Orange Employee of the Quarter
Keith Pressey, Recreation Supervisor.

Keith Pressey and Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, flanked by Director of Community Services Darrell Holcomb and Deputy Director Al Bundy

Keith Pressey has set very high standards for the division of recreation by increasing participation in the various sports leagues and programs, by being innovative and regularly upgrading recreational programs for our youth with the hope of providing additional competitive opportunities for them.

The 7th and 8th Grade Girls Basketball Program was a Keith Pressey addition to Recreation's Sports Program. Keith is a part of the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association where he obtains information and training on park management, park upgrades and recreational opportunities for the Orange Community.

When Keith Pressey learned of the recent budget cuts he cut costs without interrupting the services offered to the Orange community. Keith recently collaborated with the Department of Labor in an effort to offer jobs to youth ages 16-21 from Orange. Approximately 70 youths showed up and are promised jobswithin Essex County and at Great Adventures. These jobs will help to supplement and complement the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program which was impacted by the recent budget cuts.

Keith Pressey is in the process of partnering with the Orange YWCA so that the residents can better utilize their facility. His impeccable work ethic, tolerant nature and his compassion towards others allows him to reach out to others and bring new resources to Orange, including grants (in excess of the millions), volunteerism, donations, supplies etc. Prior to Keith Pressey arriving at the Department in the year 2000 there was a shortage of coaches for the various sports teams and lifeguards for the pools. Kieth turned that around.