Stafford Township Administrator Receives Inaugural Barnegat Bay Impact Award

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township business administrator Matthew Von der Hayden was recognized at his final council meeting with the inaugural Barnegat Bay Impact Award from Save Barnegat Bay.

Britta Forsberg, executive director of Save Barnegat Bay, said the organization created the award to honor leadership that has made a lasting difference in protecting and restoring Barnegat Bay and its watershed. She said the recognition is meant for people whose vision, leadership and dedication have had a meaningful impact.

“It is especially fitting that Matt should be our inaugural recipient of the Barnegat Bay Impact Award for outstanding municipal leadership and environmental stewardship,” Forsberg said. She said Von der Hayden showed that municipal leadership can be a powerful force in environmental progress.

Forsberg said his work included improving water quality, advancing critical infrastructure, embracing nature-based solutions and building collaborative partnerships. She also said that, under his leadership, Stafford Township “has achieved the reclassifying and potential reopening of over 180 acres of Barnegat Bay shellfish waters.”

Forsberg called that result “a remarkable accomplishment and a tangible example of progress towards the Clean Water Act's promise of fishable and swimmable waters.” She said the changes were not just environmental aspirations but real improvements that benefit the bay, local communities and future generations.

“Matt, your leadership has made a lasting difference, and we're grateful not only for what you've accomplished, but for the example that you've set for other municipal professionals throughout the Barnegat Bay watershed,” Forsberg said. She added that although his next chapter will take him beyond the watershed, “Our watershed needs leaders like you.”

Von der Hayden is leaving Stafford to take over as business administrator in Ocean City.

Von der Hayden, responding during the meeting, thanked Forsberg and Save Barnegat Bay and spoke about the partnership between the organization and the township. He referred to cleanups, rain barrel workshops and relationships formed through that work.

“It's really been a true pleasure to work with with all three of you, and I consider you friends,” Von der Hayden said. He also said the connection would continue beyond his time in local government.

In his remarks, Von der Hayden also credited the mayor and governing body. He said they had given him an opportunity to serve the township.