(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - May 21, 2026) - Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III received the Former Mayor of the Year Award during the New Jersey Conference of Mayors’ 61st Annual Spring Conference in Atlantic City today.

The award recognizes Commissioner Kern’s years of public service and leadership at both the municipal and county levels, including his service as Mayor of Pohatcong Township and on the Warren County Board of County Commissioners.

“It’s all about community service and working for the residents,” said Hope Mayor Timothy McDonough, a past president of the NJCM. Noting that Kern was one of the youngest mayors in New Jersey when he started, McDonough added, “The energy that Jim Kern has shows in all that he does.”

McDonough said that Kern took what he learned as mayor and used it as he moved into serving at the county level and his involvement at the state level. Kern is president this year of the New Jersey Association of Counties. “Once a mayor, always a mayor,” McDonough added, noting Kern is “doing the same great job as commissioner.”

Pictured with Commissioner Kern during the presentation are NJCM President and Evesham Township Mayor Jaclyn Veasy and McDonough, who was re-elected NJCM’s legislative chair for a 10^th year.