Politics & Government

Red Bank CFO Headed to Middletown

By Middletown Patch Editor Gregory Kyriakakis

It's official. Red Bank Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Colleen Lapp is moving over to Middletown to become its head of finance. 

Lapp is scheduled to begin work in Middletown on Dec. 9 at a salary of $135,000, according to officials. Her hiring was approved by the Township Committee this week. Lapp's salary in Red Bank was listed as $93,000 in state records.

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“She definitely won out among several strong candidates,” said Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger. “Her background and qualifications are impeccable.”

Lapp’s experience working in a neighboring town was appealing to Middletown officials. Her knowledge of the area and shared service agreements between the municipalities was a draw, Scharfenberger said.

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“We think she’s familiar with the way the township is run,” the mayor said. “She had pretty much everything we were looking for.”

Middletown lost its CFO in October when Nick Trasente, who started work in 2010, left for a position in Somerset County. He remains with Middletown on a part time basis — he can work up to 10 hours per week as needed through January 2014.

Scharfenberger said Trasente will help transition Lapp into her position, and the township administration will “play it by ear” as to when they can cut ties with the former CFO.


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