executive Director, I will continue to live the mission of the Foundation, working with its Board members and our staff to grant scholarships to Ocean County College’s student body, encourage lifelong learning, and provide access to the tremendous opportunities offered on campus and abroad, proving Ocean County is a great place to live, work, and learn,” Mr. Malagiere added.
A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Mr. Malagiere attended Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, England in 2003, and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2005 with a degree in Political Science and International Studies.
Upon graduation, Mr. Malagiere departed from his field of study, forming the James Joseph Group, Inc. He quickly established a niche in the floral design industry on the Jersey Shore, leading the talented team at Narcissus Florals, an award winning, premiere wedding and event florist in Toms River.
Mr. Malagiere is a collected artist and engaged citizen. He is an active member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River and the Jersey Shore Business Network, Inc.; serves on The Wroxton College Advisory Council of Fairleigh Dickinson University; is Immediate Past-Chair of The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and Immediate Past-President of The Garden State Philharmonic. Mr. Malagiere was an Honorary Commander of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, 2013-2016.
“We are very fortunate to have Ken come on board of the Ocean County College Foundation as our new Executive Director. Ken is not new to the Foundation Board, during his tenure he was Chair of our Foundation Gala for several years and Vice Chair of the Foundation working with the staff and fellow board members. I am sure he will continue with the same energy, integrity, and dedication he did on the Board. I look forward to working with Ken in his new capacity,” said Virginia Haines, Chair, Ocean County College Foundation Board of Trustees.
“The Ocean County College Foundation is a dynamic foundation, ready to meet the challenges of the evolving needs of our students and the entire community we serve,” Mr. Malagiere concluded.
Mr. Malagiere lives in Toms River with his husband Jonathan Z. Petro, Co-Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Doyle, and Sacks (Toms River). This fall, Mr. Malagiere and Mr. Petro will be honored by the Ocean County YMCA with its highest award, “The Red Triangle,” for the couple’s dedication and contribution to the mission of the “Y.”
The Ocean County College Foundation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and development of the College through scholarships, endowments, and capital and special projects. The Foundation supports the efforts of Ocean County College to make higher education accessible to all Ocean County residents. The Foundation provides students with opportunities to continue higher education while discovering and exploring the wealth of possibilities around them.
During fiscal year 2016-2017 (7/1/16-6/30/17), the Ocean County College Foundation awarded 678 student scholarships totaling $521,794.00. Since its inception in 1965, the Ocean County College Foundation has provided nearly $15 million in direct support to its local students and for college programs working in alliance with community friends and community leaders in business, industry, and government. A volunteer Board of Trustees governs the Ocean County College Foundation, which is composed of members representing business, professional, corporate, and community leaders in Ocean County.
