Monmouth Conservation Foundation is pleased to announce our new and returning leaders to its Board of Trustees following our Annual Reorganization Meeting held on April 23, 2026. The meeting marked an important moment of transition and renewal for MCF, as trustees gathered to elect a new slate of officers, recognized outgoing President Matthew Cohen for his dedicated service, and welcomed board members whose experience and passion will help guide MCF’s mission in the years ahead.
MCF is pleased to reappoint John Smack, a returning trustee and a lifelong Monmouth County resident. John’s commitment to public service and community stewardship has defined both his professional and volunteer endeavors. After retiring from the Monmouth Probation Division after a distinguished career that included becoming the first African American to attain the rank of Master Probation Officer and serving as a supervisor for more than 15 years, John has become deeply involved in the restoration of Cedar View Cemetery in Lincroft, a 176-year-old African American burial ground. As president of the Friends of Cedar View nonprofit, John is dedicated to supporting this historic site’s transformation into a place where history, nature, and community intersect. One of John’s favorite places in Monmouth County is the Oceanic Bridge vista, overlooking two beautiful waterfront properties MCF has helped to preserve as expanded connections to Hartshorne Woods Park. His lifelong passion for conservation and appreciation for Monmouth County’s scenic landscapes make him a valued voice on the MCF Board.
Building on that strong foundation, MCF was pleased to also reappoint Mary Tassini to the Board of Trustees. Mary Tassini’s connection to MCF spans more than four decades. She first became involved with MCF in 1980 during the successful campaign to save Fisherman’s Cove at the Manasquan Inlet. This landmark conservation effort protected 65 acres of open space and created one of the region’s most beloved public destinations, including Mary’s! As a lifelong resident of Monmouth County, Mary believes the preservation of open space has the single greatest impact on the quality of life here. She appreciates MCF’s work as an example of how powerful partnerships between government and private citizens can be. Over the years, Mary has served MCF in numerous leadership capacities, including trustee, emeritus trustee, vice president, and chair of the Public Relations Committee. Her professional expertise in marketing, regulatory compliance, and public affairs, combined with her deep institutional knowledge of the organization, continues to be an invaluable asset to MCF. Mary also considers it a privilege to have known and to continue to be inspired by the vision and dedication of MCF founders Judy Stanley Coleman and Mike Huber.
Finally, MCF is pleased to appoint newcomer Dennis Giuliano, a Jersey Shore native and Middletown resident who brings to MCF a professional background in redevelopment and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. His experience navigating the technical, financial, legal, and business aspects of real estate will provide a valuable perspective on MCF’s land preservation efforts.
When he’s not working, Dennis can often be found enjoying Monmouth County’s waterways and open spaces, including surfing year-round, fishing from his stand-up paddleboard, or exploring local parks with his family. Together with his wife, a seasonal naturalist with the Monmouth County Park System, Dennis has spent years restoring native habitat on their property, creating space for wildlife like monarch butterflies.
“My wife and I spend many weekends enjoying Monmouth County’s parks and green areas as we raise our two boys to appreciate the natural world,” said Giuliano. “MCF is working tirelessly to preserve and augment those spaces both for the wildlife that inhabits them and for our future generations. It’s a great privilege to join the passionate staff and trustees in advancing that goal.”
Together, John, Mary, and Dennis represent the diverse experiences, perspectives, and shared commitment that strengthen Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s work.
Announcing MCF’s 2026-2029 New Officers
During the Annual Reorganization Meeting, the Board of Trustees also elected a new slate of officers to lead the organization over the next three years. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and enthusiasm to their roles.
Please join us in congratulating and thanking our officers for their leadership and commitment to conservation:
- Jack Tassini, President
- Holly Boylan Flego, Vice President
- Chris Rodriguez, Treasurer
- Benson Chiles, Secretary
Jack Tassini expressed his gratitude to the hearts and hands at work for MCF. “As incoming president of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, I welcome our returning and new trustees to MCF’s 2027 fiscal year. MCF’s achievements are the result of the substantial contributions, time, and efforts of our trustees, officers, and staff. And at this time, I especially recognize and thank immediate past MCF President Matt Cohen for his leadership in the past several years.”
Click here to read Jack Tassini’s full welcome and reflection letter.
With the support of the officers, trustees, staff, volunteers, and community partners, Monmouth Conservation Foundation looks forward to continuing its work to protect the natural places that make Monmouth County an extraordinary place to live, work, and explore.
Featured photo:
Many members of MCF’s dedicated Board of Trustees at Spring for Conservation. Photo by Marcella Shook.
