Howard L. Burrell (born 1945) is a politician, educator, military officer, business leader who is the former Mayor of Vernon Township, New Jersey, from 2020 to 2024 and was the first African American elected to the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners. Known for his dedication to public service and advocacy for inclusivity, Burrell has been recognized for his leadership in economic development, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
Early life
editBurrell was born and raised in Sussex County. He attended Tennessee State University, Wayne State University, and later earned a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in educational psychology from California Coast University in 2008. In 1976, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College, earning a diploma in command and strategic planning. He also completed the Center for Creative Leadership Program, receiving a certificate in leadership development (LinkedIn).
Marriage and children
Burrell resides in Glenwood, New Jersey, with his wife, Reba J. Burrell.
Military service
Burrell served in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of major. His military career spanned assignments in the United States, Middle East, Europe, and Asia. For his outstanding service, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal twice (LinkedIn).
Philosophical and/or political views
editBurrell is a strong advocate for inclusivity and racial equity. During his tenure as mayor, he supported the Black Lives Matter movement, using his platform to address systemic inequalities and promote understanding within Vernon Township.[1]
Career
edit- Sussex County Board of Commissioners
In 2000, Burrell became the first African American elected to the Sussex County Board of Commissioners (formerly Freeholders). During his term, he prioritized labor reforms, public education, and efforts to foster inclusivity (New Jersey Globe).
- Mayor of Vernon Township
Elected as mayor in 2019,[2] Burrell was sworn into office on January 1, 2020, by U.S. congressman Josh Gottheimer. As mayor, he initiated key projects such as:
- Vernon Pump Track and Park, a recreational space promoting community health and sustainability (Advertiser News North).
- Supporting the rebranding of Hef’s Hut at the Great Gorge Golf Club, boosting local tourism (Warwick Advertiser).
- Promoting social justice by addressing systemic racial and social inequalities (North Jersey).
Recognition
edit- Air Force Commendation Medal, awarded twice for military service excellence.
- Sussex County Mayor of the Year (2023), honored for leadership and contributions to Vernon Township.[3]
- LGBTQ+ Pride Award (2020), recognized for fostering an inclusive community (Pike County Courier).
- Named a Hometown Hero (2024) for his work in civic engagement (West Milford Messenger).
References
edit- ^ Obernauer, Eric. "Black Lives Matter movement is personal for Vernon’s Mississippi-born Black mayor", The Record, June 15, 2020. Accessed November 27, 2024. "In Sussex County’s largest township, where 96% of the population is white, the Black Lives Matter movement is very personal for its mayor, a 75-year-old Black man raised in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era. Mayor Howard Burrell said he is heartened that the negative and often painful issues of race in America are being embraced by white Americans as not just a Black problem but an American problem."
- ^ Obernauer, Eric. "It’s official: Burrell confirmed as Vernon’s next mayor", New Jersey Herald, November 8, 2019. Accessed November 27, 2024. "Howard Burrell has been officially confirmed as the winner of Vernon's mayoral election, according to final results tallied late Friday by the Sussex County Board of Elections and certified by the Sussex County Clerk's Office."
- ^ "Burrell honored as Mayor of the Year", Advertiser-News South, December 31, 2023. Accessed November 27, 2024.
- "Howard L. Burrell." https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-burrell.
- "Mayor Burrell receives Pride Award for making Vernon inclusive." Pike County Courier. June 23, 2020. https://www.pikecountycourier.com/news/local-news.
- "Burrell among Hometown Heroes." West Milford Messenger. July 20, 2024. https://www.westmilfordmessenger.com.
External Sources
editLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-burrell
"Burrell honored as Mayor of the Year" - Advertiser News South: https://www.advertisernewssouth.com
"Black Lives Matter movement is personal for Vernon NJ's mayor" - Bergen Record: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2020/06/15/black-lives-matter-movement-personal-vernon-nj-black-mayor/3190512001/
"It’s official: Burrell confirmed as Vernon’s next mayor" - New Jersey Herald: https://www.njherald.com/story/news/2019/11/08
"Gottheimer Receives Endorsement of Vernon Mayor Howard Burrell" - Josh Gottheimer Official Site: https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts
"Mayor Burrell receives Pride Award for making Vernon inclusive" - Pike County Courier: https://www.pikecountycourier.com/news/local-news
"Burrell among Hometown Heroes" - West Milford Messenger: https://www.westmilfordmessenger.com
NJ Property Records: https://www.njpropertyrecords.com
Vernon Township Official Website: https://www.vernontwp.com
Sussex County Board of Commissioners Official Website: https://sussex.nj.us
"Hef’s Hut Opens" - Warwick Advertiser: https://www.warwickadvertiser.com/news/business
Vernon Pump Track and Park Development - Advertiser News North: https://www.advertisernewsnorth.com