2026 Candidates

INVESTING IN FAIR HAVEN

MEET MICHAL DIMICELI - OUR FUTURE MAYOR

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Michal DiMiceli is a dedicated Councilwoman, community leader, and proud Fair Haven resident running for Mayor in 2026 to represent all members of the community. She has called Fair Haven home for over a decade, sharing her life here with her husband Joe, their daughter Segovia, and their little Shichon, Eddy.

Since being elected to the Borough Council in 2024, Michal has built a reputation for delivering results, fostering collaboration, and leading with integrity. For her first two years, she served as the only Democrat on the governing body - an experience she embraced with determination. She worked across the aisle to build productive relationships and ensure that progress continued, even when facing difficult decisions or standing alone on key issues.

Michal's leadership has focused on securing necessary resources and grant funding, protecting Fair Haven’s environment, improving communication and transparency, strengthening regional partnerships, and supporting the volunteers who are the backbone of the community. Today, with growing momentum and broader representation, Michal is ready to take the next step in leadership.

That is why she is running for Mayor.

With more than 30 years of professional experience across multiple industries - including leadership roles in small business, media, fashion, sports and government - Michal brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and community insight. Through her work in the City of Long Branch administration, she has gained firsthand experience in municipal operations, grant writing, and project execution - skills she has already leveraged to benefit Fair Haven.

Her record and history of volunteering speaks for itself:

  • Secured $1.2 million in federal funding for Fair Haven’s community center
  • Council Liason Chair for Committees including Finance, Personelle, Communications, Environmental, Natural Area, Historic Preservation, Green Team, Grants, McCarter Pond and Shade Tree
  • Revitalized community traditions like Fair Haven Day
  • Founded initiatives such as Love Where You Live Day and the Sports Swap
  • Built strong partnerships with local, county, and state leaders
  • Former Green Team and Environmental Commission member
  • Former Parent Coach for Girls On The Run
  • Former PTA Class Parent

She believes the role of Mayor is about setting the tone, shaping priorities, and bringing people together to move the community forward. As Mayor, she will lead with a focus on collaboration, transparency, and action.

Her vision for Fair Haven includes:

  • A more collaborative and inclusive government that works closely with residents, volunteers, and neighboring communities
  • Smart, community-driven planning aligned with the borough’s long-term goals
  • A strong commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting natural resources and historic assets
  • Continued investment in projects and services that improve quality of life for all residents – she promises to bring back weekly recycling!

Michal understands what makes Fair Haven special - from its close-knit community and vibrant local businesses to its strong traditions, biking culture, access to the Navesink River and beautiful natural spaces. As a parent in the public school system and an active community volunteer, she is deeply invested in preserving what residents love while addressing the challenges ahead.

Her leadership and success began early, as a nationally ranked gymnast by age fifteen. At Brown University, she continued to excel as a multi-sport Division I athlete in lacrosse, field hockey, and  as rugby captain, contributing to high-performing, competitive teams. These experiences helped her develop the discipline, resilience, and drive that continue to define her leadership style today. She brings that same team-first mindset to public service—and still enjoys cheering on Fair Haven youth sports from the sidelines.

This election presents a pivotal opportunity for Fair Haven. With strong community support, Michal is poised to become the next Mayor, bringing bold leadership, fresh energy, and a proven record of getting things done and advocating for the people of the borough.

Michal DiMiceli is ready to lead now and is eager to serve as your next Mayor. 

With the experience, relationships, and track record of results to back it up, Michal is committed to building a stronger, more collaborative, respectful, and forward-looking Fair Haven that works for everyone.

FOLLOW MICHAL

on facebook - DiMiceli For Fair Haven

on instagram - @Dimiceliforfairhaven

TO DONATE TO MICHAL'S CAMPAIGN

DONATE HERE

MEET MARIAN CROAK - OUR NEXT COUNCIOWOMAN

Marian Croak has called Fair Haven home for nearly 36 years, where she and her husband raised their three children through Sickles School, Knollwood School, and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. Throughout that time, she has been an active member of the community, volunteering, supporting local initiatives, and helping strengthen the connections that make Fair Haven such a special place to live.

A globally recognized technology and innovation leader, Marian currently serves as Vice President at Google, where she leads Human-Centered AI and Machine Learning initiatives. Prior to Google, she was Senior Vice President of Advanced Research and Innovation at AT&T, leading global engineering organizations of more than 2,000 professionals and helping transform modern communications through the development and implementation of large-scale Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks.

Her pioneering work in technology has earned national and international recognition. With more than 200 patents to her name, Marian has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, elected to the National Academy of Engineering, named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and received numerous honors, including the IEEE Founders Medal, Edison Patent Awards, induction into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame, and recognition as Black Engineer of the Year.

