Moorestown Friends Alum Named Chair Of County Bridge Commission

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A Moorestown Friends School alum has been named the chairman of the Burlington County Bridge Commission, officials announced on Tuesday.

Matt Riggins, of Moorestown, will succeed State Sen. Troy Singleton (D-7), who stepped down his position on the Commission last month following a close to 12-year tenure. Riggins had been serving as vice chairman.

Riggins was promoted during the commission’s reorganization meeting. At the same meeting, Maple Shade Councilwoman Sandra Nunes was sworn-in as the newest commissioner and was also named the new vice chair.

As chairman, Riggins will lead the three-member board that oversees the agency responsible for the operations of the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol toll bridges over the Delaware River, as well as several smaller bridges in the county and the Palmyra Cove Nature Park off Route 73.

The commission also serves as Burlington County’s improvement authority and oversees regional planning and economic development for the county. This includes the small business loan programs, such as the recently launched Health Emergency Loan Program (HELP) for businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Riggins also graduated from Bucknell University, and he received his MBA from Georgetown University. He works as executive vice president and CFO of Riggins Incorporated, a South Jersey energy and transportation business.

He was previously a congressional staffer for former Congressman Rob Andrews and a management consultant for technology firm, Booz Allen Hamilton.

“Matt is a lifelong Burlington County resident, and he has a wealth of experience both in government and the business world. We are looking forward to his leadership of the Bridge Commission,” Burlington County Director Felicia Hopson said.

“We’re still in the midst of a terrible health crisis and recession, and we will rely on Matt and the Bridge Commission to continue to provide assistance to our small businesses,” said Burlington County Deputy Director Tom Pullion, liaison to the Commission’s Economic Development arm.
Riggins said he was committed to continuing the legacy of strong leadership shown at the commission.

“I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside Senator Singleton and Commissioner John Comegno and learn from both of them,” Riggins said. “I feel humbled and honored to take on this new role entrusted to me. The mission of the Commission will not change. We will remain 100 percent dedicated to safety and service on our toll bridges and to assisting, and increasing support for, our county’s businesses and residents during this challenging time. I am also committed to positive participation in the fight against climate change.”

Nunes is an owner/operator of the L&S Chocolates candy and gift store in Maple Shade for more than 20 years. She has also served on the Main Street Maple Shade Board and as the agency’s executive director and has experience as a real estate agent and an artist with Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G).

“I’m excited to get to work with my fellow commissioners to continue the Bridge Commission’s top-notch service to toll payers, while also helping to grow our county’s economy and assist our county residents and businesses,” Nunes said.