The Harrison Township Committee hosted its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 2 and swore in two new members, Adam Wingate and Thomas “TJ” Coakley.
The duo each won three-year terms on the committee in November and both took the oath of office from former Mayor Louis Manzo. Wingate and Coakley replace Manzo and former committeewoman Michelle Powell, whose terms ended on Dec. 31. Wingate also was named the new mayor in a unanimous vote.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank former Mayor Manzo for his years of service and support of this community,” said Coakley. “I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to the community for electing me to this position and make the promise to serve as best as I possibly can.”
Coakley is serving on the committee for the first time. He is an adjunct professor in computer science at Rowan University and is a sixth degree blackbelt in Okinawa Kempo.
Wingate – a life-long Mullica Hill resident – served on the township committee from 2020 to 2023. He thanked his family, committee members and residents during the reorganization meeting in his first address as mayor, offering insight into what his priorities will be.
“As we step into 2025, it’s not just a new year, but also the start of a new era,” he offered. “We find ourselves at a crossroads, one full of challenges, but also incredible opportunity. Change is all around us and it’s exciting, but it can feel a little uncertain. That’s why I stand here tonight to assure you that no matter what lies ahead, we will navigate this change together with transparency, common sense and a shared vision of the future.
“Harrison Township has been my family’s home for three generations,” Wingate added. “I’ve grown up here and I’ve seen it grow into one of South Jersey’s most desirable communities. Now I have the privilege of raising my own family from just a mile of where I grew up.
“This is more than a place on the map for me, it’s my foundation, and it’s why I’m so passionate about protecting what makes it special and embracing what lies ahead.”
Wingate also acknowledged financial and infrastructure issues facing the township, such as a need to improve its wastewater treatment system. He said he and the committee would find the solution to those problems “together,” prioritizing what’s best for the community.
Committeeman Lawrence Moore was again named Harrison’s deputy mayor, a role he served in last year.
“I know that with everybody up here, we bring diverse opinions,” said Committeeman Kevin French. “We’re overall committed to working together and doing what is best for Harrison Township.”
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m.