VINELAND, NJ (January 2, 2018) – The Cumberland County Technical Education Center Foundation recently announced new leadership for its Board of Trustees and the addition of two new members.
The Foundation Board announced its new President, Ron Franceschini, of Vineland; Vice President, Charles J. Wettstein, of Cedarville; along with two new Foundation Trustees, Carlos A. Mercado Jr., of Vineland; and Lawrence J Malone, of Millville.
“I believe in the value of vocational/technical education and I am honored to lead the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to continue raising funds and awareness to improve /support educational programs, activites and fund scholarships for post-secondary education,” Franceschini said.
“Our new members bring unique perspectives and expertise to the board," Wettstein said. "The extensive talent and knowledge of our new board is critical to continuing our fundraising mission."
Franceschini is a current Vineland City Councilman, Chairman of the Cumberland County Department of Health Advisory Board and a member of the Southern chapter of the American Red Cross of New Jersey. His past leadership experience includes Chairman of the Red Cross Southern chapter and President of the Vineland Board of Education. He is currently the Director of Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Rehab Service and Emergency Management at the Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation.
Wettstein has held several positions in the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office since 2005. He is currently Assistant Prosecutor. Wettstein is active with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the Cumberland County Bar Association & Foundation and others.
Mercado draws from more than 10 years of public service, including current stints as the Chairman of the State Legislative Committee and Political Action Fund and Vice President of Local 49 for the New Jersey Firefighter's Mutual Benevolent Association; as well as the Executive Director and Project Manager for the Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity; and the Vice President of the Petway Parent and Staff Association for Vineland Public Schools. Past public service also includes serving on the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Vineland Board of Education and the Cumberland County College Hispanic Advisory Board.
Malone, a former Wawa General Store Manager, currently owns Colonial Flowers and works with RE/MAX Realty Group in Vineland. Malone’s Public service experience includes memberships on the Millville Planning Board; Greater Millville Chamber of Commerce, of which he is President; Millville Kiwanis, as Vice President; Board of Directors of the Millville Police Athletic League; and the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Law Enforcement Community Advisory Board.