29 Mar ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO HOSTS ANNUAL ESSEX COUNTY IRISH HERITAGE CELEBRATION Essex County Utilities Authority Executive Director Elmer J. Herrmann, Jr. Honored as Irishman of the Year Essex County Clerk’s Office Staff Member Dawn Marie Cole Honored as Irishwoman of the Year
Published on March 29, 2025
Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. hosted the Annual Essex County Irish Heritage Celebration on Thursday, March 27th. During the afternoon ceremony, the County Executive recognized Elmer J. Herrmann, Jr., Executive Director of the Essex County Utilities Authority, as the 2025 Essex County Irishman of the Year and Dawn Marie Cole, Essex County Clerk’s Office staff member, as the 2025 Essex County Irishwoman of the Year. The Irish Heritage event recognizes the impact Irish men and women have had on the cultural, civic, political, law enforcement and economic history of the County.
“I have always said that the strength of Essex County lies in the diversity of the people living and working within our borders. This diversity stems throughout every corner of the county and highlighting the contributions that each ethnicity has had on our economy, culture and history are part of what creates our sense of community,” DiVincenzo said. “Elmer and Dawn have helped shape the quality of life in our County through their leadership and civic involvement. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and the positive impact they have had,” he added.
Elmer J. Herrmann, Jr. is a lifelong Essex County resident, who was born in Newark. A graduate of Princeton University and Rutgers Law School, he became an attorney and spent many years practicing law in Newark and specialized in litigation. He also served as an Assistant Essex County Prosecutor under Brendan Byrne when he served as Essex County Prosecutor.
Currently, Herrmann serves as the Executive Director and Authority Counsel of the Essex County Utilities Authority (ECUA) and has dedicated many years to these roles. During his tenure with the ECUA, the County’s popular Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day and Computer & Electronics Recycling Day have been expanded to two events annually, the ECUA has saved money by eliminating unnecessary positions and negotiating garbage contracts that have reduced costs for Essex County municipalities, and the agency paid off its entire $102.9 million debt and became debt free in 2023.
Herrmann has strong familial roots in Ireland. His family immigrated to the United States from County Roscommon and County Cork in Ireland. Elmer celebrates his heritage through his membership in the Saint Patrick’s Guard of Honor and the Friendly Sons of the Oranges.
Herrmann talked about how his family emigrated to the United States from Ireland and the obstacles and challenges they had to overcome. “They gave and gave to their community and did so with energy and dedication. This honor means a lot to me because it made me think of my mother who made the transition to America and helped me have a wonderful life,” he added.
Dawn Marie Cole’s passion for public service and community involvement began when she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at Kiddie Campus in West Caldwell. It wasn’t long before she answered the call to serve the community that raised her, as she accepted a seasonal administrative position with the West Caldwell Recreation Department working summers at the township pools. In addition to her seasonal responsibilities, Cole spent 15 years gaining valuable experience in the food service industry before settling into her current role at the Essex County Clerk’s Office, where she has proudly served for 24 years.
Cole’s Irish heritage has always been a source of immense pride, a passion instilled by her father, Jere, who has spent over 25 years chairing committees and serving on executive boards for numerous Irish American organizations at both the state and national levels. Inspired by his dedication, Cole followed in his footsteps, serving as Recording Secretary and head of the Publicity Committee for the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and as a committee member of the New Jersey Irish Festival. Beyond her deep connection to her Irish roots, Dawn is devoted to her community. She has volunteered countless hours at the West Caldwell Library and has been an active member of the Home and School Associations in both the Roseland and Caldwell-West Caldwell School Districts.
“I view this award not as a personal milestone, but as a tribute to my Irish heritage. I am inspired by those who work to preserve our Irish traditions and build bonds in the community,” Cole said.
Bagpiper Joseph McGonigal started the ceremony with a performance. The invocation was presented by the Rev. Camilo Cruz from St. Patrick’s Pro Cathedral in Newark. Recordings of the late James Mooney singing the National Anthem and the Irish national anthem were played, and a musical interlude was provided by Paul Byrne and Amy Bashara.
Essex County’s Annual Irish Heritage Celebration is one of several cultural observances hosted by the Essex County Executive and the Essex County Office of Cultural Diversity and Affirmative Action. The events are held to raise awareness about the rich ethnic diversity and backgrounds of County employees.