Westfield Dems Endorse Mayor, Council Candidates For 2025

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield Democratic Committee announced its slate of candidates Jeremy Berman, Reshma Adwar, Vik Venkataraman, Jennifer Gilman, and Drew Pecker for the 2025 mayoral and town council elections. The slate is running under the tagline "United for Westfield."

The United for Westfield slate includes:

• Jeremy Berman – Mayoral Candidate Small business owner, father, and youth sports coach
• Reshma Adwar – Ward 1 Candidate Healthcare business leader, former healthcare provider, and devoted mother
• Vik Venkataraman – Ward 2 Candidate Family man, school show leader, local coach, banker, & small business champion
• Jennifer Gilman – Ward 3 Candidate Small business owner, former teacher, and community leader
• Drew Pecker – Ward 4 Candidate Member of the Mayor’s Investment Advisory Council and former co-chair of the Access & Inclusivity Committee, Consultant, New Dad

"Westfield needs leaders who listen," said Berman, candidate for mayor. "Our town needs to continue to engage with the people it serves. We are committed to making sure every resident’s voice is heard and respected. We believe in a Westfield that is forward-thinking and responsive to the needs of our entire community."

The slate of candidates follows an announcement by Democrats Mayor Shelley Brindle and Councilmembers Linda Habgood, Mike Dardia, and David Contract who will not be seeking re-election in 2025 after serving the Town for the past eight years.

Republican Ward 3 Councilman Mike Domogala also officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Westfield in the 2025 election on Monday. Read More: Councilman Mike Domogala To Run For Westfield Mayor

"These five candidates exemplify the values of civic engagement and community dedication that make Westfield special," said Westfield Democratic Committee Chair Bruno Tedeschi. "They bring a unique blend of skills, experience, and fresh ideas that will strengthen our town and ensure it remains one of the best places in New Jersey to live, work, and raise a family."

The Westfield Democratic Committee shared bios of the candidates:

Jeremy Berman

Jeremy Berman is a small business owner, father, and longtime youth sports coach who believes in the power of community and the importance of leadership that listens.

A New Jersey native, Jeremy earned his MBA from Columbia University and built a career in finance and entrepreneurship. After a career at top-tier financial services institutions, he co-founded and sold a boutique investment firm. Seeking a new challenge, he became the first U.S. franchisee for a virtual reality gaming company, and now owns and operates locations in Paramus and Woodbridge.

As a small business owner, Jeremy employs more than 50 people and has firsthand experience dealing with local government, zoning, workforce management, and economic development—insights he will bring to the mayor’s office.

Beyond his professional work, Jeremy is passionate about coaching and mentoring kids. Since moving to Westfield 14 years ago, he has spent over a decade coaching travel basketball, rec baseball, and flag football, shaping young athletes and fostering teamwork. He understands the role recreation and community spaces play in making Westfield a great place to live.

Jeremy and his wife, Erica are raising their two sons, Zach, 14, and Charlie, 11, in Westfield. His campaign is driven by a simple principle: Westfield deserves a mayor who puts community first, listens to residents, and works to preserve our distinct small-town feel.

Reshma Adwar

Dr. Reshma Adwar is a former physical therapist, registered dietitian, and dedicated mother who is passionate about children's health, well-being, and the strength of her community.

Reshma and her husband, Jon, moved to Westfield in 2021 with their two children, fulfilling a dream she had since visiting the town as a teenager. Drawn to Westfield’s excellent schools, charming downtown, and strong sense of community, she is now running for Town Council in Ward 1 to ensure that all families continue to thrive here. Reshma believes Westfield is a town of multitudes—home to families who have lived here for generations, newcomers like her own, multicultural families, and multigenerational households. She is eager to be a leader that reflects the town.

With a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Columbia University, Reshma spent years helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life in hospitals and private practice. Beyond patient care, Reshma has advocated for healthcare policies at both the New Jersey State Legislature and Capitol Hill, and succeeded in advocating for the creation of private lactation spaces in colleges and universities in New Jersey.

