Manchester Council President Resigns; Resumes Sought For Opening

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Council is seeking resumes from potential council candidates after President Roxanne Conniff resigned from her seat on April 27.

Conniff, who had served on the council since January 2023, said she was stepping down because personal circumstances led to her moving out of Manchester.

"I was born and raised here in Manchester. This town helped shape my values, my sense of community, and the way I see the world," Conniff said. "It is where I learned what it means to help those in need, to take pride in where you come from, and to give back whenever you can."

Conniff thanked the residents and town employees for their support.

"I'm grateful to the residents of Manchester who placed their trust in me. I'm equally grateful for the dedicated employees in town hall who serve this community with professionalism and care every single day," she said. "And our first responders, our police officers, EMTs, dispatchers, and firefighters — both paid and volunteer — you represent the very best of what our community should be."

Our Manchester Township community extends our deepest gratitude and warmest well wishes to Council President Roxy Conniff, who on April 27, 2026, announced her resignation from the Township Council.

"I was born and raised here in Manchester. This town helped shape my values, my sense of community, and the way I see the world," she said in public remarks. "It is where I learned what it means to help those in need, to take pride in where you come from, and to give back whenever you can."

Since assuming office, Council President Conniff has served with dedication and a steadfast commitment to the residents of Manchester Township. Having served on the governing body since taking her oath on January 3, 2023, she explained that personal circumstances have led to a move out of the township.

"I'm grateful to the residents of Manchester who placed their trust in me. I'm equally grateful for the dedicated employees in town hall who serve this community with professionalism and care every single day," the Council President said. "And our first responders, our police officers, EMTs, dispatchers, and firefighters — both paid and volunteer — you represent the very best of what our community should be."

Conniff's council term runs through Dec. 31, and resumes are being accepted until 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, to fill the seat. Interested residents should send their resume to Teri Giercyk, Municipal Clerk, 1 Colonial Drive, Manchester, NJ 08759 or submit them by email to tgiercyk@manchestertwp.com. Call 732-657-8121 ext. 3200 with any questions.

Councilwoman Michele Zolezi, who has served on the council since being appointed in 2021 to fill the seat held by Robert Hudak and then won election to finish the term, was voted council president to replace Conniff.

A post on the township's Facebook page paid tribute to Conniff on her departure.

"Since assuming office, Council President Conniff has served with dedication and a steadfast commitment to the residents of Manchester Township," the post read. "On behalf of a grateful Manchester Township community, thank you, Council President Conniff, for your years of service, leadership, and dedication to your hometown. We join with our community in wishing you the very best in your next chapter!"