(Cherry Hill, N.J.) – Longtime Cherry Hill resident Carolyn Jacobs was appointed as the newest member of Township Council at its Reorganization Meeting on Monday, Jan. 11.
Jacobs fills the seat vacated by Susan Shin Angulo, who resigned at the end of December after being elected to the Camden County Board of Freeholders.
A 43-year resident of the Township’s Point of Woods neighborhood, Jacobs served on the Township Planning Board in the late 1990s, including a term as the board’s Chairwoman. She was appointed to the Board again in 2012, as Mayor Chuck Cahn’s liaison.
“As someone who has lived and raised a family in Cherry Hill, I have seen firsthand the qualities that make this such a wonderful town,” Jacobs said. “I am proud and honored to serve the residents of Cherry Hill in this capacity. I look forward to working with Mayor Cahn and my colleagues on Council, with a continued focus on fiscal responsibility and investing in public safety, roads, recreation, and other municipal services that help to keep our neighborhoods strong, vibrant and thriving.”
Jacobs is a retired programming, project- and account-management professional and consultant. She worked for INA/CIGNA in Philadelphia for several years, followed by nearly 15 years as a consultant to property and casualty insurance organizations both nationally and internationally. She retired from IBM in 2011.
In addition to her public service, Jacobs devotes considerable efforts toward helping some of our area’s most vulnerable residents. She volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children who have been removed from their homes in cases of neglect or abuse. She also reads to at-risk children as part of the BookMates literacy program. Additionally, she chairs several programs as a member of the Board of Directors of Temple Beth Sholom.
“Carolyn has worked in various capacities to make Cherry Hill and our region a better, stronger place to live and work, from her service to the Planning Board to her work with at-risk youth in South Jersey,” said Council President David Fleisher. “I know she will continue to be a dedicated public servant and a strong advocate for all of our residents.”
Jacobs’ late husband, Eric, served as Chief of Staff and Township Administrator under former Mayors Art Simons and Bernie Platt. Jacobs has two adult daughters, Lisa and Deborah.
Jacobs will serve for the remainder of 2016. A special election will be held in November to fill the remainder of the term, which runs through December 2017.
“I have no doubt Carolyn will be an asset to our Township Council,” Mayor Chuck Cahn said. “She has a wealth of experience in public and community service, and I know she shares Council’s and my commitment to fiscal responsibility, strong neighborhoods, and effective, responsible, accountable government. I look forward to her seeing her talents and insight applied to the benefit of our entire community, as we work together to build a stronger, brighter future for Cherry Hill.”