Women of Distinction

The 2008 Women of Distinction

Barbara L. Birdsall, Esq.
Wall
Birdsall is no stranger to Girl Scouts. She first became a member while growing up in Howell. She later led the Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts through realignment as its final president. An elder law attorney at Stout & O’Hagan, Birdsall feels Girl Scouting is critical for a young girl’s growth. “Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens and community leaders,” she said. “Girl Scout programs offer the kind of experiences that go beyond an academic education and build character.”

Robin Fitzmaurice
Rumson
Two River Community Bank is fortunate to have Fitzmaurice as a vice president and commercial lender. She says the community-oriented institution matches her passion for local organizations such as the Rotary Club, 180 and the Monmouth Museum, in addition to numerous other boards and committees.

Jill Hewitt
Point Pleasant
Hewitt is a senior vice president at OceanFirst Bank. She uses her visibility in the community to assist local charities, such as administering the Barbara L. Apito Scholarship Fund, an annual scholarship her family established after the death of her mother that is given to a graduating senior at Point Pleasant High School.

JoAnn McCann
Whiting
Giving to the community provides McCann with enormous satisfaction. She has been involved with the Girl Scouts for more than 26 years and the Ocean County Volunteers for the Blind for more than 10 years. She is currently president of both organizations. McCann, a former Girl Scout herself, began her adult involvement in 1981 as the leader of her daughter’s Brownie troop. McCann also belongs to the Manchester Township Education Association, facilitating its scholarship program.

Rosalind Seawright
Manalapan
Creating partnerships between businesses and community organizations is a driving force for Seawright. Her position as manager of community and senior services for Meridian Health, which includes the presentation of a wide range of health-education programs and health screenings for Monmouth County area residents allows her to establish these vital relationships.

Maureen C. Stankowitz
Lakewood
For the past 10 years, Stankowitz has been the executive director of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, dedicating many hours to volunteering. “I believe that we should give back to the community and these organizations help me do that,” she said. Stankowitz is also a past chair of Preferred Behavioral Health.