While her professional accomplishments are extraordinary, Marian has always remained deeply committed to Fair Haven. She co-chaired the first Fair Haven Day, helped launch the "Be a Good Neighbor" program, and has spent years supporting local causes and strengthening community engagement. She is also a dedicated STEM mentor and advisor, helping students and aspiring engineers pursue educational and professional opportunities.

Marian's record eflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, innovation, and service:

• Fair Haven resident for nearly four decades and parent of three RFH graduates
• Technology pioneer with more than 200 patents and a distinguished career at Google and AT&T
• Leader of global teams responsible for innovations that transformed modern communications
• Founder and supporter of local community-building initiatives, including Fair Haven Day and the "Be a Good Neighbor" program
• Dedicated mentor helping students and emerging professionals pursue careers in STEM

Marian believes Fair Haven's future depends on bringing people together, embracing innovation, and investing in the programs and services that strengthen the community. She is committed to working collaboratively with residents, volunteers, local organizations, and borough leadership to build on Fair Haven's strengths while preparing for future challenges.

Marian's priorities for Fair Haven include:

• Enhancing the Community Center through a strategic plan that maximizes its use and value for residents of all ages
• Reimagining Recreation by securing corporate and community partnerships to upgrade and modernize recreational facilities and playgrounds
• Bridging Generations through programs that connect youth, seniors, and accessibility-challenged residents to foster stronger community bonds
• Driving Innovation by introducing creative, forward-thinking solutions to address the borough's most pressing needs
• Improving Town Services, including increasing brush pickup frequency during peak spring and fall seasons

Marian's career has been defined by solving complex problems, building strong teams, and delivering results. She brings that same approach to public service, combining global leadership experience with a deep understanding of the community she has proudly called home for decades.

With a proven record of innovation, collaboration, and service, Marian Croak is committed to helping Fair Haven remain a vibrant, connected, and forward-looking community for generations to come.

MEET CHRIS RODRIGUEZ - OUR NEXT COUNCILMAN

Chris Rodriguez is deeply rooted in Fair Haven, where he and his wife have raised their three children, all of whom attended Fair Haven's public schools. His commitment to the borough is reflected not only in his years of public service, but also in the countless volunteer roles he has undertaken to strengthen the community and support local families.

For more than seven years, Chris served on the Borough Council, including terms as Council President and Acting Mayor. Throughout his tenure, he focused on preserving Fair Haven's quality of life, maintaining sound financial stewardship, protecting the environment, and investing in the infrastructure and public facilities that residents rely upon every day.

Professionally, Chris brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services, including extensive work in the municipal bond financing market. He is also an experienced enterprise software engineer and entrepreneur, combining financial expertise with a practical understanding of technology, operations, and long-term planning.

His dedication to Fair Haven extends well beyond elected office. Chris has played leadership roles throughout the community, including with Fair Haven Recreation Soccer, the Shade Tree Commission, the Fair Haven Fields Natural Area Committee, and local Scouting organizations. As Race Director of the annual Fair Haven Turkey Trot and a familiar face at the Firemen's Fair Frog Bog, he has helped support many of the traditions that bring residents together year after year.

Chris's strong record of service includes:

• Seven years of Borough Council experience, including service as Council President and Acting Mayor
• More than 25 years of financial services experience, with expertise in municipal finance and fiscal planning
• Former Police Commissioner and chair of key borough committees, including Finance, Facilities, and Public Works
• Chair of the Shade Tree Commission and advocate for environmental stewardship and open space preservation
• Active Scouting leader, former Scoutmaster, Troop Chair, and Eagle Scout
• Volunteer leadership in recreation programs, community events, and local charitable initiatives

Chris has served in a wide range of municipal leadership roles, including Finance, Police and Fire, Engineering, Public Works and Borough Facilities, Fair Share Housing, the Historic Commission, Memorial Park Committee, and the Shade Tree Commission. These experiences have provided him with a broad understanding of borough operations and the challenges facing Fair Haven today.

Chris remains focused on:

• Improving borough infrastructure and municipal facilities
• Supporting public safety
• Continued investment in Bicentennial Hall and other public assets
• Planning responsibly for Fair Haven's future

Chris believes effective local government requires collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to serving residents first. Through his combination of professional expertise, municipal experience, and deep community involvement, he remains dedicated to ensuring Fair Haven continues to thrive for generations to come.

GET INVOLVED TODAY!

Other Ways to Support:

To volunteer, host a party or help with campaign events, contact us: [email protected]