Hank Waltonowski Park (Photo: Brick Township)
Brick Township Mayor Lisa Crate has appointed a longtime township employee to lead the Recreation Department following the departure of the previous department head in a theft scandal.
Crate announced prior to Tuesday night’s township council meeting that she has named Matthew Fagen as the new Superintendent of Recreation. He will officially assume his new role on May 5. Fagen, the mayor said, brings a wealth of experience in township government as well as unique experience in private sector recreation, having worked at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk for 21 seasons before coming to town hall.
“I am a strong advocate of providing residents with a variety of recreational programs and activities that enhance their quality of life,” Crate said. “I wanted our next Superintendent of Recreation to share that vision and passion and I am confident that we found that person in Matt Fagen.”
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Fagen has worked for the township since 2013 in the Division of Inspections. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for his “professionalism, reliability and commitment to serving the community,” an announcement from the township said. His efforts have been consistently recognized by colleagues and residents alike.
In addition to his service with the township, Fagen spent 21 seasons working at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, where he steadily advanced to management positions. His experience in both municipal government and private sector recreation has provided him with valuable insight into organizing and managing successful programs, Crate said.
“Matt has demonstrated a dedication to public service and a strong work ethic throughout his career,” the mayor added. “I am excited to work with him to expand opportunities for residents and make our Recreation Department better than ever.”
A lifelong Brick Township resident, Fagen has strong ties to the community. He and his wife, Ashley, are raising their daughter Aria in the town they both call home. Outside of work, Fagen is an avid sports fan who enjoys cheering for the New York Rangers, New York Giants and New York Mets.
He replaces former Recreation Superintendent Dan Santaniello, who admitted to pocketing event permit fees paid by organizations leasing park space for events, then providing fraudulent receipts to cover the scheme. Santaniello pleaded guilty and received a sentence of probation; the township has since reformed and digitized its fee processing in order to eliminate the possibility of the incident reoccurring.
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