No Longer Freeholders, Camden County Officials Now Commissioners

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — A new year has brought with it a welcome change for many Camden County officials.

On Jan. 1, the Camden County Freeholder Board officially became the Camden County Board of County Commissioners, officials announced.

“This change is long overdue to reflect the diversity in statewide public officeholders, and the desire of all county officials to attract prospective leaders from all walks of life,” Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young said. “In the coming days and weeks, our residents should prepare to see changes to the board’s imagery and publications, and as well as how we are referred to in local media.”

Young was a leading voice in the movement to change the term “freeholder,” an Old English term dating back to before the American Revolution to denote a person who owns land and is free of debt, which was a requirement to hold public office.

At the time, only white men could own property and serve. Read more here: Camden County Official Supports Ending Use Of Term 'Freeholder'

The law does not change how the board is elected or operates, nor does it affect its responsibilities or authority. The change in title does not affect the elective terms of the board’s members.
The Board of County Commissioners consists of seven members, including:

Louis Cappelli, Jr. — Director
Term — January 2021 through December 2023

Edward T. McDonnell — Deputy Director
Term — January 2020 – December 2022

Jeffrey L. Nash
Term — January 2019 – December 2021

Carmen G. Rodriguez
Term — January 2020 – December 2022

Jonathan L. Young, Sr
Term — January 2021 through December 2023

Melinda Kane
Term — January 2019 – December 2021

Al Dyer
Term — December 15, 2020 – December 2021

See related: Camden County Officials Applaud End Of Use Of Term ‘Freeholder’