Dr. Jennifer J. Edmonds and Cecil D. Bright appointed to the organization’s board of trustees
ASBURY PARK, NJ — Mercy Center’s Chairwoman, Judge Mary Catherine Cuff, and Executive Director Kim Guadagno have proudly announced the appointments of Dr. Jennifer J. Edmonds and Cecil D. Bright to its Board of Trustees.
Dr. Jennifer J. Edmonds is the Dean of the School of Business and Digital Media at Georgian Court University.
Dr. Edmonds provides visionary and strategic leadership, including leading a school-wide strategic planning effort and a mission statement revision.
Previously, she was the Dean for the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.
“I feel privileged to join the Mercy Center’s Board of Trustees. The love and deep relationship with the Asbury Park community genuinely inspire those who admire the work of Mercy Center. I look forward to aligning my academic and leadership experience with the continuing success at Mercy Center,” Dr. Edmonds. said.
Dr. Edmonds has received numerous awards, including NJBIZ 2022 Best 50 Women in Business Honoree, and she currently sits on the Board of Trustees for Monmouth Medical Center.
She holds a Doctorate in Philosophy in Management Science and a Master of Business Administration from Rutgers University.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
“We feel honored to have Dr. Jennifer J. Edmonds join our Board of Trustees. Her experience in strategic planning and communication will help Mercy Center move forward in building our strength and connection with the community,” Judge Cuff, Mercy Center Board Chairwoman, said in a statement.
Cecil D. Bright is the Managing Director for IntraFi Network, a Financial Tech Firm that covers the New Jersey and Delaware area.
“I am thrilled and honored to serve as a Board of Trustee member. I am looking forward to being an active advocate and supporter for the community and the people of Asbury Park,” said Cecil D. Bright.
His career started with Chase Manhattan Bank in Product Management and Global Cash Management Sales, covering the Pharmaceutical sector.
He then moved to Wachovia Bank in Corporate Cash Management, covering Insurance and Financial Institutions.
Bright is an active community member and is involved in many organizations. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Union College of Schenectady in New York.
Kim Guadagno, Executive Director of Mercy Center, said that the organization is pleased to have Bright as a member of its Board of Trustees.
“His incredible knowledge and experience in finance and management, as well as his love for community, will undoubtedly be an enormous addition to our Mercy Center family,” Guadagno said.
Mercy Center is one of two food pantries open full-time in the community, offering guests a self-choice selection in a stigma-free friendly environment.
The pantry is open every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Through Emergency Services, Mercy Center addresses crucial needs such as food insecurity, personal care items, clothing and temporary assistance with household utility bills.
Mercy Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, provides programs and services that empower, enrich, and educate people facing socio-economic challenges to realize their full potential, with an emphasis on women and children.