As an active volunteer at Franklin Elementary School, Reshma has contributed to the habitat garden, school play, and cultural events, always striving to create a welcoming and enriching environment for students. Whether supporting a small business downtown with her family, listening to neighbors and constituents, or championing local arts and culture, Reshma is committed to building a Westfield where everyone feels a sense of community and belonging.

Vik Vekataraman

Vik and his wife, Palak, moved to Westfield from Hillsborough in 2020 to raise their children in a town that values connection, tradition, and a strong sense of community. As parents of two young kids, Veera and Zakai, and part of a multigenerational household that includes Vik’s parents, they wanted a place where families look out for one another, where neighbors become lifelong friends, and where children can grow up feeling safe, supported, and engaged.

Since arriving, Vik has immersed himself in community life—coaching YMCA basketball, performing in the Washington School Show (most recently as a melodramatic French french fry), and serving as producer behind the scenes. He believes in fostering a town where families, young and old, feel welcome and heard.

After graduating from Rutgers University, Vik spent 20 years in finance and banking, dedicated to supporting small and midsize businesses. From co-owning a business advisory firm with his father to leading national sales and strategy efforts in the banking world, he understands firsthand how essential local businesses are to a town’s character and success.

Vik is committed to preserving Westfield’s unique character while supporting thoughtful progress. On Council, he will prioritize families, champion small businesses, the backbone of this historic downtown, and work to ensure Westfeld remains a vibrant, welcoming community for generations to come.

Jenn Gilman

Jenn Gilman is a dedicated advocate for Westfield families, an educator, and a community leader committed to ensuring that every child has the resources and opportunities to thrive. A former elementary school teacher, Jenn has always prioritized the well-being of children.

After graduating from Boston College, she began her career teaching third grade in Montclair Public Schools before stepping away from the classroom to focus on raising her two daughters, with her husband Keith.

Even outside the traditional education system, Jenn remained deeply involved in children’s development — working as a preschool teacher, a child sleep consultant, and a dedicated volunteer in Westfield’s schools. She served as PTO President at both Jefferson Elementary and Edison Intermediate School, leading initiatives that enhanced students’ educational experiences and strengthened parent engagement. She’s also very active at her synagogue, Temple Emanu-El, and serves on the Board.

Jenn’s passion for fostering a vibrant, family-friendly community led her to public service. Appointed to the Westfield Recreation Commission in 2020, she became its first female chairperson, where she worked to expand recreational opportunities for all residents. She championed inclusive programming, guided playground renovations, and helped launch new town-wide events like the Tour de Westfield.

Jenn believes Westfield should be a town where families feel safe, supported, and connected. That means improving pedestrian and bike safety, maintaining the community’s small-town feel, and investing in parks and recreation. With a proven track record of leadership and service, Jenn is ready to bring her dedication and experience to the Council—ensuring that Westfield remains one of New Jersey’s best places to raise a family.

Drew Pecker

Drew Pecker is a proud son of Westfield, a dedicated father, and a passionate advocate for preserving the charm and tight-knit community that make this town so special. Raised near Tamaques and a graduate of Westfield High School’s Class of 2010, Drew knows firsthand what makes Westfield a wonderful place to grow up—and he’s committed to ensuring it stays that way for generations to come.

After earning his degree in economics from Lehigh University, Drew built a career in finance in New York City. But when it came time to start a family, there was never a doubt about where he and his wife wanted to raise their son, Emmett. Westfield isn’t just where Drew grew up—it’s home, and he’s dedicated to keeping it as welcoming, safe, and family-friendly as ever.

Drew’s vision for Westfield is built on community and togetherness. He believes in strengthening the town’s character by investing in its parks, preserving its small-town charm, and fostering a sense of connection between neighbors. He understands the importance of supporting local businesses, ensuring public safety, and maintaining the walkability and green spaces that make Westfield so special.

With his deep-rooted love for Westfield and a fresh perspective as a new parent, Drew is ready to serve on Town Council and make sure Westfield remains the perfect place to raise a family—just like it was for him.

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