Patrick Rosenello Sworn In as Cape May County Commissioner

Our county welcomed a familiar face to new leadership this week as Patrick Rosenello, the former Mayor of North Wildwood, was sworn in as a Cape May County Commissioner on Monday, April 14, 2026.

Rosenello fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner Melanie Collette and will serve the remainder of her term through December 31, 2026. Former New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael Donohue administered the oath of office prior to the Board's 2 p.m. caucus meeting.

The appointment comes through endorsement by the Cape May County Republican Organization, bringing decades of local government experience to the Commissioner's table. For Rosenello, the transition represents a continuation of his lifelong commitment to the community he's called home since childhood.

"All of my priorities are focused on one outcome I hold dear: ensuring that future generations are blessed with the opportunity to raise their families and prosper in this great and beautiful place we call home," Rosenello said. "Our county faces significant challenges, including housing affordability, improving education, protecting our beaches and expanding year-round economic opportunities. I am eager to get to work with my fellow commissioners to address these concerns."

A Lifetime of Local Leadership

Rosenello's journey in Cape May County began as a young boy when his family moved from Levittown, PA, to North Wildwood. After attending Wildwood Catholic High School, he graduated from the Catholic University of America in 1995, launching a career dedicated to public service.

His professional path included serving as a Legislative Aide to Republican U.S. Congresswoman Sue Kelly and Communications Director for N.J. State Senator Nick Asselta. These experiences provided valuable insight into state and federal governance that would later prove instrumental in his municipal leadership.

Rosenello's local government career began with service on the North Wildwood School Board before his election to the North Wildwood City Council in 2004. During his decade on Council—nine years as Council President—he built a reputation as an effective advocate for the city at state and federal levels.

On January 7, 2014, Rosenello was sworn in as the 17th Mayor of North Wildwood, a position he held for 12 years before returning to City Council in 2026. His tenure as mayor coincided with significant challenges facing coastal communities, from beach erosion to economic development.

Deep Community Roots

Beyond elected office, Rosenello has contributed to our community through service on numerous boards and organizations. His involvement spans youth athletics with the Greater Wildwood Little League, education through the Wildwood Catholic Advisory Council, historic preservation at Naval Air Station Wildwood, and regional planning on the Cape May County Bridge Commission, Cape May County Open Space Board, and the North Wildwood Joint Planning Board.

This breadth of experience across different sectors of community life positions him to understand the interconnected challenges facing Cape May County residents.

New Responsibilities

As Commissioner, Rosenello will assume oversight of several critical county departments through the end of 2026, including the Prosecutor's Office, Tax Board, Superintendent of Schools, Technical High School, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and Consumer Affairs/Weights and Measures.

Director Leonard C. Desiderio welcomed the appointment, emphasizing the value Rosenello brings to the Board. "Patrick Rosenello brings a wealth of experience to this role and shares the Commissioners' deep commitment to a better Cape May County," Desiderio said. "His proven leadership as Mayor of North Wildwood and dedication to improving all of our communities make him an excellent addition to the Board. We look forward to working together to address the challenges and opportunities facing our county."

With housing affordability, education quality, beach protection, and year-round economic development topping his priority list, Rosenello steps into the role at a pivotal moment for Cape May County. His focus on ensuring future generations can build lives here resonates with families throughout our region who face mounting pressures in an increasingly expensive coastal market.