(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), the state’s largest women’s volunteer organization, announced the appointment of its new board chair, Shirley Holly, of Barnegat, NJ. Holly has been a member of the club for 33 years and has served on the NJSFWC Board of Directors in various roles since 1998, as well as the National Federation of Women’s Clubs Board of Directors since 2002.
Holly’s public service history also extends outside of women’s clubs; she was President of the Barnegat Education Foundation for five years, President of the PTA for six years and Chief Scout for 13 years. Holly has been a volunteer with the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation for 27 years and was a four-time puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence. Holly works full time as a media specialist for Russell O. Brackman Middle School.
“I am honored to lead NJSFWC, an organization that has meant so much to me, for the next two years,” said NJSFWC President Shirley Holly (at the top of this article). “Brotherhood and service are essential to our cultural fabric, especially as we emerge from the pandemic and a time of conflict and isolation. I look forward to bringing everyone together to support great causes and grow our community for generations to come.
Holly’s administration, which will continue until May 2024, will support the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation for its special state project. The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF) offers New Jersey families facing the childhood cancer crisis a place to turn for comfort and support through professional in-home counseling and a uniquely tailored support package, all for free. Each year, ECF helps hundreds of New Jersey families with a free set of support services. They help any New Jersey family with a child with cancer ages 0-18, regardless of race, creed, socioeconomic status, or other demographic restrictions. They continue to help families for as long as they need it, whether it’s a month or 10 years. There are no applications, forms or other paperwork for a family – they strive to make service delivery as quick and seamless as possible. To date, ECF has helped over 2,000 families.
Holly is joined on the leadership team by President-Elect Barbara McCloskey, 1st Vice President Susan Chambers, and 2nd Vice President Chris Sienkielewski.
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Barbara McCloskey, of Rockaway, has been a member of the NJSFWC since 1987, joining the Denville/Rockaway Junior Woman’s Club, where she served as president. McCloskey is currently a member of the GFWC Woman’s Club of the Denville-Rockaway Area, GFWC Woman’s Club of Boonton, Past President’s Club of the Highlands District and The Phoenix Club, and was employed for 18 years as a Membership and awareness. for the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, where she coordinated day-long stewardship projects with corporate volunteers and managed their community garden. His goal for the next two years is to work closely with local clubs to develop potential leaders and promote the benefits of NJSFWC to their clubs.
Susan Chambers, of Oradell, previously served on the NJSFWC Board of Directors as Vice President of the Palisades District; Chairman of the State Special Project for the Prevention of Child Abuse – NJ; Health and Wellness Chair; and Third Vice President/Membership Chair. She is a member of the Book and Needle Woman’s Club of Oradell, where she served as co-president and held several other board positions. She was a trustee of the Oradell Public School Board; board member of the Oradell Arts and Business Coalition; and Secretary of the Oradell Community Outreach Committee. Chambers is also a Lifetime Girl Scout and Certified Mental Health First Aid Responder.
Chris Sienkielewski, of South Plainfield, has been a member of the NJSFWC since 1984. She served as New Jersey State Junior Clubs Director from 1996 to 1998, then served for twenty years on the GFWC Board of Directors in various positions throughout the board in education, resolutions, leadership, conservation and violence against women. After more than two decades as a teacher and school principal, she used these skills to start her own educational consulting business training teachers in preschool, elementary and adult education. During this administration, Sienkielewski will focus on cultivating membership.
“I am delighted to have Barbara McCloskey, Susan Chambers and Chris Sienkielewski on my board. The diversity of their combined experiences – both as volunteers and professionals – will form a strong and dynamic team to grow our membership and inspire local New Jersey clubs to participate in all that the NJSFWC has to offer,” said NJSFWC President Shirley Holly.
The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), an international women’s organization dedicated to improving the community by improving the lives of others through voluntary service.
