Citizens of the Year 2025 - Jennifer Keilly Errity & Peter Wells

With a gathering of nearly 200 people, the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held its Annual Citizens of the Year gala at Seasons Catering in Washington Township. 

This year marks the 51^st year of celebrating local individuals or businesses/organizations that have dedicated themselves to years of volunteerism in supporting special causes with unparalleled enthusiasm and incredible successes.

Jennifer Keilly Errity from Woodcliff Lake, and Peter Wells from Park Ridge were this year’s extremely worthy honorees. Jennifer is co-founder and President of Spoil Me Pink, a nonprofit group that supports breast cancer survivors, and also serves as a board member of Josephine’s Garden at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack. Professionally, Jennifer is the District Community Internship Facilitator for the Pascack Valley Regional High School District.

Peter has been deeply involved with Rotary for over 40 years, with support extending to local Chambers, the Jaycees, Girl Scouts, hospital foundations and the Bergen County Community Blood Center. Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” is clearly imbedded in Peter’s local commitment of support. Career-wise, Peter’s family architectural firm has completed over 4,500 commercial projects. The family-owned firm dates back over a half-century.

The highlight of the special evening were the heartfelt and special words from both Jennifer and Peter. Introducing them, with similar touching expressions, were Nicole Marian (dear friend of Jennifer) and Phil Wells (son of Peter).

To commemorate their stellar achievements, Jennifer and Peter were presented plaques from the Chamber by President Tony Pallogudis, as well as commendations from NJ State Senator Holly Schepisi’s office, and from the Bergen offices of the Board of County Commissioners as well as from County Executive James Tedesco.

The Chamber reached out to the two recipients for their thoughts on the event.

Jennifer replied: “I was so humbled and honored to receive this coveted award alongside Peter Wells, a true pillar of our community. I was especially excited to learn that we would be raising money for scholarships for local students, as well as for charities of our choice. The event was above and beyond what I expected, and I was thrilled to be surrounded by my family, friends, and new connections from the community.

The most special moment came after the event when one of my guests approached me to share that she had been inspired to start her own charity in honor of her father and asked for my help. That truly made the evening unforgettable”

Peter added: "Receiving such an award is really something special, because it was more than something for one, but instead for all those that are a part of one’s life. I felt like I was saying thank you on behalf of all those in our community that try to make a difference.

I encourage us all to find common ground, and to live with joy and faith, in honesty, humility and service to others. Success is only when it is for us all.

We are blessed with so much, and thus as in a favorite bible verse; Luke 12, to whom much is given, much will be required . . . so let’s step up and make a real difference."

As Jennifer noted, proceeds from the event go towards funding the Chamber’s Skip Kelley Memorial Scholarship Fund. Annually, Chamber members present ten scholarships at the seven high schools in their service communities. Additionally, the Chamber continues to donate to charities selected by its honorees.

The Chamber was founded in the mid 1970’s with a mission to support the local businesses, organizations and residents in their footprint. Those towns include Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, River Vale, Old Tappan, Hillsdale, Washington Township, Westwood, Emerson and Oradell.  The Chamber sponsors and supports a number of other events during the year and its membership meets monthly. For more information about the Chamber, please visit its web-site at www.PascackChamber.org. Currently serving as officers are Tony Pallogudis, President; Anthony Rizzo, Vice President; Kenneth Baron, Treasurer; Greg Giardino, Secretary; and Ralph Crespo, Technology Director.