the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, In a recent move to strengthen its administrative team, Westwood has promoted its long-serving Borough Clerk, Karen Hughes, to the role of Assistant Borough Administrator, while Deputy Clerk Jean-Marie Vadovic steps into Hughes’ former position as Borough Clerk.
Mayor Raymond Arroyo announced the promotions earlier this month, highlighting the crucial roles both Hughes and Vadovic will play in managing the borough’s pressing needs. Hughes, who has served as Borough Clerk since 2007, was already supporting the administration as Assistant Borough Administrator for the past three years. Now, with the town of over 11,000 residents facing significant challenges like flood mitigation and affordable housing, Hughes will take on the full-time responsibilities of Assistant Borough Administrator.
Hughes has been deeply involved in Westwood’s efforts to address persistent flooding issues. Earlier this year, she was appointed Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and was instrumental in securing a FEMA grant to elevate several homes above the floodplain. Her ongoing work as the Community Rating System Coordinator has also improved Westwood’s flood rating, providing residents with better insurance discounts.
“With numerous other projects looming, such as the state development and redevelopment plan, and the new regulations governing the Round 4 affordable housing obligations, it became apparent that Karen was needed full-time as Assistant Borough Administrator to drill down on these special projects,” said Mayor Arroyo. He also praised Hughes for her dedication and versatility, noting that her favorite role has been playing the Easter Bunny at the annual egg hunt in Veterans Park.
Reflecting on her nearly 17 years as Borough Clerk, Hughes expressed her excitement about the new phase of her career. “I’m grateful to the governing body for offering me the chance to take on this new challenge,” she said. She also expressed confidence in Vadovic, stating, “I’m definitely leaving the position in good hands, and look forward to watching her grow and make the job her own.”
Vadovic, who joined Westwood in 2021 and has since taken on roles as the borough’s Social Media, Technology, and Human Resources Administrator, will retain these responsibilities in addition to her new role as Borough Clerk. Having earned her Registered Municipal Clerk designation last year, Vadovic is well-prepared to step into Hughes’ shoes.
“I am very thankful to the mayor and council for having the confidence in me to award me this opportunity to serve the borough of Westwood as clerk,” Vadovic said. “I have had a great teacher in Karen Hughes these past three years and look forward to working with both the borough employees and residents in my new position.”
Despite their new titles, both Hughes and Vadovic will maintain their current salaries, with Hughes earning $115,740 and Vadovic earning $90,202.
As Westwood navigates through its upcoming challenges, the borough is confident that its leadership team, now stronger with these key promotions, will effectively manage and execute its critical projects.
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I noticed the solution to flooding is to raise homes above the floodplain.
I guess a floodplain will always be a floodplain, in spite of any dog and pony show put on by the Army Corp. of Engineers at the request of a certain problem solver.