Jeff Friedman of Rumson, Stephanie Hoitt of Rumson and Chuck Rutledge of Atlantic Highlands? now sit on the Sandy Hook Foundation Board.
Patch Staff
HIGHLANDS, NJ — Three local Monmouth County residents were just named to the Board of the Sandy Hook Foundation, the well-known non-profit announced Tuesday.
The Sandy Hook Foundation welcomes Chuck Rutledge of Atlantic Highlands, Jeff Friedman of Rumson and Stephanie Hoitt of Rumson to its Board of Trustees.
As members of the board, Rutledge, Friedman and Hoitt will be responsible for advancing the Foundation's resources and efforts and supporting its mission to enhance the visitor experience at Sandy Hook.
“The Sandy Hook Foundation is thrilled to introduce Chuck, Jeff, and Stephanie as newest members of our board," said Pete Izzo, Sandy Hook Foundation president. "With their extensive expertise, shared passion for history and the outdoors, and dedication to preserving our national park, they will play a vital role in deepening our connection with the community and fostering our partnership with the National Park Service. We couldn’t be more excited to have them on board."
Residing in Atlantic Highlands with his wife, Jeanne, Rutledge possesses a wealth of leadership experience, from start-ups to global technology companies, along with a passion for nonprofit service. As an expert in strategic partnerships, marketing and business development, he brings valuable insight to the Foundation’s mission to protect Sandy Hook’s natural and historic treasures, enhance public programming, and promote environmental stewardship. In addition to his board service with organizations like the Readington Township Board of Education, the Readington Education Foundation and Literacy Volunteers of America, Chuck is a devoted hiker who has explored national parks nationwide, deepening his appreciation for natural spaces. Drawn to the unique beauty and history of Sandy Hook, he is committed to supporting initiatives that protect this local treasure for generations to come.
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Born and raised on Long Island near the Sound, Friedman spent over two decades living and working in Manhattan. He spent most of his summers and weekends in Sea Bright since 2015 and became a full-time Jersey Shore resident in 2020. Jeff spent his professional career working in the digital media space across a variety of disciplines including strategy, operations and business development. He started his career at CNN, spent time at various startups, and most recently spent over 10 years working in various roles for News Corporation. Over the past several years, Jeff has taken a pause from his professional career to be a stay-at-home parent and spend as much time on the beach and in Sandy Hook as possible. Jeff is an avid tennis player, skier and a bad surfer. He lives in Rumson with his wife Denise, 7-year-old son Ryan and dog Yogi.
Stephanie Hoitt is a dedicated board member who brings a deep personal connection to her role. A resident of Rumson, she cherishes fond childhood memories of Sandy Hook from visits to her grandparent’s home in the Highlands. Today, she enjoys creating new memories there with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs. Stephanie’s professional background includes over a decade of client relationship management in New York and San Francisco. After taking time to focus on her family, she channeled her energy into charitable endeavors. Her commitment to community service shines through her involvement with the VNA Health Group, the Rumson Garden Club and Impact 100. With a passion for preserving Sandy Hook’s natural beauty and historical significance, Stephanie is dedicated to ensuring this special place remains a treasure for future generations to explore and enjoy.
Sandy Hook provides a vast menu of resources for all park visitors, including the historic Fort Hancock,the Sandy Hook Proving Ground and the NIKE Missile Radar sites. Outdoor enthusiasts visiting the park enjoy sports and recreation; naturalists are eager to discover the abundant flora and fauna; and those who love the miles of ocean and bayside beaches enjoy the waves of the Atlantic and soft currents of the bay. The Foundation plays an important role by supporting programs and projects that improve visitors’ experiences.
For more information about The Sandy Hook Foundation, please visithttps://www.sandyhooknj.org, email [email protected], or call 732-291-7733.