David Wildstein reports for New Jersey Globe

Michael Darcy, the executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, has announced that he will retire in July.

Darcy has been with the organization, which advocates on behalf of local governments, since 1990.  New Jersey has had ten governors during his tenure.

Hardwick Mayor James Perry, Sr. will head a transition committee that includes current NJLM vice presidents and past presidents.

“On behalf of the Board, we thank Michael Darcy for his three decades of service,” Perry said. “His leadership has seen the services offered to the League membership expand and the League’s annual conference continue as the largest municipal conference in the country.”

Darcy became executive director in 2015 following the retirement Bill Dressel.  Dressel, who joined the NJLM in 1974 was named to the post after Jack Trafford stepped down after nearly 38 years of service.

Considering the organization’s long tradition of promoting from within, the front runner for the executive director post could be the current assistant executive director, Mike Cerra.  Cerra has been with the NJLM since 1996.

“My decades with the League have provided unexpected learning opportunities and a constant variety of experiences,” said Darcy. “The work of local government and the League never ends but rather it transitions along with society and the evolving needs of municipalities and their residents.  I look forward to assisting with the next transition.”

According to the NJLM website, Darcy had held positions in “ every program, service, and management area of the League, including Advertising Manager of New Jersey Municipalities magazine; Program Specialist in charge of producing seminars; Exhibit Manager for the Annual League Conference, which is the largest municipal conference in the United

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