‘Women leadership always should be highlighted’

Evesham Township Mayor Jaclyn Veasy will be honored for her leadership, achievements and service to her community during the 2026 Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards Reception at the Riverton Country Club in Cinnaminson on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

For more than two decades, the Burlington County Commissioners and the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council have honored residents for their contributions to elevating women and improving our communities. This year’s honorees also include Bridget Wiese, Fulton Bank vice president and business banking relationship manager for Burlington and Mercer counties; Stacy Kennedy, director of the New Jersey Agricultural Society; Deb Price, director of the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County; Kecia Parham Cook, retired early childhood educator in Willingboro with more than 26 years of service and leadership with the school district; Agatha Reidy, director of nursing for the Burlington County Health Department; El-Rhonda Williams Alston, one of the first administrators for the New Jersey Faith Based Initiative; and Brig. General Yvonne Mays, Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard and head of the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs.

“For far too long, the contributions of women have been downplayed or ignored, so it’s gratifying to lead a county that is home to so many outstanding women, and one that believes in celebrating their accomplishments and contributions,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson, who serves as liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “Each of these women has their own unique story, and each of them has had a significant and lasting impact on Burlington County.”

“The women we are honoring have stellar accomplishments in their fields, and they have gone above and beyond for their communities,” added Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, who also serves as a liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “We are excited to spotlight them and their achievements. By recognizing their work, we hope to inspire others throughout our community to follow their lead.”

Veasy, a lifelong resident of Evesham Township, is currently serving her eighth year as the town’s mayor. Her time in office has focused on community involvement, economic development, infrastructure improvements and open space preservation. She also serves as vice chair of the Burlington County Bridge Commission, third vice president of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, and she is also a member of the Burlington County Board of Social Services.

“My goal is to create a community that people are proud of and that they want to be involved with,” Veasy said. “Evesham Township has a hometown feeling that even if you think we’re large, we are home to so many people. Our neighborhoods are so important in Evesham because that is where the kids are together and the families are together. We are a big town of tiny neighborhoods that people like to call home and even though we are so big, we are very tight knit with a small town feeling.”

Earlier this year, Veasy was installed as the president of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, making her the seventh mayor from Burlington County to lead the organization and the first since 2015. Veasy has overseen the creation of the township’s Disability and Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, Farmers Market Committee, Evesham Economic Advisory Committee, Human Rights Advisory Council and Community Celebrations Committee, as well as the revitalization of the Historic Preservation Committee, Youth Advisory Committee and the Senior Citizen Advisory Board. During her service, the township has also purchased and permanently preserved 176 acres of open space for passive recreation.

“Women leadership always should be highlighted,” Veasy added. “It is so important for young women in our community to see other women be leaders, and to know that they can do everything that they would like to do in the future.”

For more information on the awards reception, visit www.burlingtoncountynj.gov/263/Womens-Advisory-Council or email womenscouncil@co.burlington.nj.us.