Giuseppe Chila sworn in as Gloucester County's 24th Surrogate
Monday, January 14, 2019
(Woodbury, NJ) – The Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders held the County’s 333rd Annual Reorganization on Friday, January 4, 2019. Giuseppe Chila was sworn in to serve as County Surrogate by the Honorable Donald W. Norcross, U.S. Member of the House of Representatives NJ-01. A Surrogate is a constitutional official elected for a five-year term and considered part of the judicial system.
The Gloucester County Surrogate administers a court that will affect the lives of all residents at some time. The Surrogate serves the public on all matters regarding estates, guardianships, adoptions and probate matters. Surrogate Chila said, "It may be the happiest day of your life if you are adopting a child or a day of sorrow if you are probating a loved one’s will. My staff and I will efficiently assist our residents with any life-altering event."
“With the passing of our beloved Surrogate, Helene M. Reed in April 2018 and the failure of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to appoint a successor in the interim, the staff led by Deputy Surrogate, Susan McKenna did an outstanding job continuing to serve the residents in all matters,” stated Surrogate Chila.
The new Surrogate is eager to get to work. Surrogate Chila said, “During my term, I will explore different avenues to improve the services of the Surrogate. My goal is to develop a social media presence, participate in outreach programs that target all demographic groups and improve the accessibility of archives by implementing digital records.” Surrogate Chila’s objectives will contribute to the ongoing success and reliability of the services provided to the public.
Surrogate Chila previously served on the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders for twelve years, seven of which he served as Deputy Director. From 2003-2010 Surrogate Chila served as Mayor of Woolwich Township.
If you have any questions or need to utilize the services of the Surrogate please contact the office at (856)-853-3282 or http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov.