Nicole Roberts sworn in as Pennsauken Township mayor; Jessica Raffney named deputy mayor

Nicole Roberts was sworn in as mayor of Pennsauken Township at the committee's reorganization meeting, and Jessica Raffney was sworn in as deputy mayor, officials said at the Jan. 7 gathering.

The swearing-in followed remarks from outgoing Mayor Marco DiBitez and a presentation of a joint legislative resolution read by a member of the state legislative delegation recognizing Roberts as the first African American woman to take the mayoral oath in Pennsauken Township's history.

Roberts used her remarks to emphasize continuity and local projects already under way. "For Pennsauken, 2024 was undeniably the year of development," she said, citing the new municipal building and library, a forthcoming community center and renovations at the Pennsauken Country Club. The committee also noted upgrades to the municipal pool complex, expanded trails and new recreational amenities.

Outgoing Mayor Marco DiBitez opened the meeting and recounted accomplishments during his term. A state legislative representative who identified himself at the meeting presented a joint resolution from the New Jersey Legislature honoring Roberts; the resolution text attached at the meeting said the Legislature congratulated her on becoming the first African American woman to take the mayoral oath in Pennsauken Township.

Committee members announced portfolio assignments for 2025: Roberts will oversee administrative and executive responsibilities, finance, the library and the environmental commission; Raffney will oversee economic development, public events and public works; Vince Martinez will be responsible for parks and recreation and youth programming; Patrick Aldo will oversee building and property maintenance and the planning and zoning boards; Tim Killian will continue as township administrator.

The meeting included ceremonial recognitions and multiple appointments and routine resolutions adopted by consent (detailed in a separate votes summary). The committee noted a reception after the meeting; the dinner was provided and paid for by the Pennsauken Township Democratic Club, not by the township.

Roberts thanked family, staff and the township's public-safety and municipal employees and concluded by calling for collaborative work among township government, staff and residents to continue projects underway.