The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) wants our neighbors to know board members for their leadership and generosity. We asked board members a few questions to get to know them and learn about the values that drive their work.
Lori serves as the first CEO in the 108-year history of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the first woman in NJ to earn the Certified Destination Management Executive title from Purdue University/DI.
For almost two decades she has represented the Long Beach Island Region serving as a Commissioner for Ocean County Culture & Heritage and on the Ocean County Business & Tourism Advisory Board. She served on the charter board for Ocean County Military Support Committee. She was named to the Ocean County College 100 Women Campaign and presided as Statewide President of NJ Destination Marketing Organizations from 2010-2014. She has served as a core committee member for the Governor’s Conference for Tourism since 2009 and is currently the President of the New Jersey Tourism Industry. Lori has been a featured lecturer and mentor for both the Philadelphia and New York Non-Profit Leadership Summits; Stockton University Jersey ShoreCast, NJ Conference on Tourism, Jersey Arts Marketers, NJ League of Municipalities Convention, and Destination International Annual Convention; contributing writer to NJ League of Municipalities Magazine as well as a host of LBI Region Report weekly radio show. Since 2020 she has served as editor of Tapinto Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton, Trustee representing Ocean County for the NJ Pro Wind Grantor trust, and Board Member for the Community Foundation of South Jersey. She serves on the Ocean County College Business School Advisory Board and the Stockton University Tourism Program Advisory Board.
Lori actively works with tourism, art, and history advocates to seek new projects to advance economic development statewide. Lori has been honored as Southern Ocean Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow, Lighthouse International Community Leadership Award, Ocean County Tourism Achievement Award, Honorary Commander at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, and Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Woman of Achievement.
Where do you live?
Barnegat, New Jersey, Ocean County
Where do you work?
Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, located on Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Where did you grow up?
Bergen County, New Jersey
What experience(s) from ages 15 – 25 shaped the person you are today?
I have always valued community, starting with historic preservation while still in high school. The sense of place and the support system that revolves around it brings out the best people to do remarkable things. I am a lifetime member of Girls Scouts and assisted in local fundraisers and organizing growth strategies before taking leadership roles in the community.
What skills help you exercise leadership?
Communication is a skill that I look to build on a daily basis. To provide clarity so everyone is aligned as a team needs an understanding of goals, timelines, and involvement.
What brings you joy or makes you experience gratitude?
My family has always been at the center, enjoying time together including volunteering alongside me to support causes and keep traditions going.
What is South Jersey’s greatest asset?
Opportunity. This unique area is cultivating so many positive partners and raising awareness for true change-making.
What is your aspiration for South Jersey?
To celebrate the past and build a future that inspires community giving and investment.
What is your aspiration for your philanthropy?
Give back with purpose.