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Celebrating a Year of
Conservation Accomplishments!
Christine Raabe, District Director Completes State of New Jersey Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program
The nationally accredited State of New Jersey certified Public Manager Program is administered by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission (CSC) and delivered by Rutgers University - Newark's School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA). The graduation ceremony on August 16, 2019 marked the end of 21 courses designed to instill the necessary skills for participants to advance within their organizations by becoming stronger leaders, more strategic thinkers, and more knowledgeable and experienced managers.

In order to attain success as a local conservation leader, OCSCD requires financial resources coupled with broad support from the communities and partners within the county. Utilizing a team approach, OCSCD will engage staff in developing a strategic plan while also maximizing staff talents, expertise and interests, and expanding its primary mission. Through a thoughtful and systematic process, the District will focus on implementing: "2020 Vision for the Ocean County Soil Conservation District - Creating a Sustainable Future for Conservation and Stewardship - A Strategic Plan".
Christine would like to recognize the Ocean County Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors for their continued support and confidence in the District's success. The Board acknowledges the efforts of the entire staff at the District for their efforts in creating an efficient and effective organization!
Accolades for Staff
Ocean County Soil Conservation District staff received numerous accolades at this year's New Jersey Association of Conservation District's Annual Meeting in December. Four technical staff were recognized for their "Outstanding Implementation of the Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Program", and OCSCD's Education Outreach Specialist received the 2019 Award for "Outstanding Service as a Professional Conservationist". 
(Pictured above L-R: Kristin Adams, Jessica Pinto, Brittany Moore, Jean Baluski, Becky Laboy)
Becky Laboy, M.Ed., was honored as "Professional Conservationist" for her education and outreach efforts. Since joining the OCSCD team in 2014, she has significantly expanded programs, attracted record attendance, cultivated strong partnerships with constituents and secured more than $150,000 in grant funding. Through her efforts, OCSCD earned the distinguished Pennsylvania Horticulture Society's 2018 Garden of Distinction Award for one of the District's Jersey-Friendly gardens. Becky was recently recognized by Ocean County College as an " Environmental Superhero" alumni. Ms. Laboy offers the District over 20 years of experience as a professional educator.
Jean Baluski, Resource Conservationist, has served nearly 15 years at the District. She serves dual roles as Office Manager and Erosion Control Specialist. In addition to administrative work, she coordinates directly with the technical staff. She reviews plans for Lakewood, one of the busiest municipalities in Ocean County, and steadfastly maintains her CPESC certification. Ms. Baluski is extremely dedicated, detail oriented, and keeps all District operations in order and working efficiently. She is committed to improving and ensuring the success of the District.
Jessica Pinto graduated in May 2014, with a degree in Environmental Science, and began as an intern at the District that spring. In the fall of 2014 she served as the NJ Watershed Ambassador to the Mullica River. She was hired as Inspector I by OCSCD in 2015 and promoted to Inspector II in 2018. She has served as Erosion Control Specialist since September, 2019. Ms. Pinto has become an integral part of the District, assisting with the training of new inspectors and has taken on responsibilities as a Reviewer.
Kristin Adams received a BS in Conservation and Wildlife Management from Delaware Valley University in 2015, and a Professional Science Masters in Environmental Science from Stockton University in 2017. She was hired by OCSCD in the same year as Inspector I, and promoted to Erosion Control Specialist in September 2019. Her previous job experiences include positions with USFWS, Save Barnegat Bay, Ducks Unlimited and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ. Ms. Adams has exceptional communication skills and continues to seek professional development opportunities to enhance her technical skills.
Brittany Moore received her Associates of Science degree from Ocean County College in 2014 (GPA 4.0) and graduated from Richard Stockton University in May 2017 (GPA 3.8). After interning at Cape Atlantic Soil Conservation in 2016-2017, she was hired by OCSCD in June 2017 as an Inspector I. She quickly surpassed the skills and abilities expected for a two-year employee by exhibiting exceptional mathematical and engineering abilities and a clear and thorough understanding of the concepts, theories and practices inherent to the NJ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act. She was promoted to Erosion Control Specialist in September, 2019.
For information about OCSCD's Strategic Plan, New Jersey's Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, or OCSCD's Education and Outreach program, please call (609) 971-7002.