Toms river school board president ashley lamb named ocean county deputy clerk

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – The Ocean County Clerk’s Office ushered in a new leadership team this week as Ashley Lamb, president of the Toms River Regional Board of Education, was sworn in as one of two deputy county clerks during a ceremony at the Ocean County Administration Building. The appointment marks a significant addition to the office’s ranks and has drawn political attention amid recent local disputes.

Lamb was sworn in Monday alongside County Clerk John P. Kelly, who began his new five-year term, and fellow Deputy Clerk John Catalano. The oaths of office were administered by Judge Sean Gertner before an audience of colleagues, family members, and elected officials.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners formally approved Lamb’s appointment, citing her background in public service and local leadership. Lamb works as a real estate agent and a hair stylist.

While the ceremony was celebratory, Lamb’s hiring has not been without controversy.

Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick previously alleged that Lamb’s husband, Justin Lamb—former Township Council President—voted against dissolving the Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority as part of a political favor tied to Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore. Lamb publicly rejected the accusation, calling it false and politically motivated. Gilmore later acknowledged that he recommended Ashley Lamb for the deputy clerk position but maintained that the hiring process was based on merit.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners confirmed the appointment during its most recent meeting, officially bringing Lamb into the clerk’s leadership team alongside Catalano. The office will be led by Kelly, a longtime county official, who returns for another term overseeing elections, land records, and public filings.

Newly elected Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, who also serves on the Toms River MUA, joined the board shortly before the appointments were finalized. The county emphasized that the new leadership team will strengthen administrative operations and continue to provide reliable service to Ocean County residents.

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