Mayor Art Ondish Leadership Award

This award is given annually by Sustainable Jersey in memory of Mayor Arthur Ondish of Mount Arlington. He was a true leader and an original member of the visionary mayors who founded the Sustainable Jersey program. He was a key thinker and doer during the growth of the Sustainable Jersey movement. In the early days, he spent countless hours meeting with local officials to promote Sustainable Jersey and was instrumental in the program's acceptance in rural parts of New Jersey.

This award recognizes an outstanding leader of a Sustainable Jersey certified town who has provided ideas, policy support, and the necessary resources for the green team to achieve significant success towards sustainability at the local level.

 

2025 Recipient: Honorable Sean Elwell, Elsinboro Township

The 2025 recipient is the Honorable Sean Elwell, Mayor of Elsinboro Township. Mayor Elwell is a lifelong resident of Elsinboro and has spent the past 15 years serving his community; 4 years as Deputy Mayor and 11 as Mayor. He is a hands-on leader who personally applies for grants, submits certification applications, and serves on key sustainability committees. He also sits on the Executive Boards of the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. Beyond municipal leadership, he is a registered nurse, Fire Chief, and Clean Communities Coordinator.