Cumberland and Salem Counties Distinguished Citizen Awards

Michael Donato is a lifelong resident of Cumberland County with more than 25 years of distinguished service in law enforcement and public safety.

He began his career in 1994 with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, working in the County Jail, Courthouse, and Narcotics Task Force. He later served with the Bridgeton Police Department from 1998 to 2005 in Uniform Patrol, the Criminal Investigation Division, and the County Narcotics Task Force. In 2005, he joined the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, where he served for 15 years.

During his time with the Prosecutor’s Office, Michael worked extensively with the Narcotics Task Force, authored search warrants leading to the seizure of illegal narcotics, weapons, and currency, and served in both the Trial Unit and Major Crimes Unit. He rose through the ranks to Detective Lieutenant, supervising the Major Crimes Unit and later the Legal Bureau before retiring in 2020. Throughout his career, he collaborated with municipal, state, and federal
agencies to enhance public safety across the region.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Michael has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to volunteer service. He has been a member of the Cedarville Volunteer Fire Department since 1991 and currently serves as Deputy Chief. He also held leadership roles in Lawrence Township Emergency Medical Services and served as President of the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs and EMS Captains Association, where he currently serves as second Vice President. Michael is also actively involved in community initiatives, including serving on the Bridgeton Invitational Baseball Committee.

Throughout his career, he has received awards and recognitions from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albert J. Mallen 2004 Narcotics Officer of the Year. Michael and his wife, Denise, raised four children in Cumberland County and are deeply committed to their community.

Dr. Michael R. Gorman has served as president of your Salem Community College (SCC) since August 2015. During his tenure, he has worked to improve and expand programs and partnerships. He is “the face of the College” in the greater community, spreading the message that SCC is the affordable, quality, empowering and personalized educational opportunity. Dr. Gorman supports initiatives throughout Salem County, including the Economic Development Council. He serves on the boards of the Salem County Vocational-Technical Schools’

Educational Foundation, Stand Up for Salem, the Salem County Chamber of Commerce, the Forman S. Acton Educational Foundation, the Penns Grove/Carneys Point Regional School District Advisory Board and the City of Salem’s 350th anniversary committee. In addition, he is the Vice President of the New Jersey Council of Education and the chair of the Salem County Chamber Board of Directors. He also served as president of the Rotary of Penns Grove.

Before becoming president of Salem Community College, Dr. Gorman served as superintendent of the Pemberton Township Schools in Burlington County, New Jersey for eight years. Prior to overseeing Pemberton’s schools, he was superintendent of Glassboro Public Schools and deputy superintendent of schools at Salem County Vocational Technical Schools.

He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Widener University, a Master of Education from Temple University, a bachelor's degree from Widener and an associate degree from Burlington County College.

Robert P. Brady has demonstrated a lifetime of leadership, service, and commitment to both his profession and community.

After beginning his career in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster, Mr. Brady joined Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company in Bridgeton, where he dedicated more than 30 years of service. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer, guiding the organization with a steady commitment to integrity, growth, and community impact. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Brady has a long history of civic and community involvement. He has been active with organizations including the Bridgeton Kiwanis Club, Maxwell Club, and insurance and charitable associations at both the state and national levels. He is also a licensed insurance professional in the State of New Jersey. Mr. Brady has served his country as a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.

A lifelong supporter of Scouting, Mr. Brady began as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout and continued his involvement as an adult leader. He served with Troop 98 and as District Advancement Chairman, mentoring countless young people on their path to Eagle Scout. In recognition of his service, he received the Silver Beaver Award. Notably, all three of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, reflecting a strong family commitment to Scouting values.

Mr. Brady’s dedication to service extends beyond his professional and volunteer roles, leaving a lasting impact on his community and on generations of young people.