NJBIA member Howard Stein, owner and president of Home Helpers Home Care of Freehold, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic development and quality of life in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Stein was inducted during the MODC Board of Directors annual meeting at The Shore Club in Spring Lake on June 20.
“Howard and his firm have made a significant contribution to our organization and its committees,” said Tom Gilmour, president of MODC. “We look forward to his continued participation and helping him to grow his business during this challenging environment.”
Stein brings more than two decades of leadership and business experience to his new board position as well as a strong commitment to community-focused care.
MODC Executive Director Dana Lancellotti said the organization was thrilled to welcome Stein to the board.
“Howard's proactive engagement and consistent presence at our MODC events, and his service on our committees, including our Monmouth Employer Legislative Committee, makes him the perfect fit to advance to this leadership role,” Lancellotti said.
The Monmouth ELC is one of NJBIA’s county-level grassroots affiliates that give local businesspeople the opportunity to meet with legislators, cabinet officials or local elected officials to discuss business issues. NJBIA’s Government Affairs team also attends these meetings to brief the ELCs on new legislative and regulatory matters affecting employers.
Lancellotti said it has been “an absolute pleasure” to work with Stein and his company.
An active advocate for seniors, veterans, and family caregivers, Stein launched Home Helpers of Freehold in early 2020, following a successful corporate career, and quickly expanded the agency’s footprint to serve Monmouth, Mercer, and Burlington counties.
His company has earned recognition as a Caring Star Award recipient for excellence in in-home senior care in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Additionally, Home Helpers has won “Best of” Employer and Provider in Home Care for the last four years from Activated Insights, which conducts national random surveys of clients and employees in the home care industry.
“I’m honored to join the MODC Board and collaborate with such a dynamic network of leaders,” said Stein. “MODC’s commitment to advancing small business, addressing local issues and regional prosperity aligns perfectly with my values as a business owner and community advocate.”
The complete list of new directors installed at the MODC annual board meeting includes:
- Joseph Campi, King Financial Network
- Paul Dement, Monmouth University
- Ed Johnson, Brookdale Community College
- Ken Karamichael, Georgian Court University;
- Stacey Kavanagh, Provident Bank
- Boris Leiningen, Massa Multimedia Architecture, PC
- Dr. Michael Maschi, Ocean County Vocational Technical School
- Kristine Novakowski, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity
- Valerie Ortense, Preferred Behavioral Health Group
- Janet Porter, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets
- Kristen Rimek, OceanFirst Bank
- Howard Stein, Home Helpers of Freehold
- Luisa Vroman, LADACIN Network
- Brian Waldron, HFA
MODC officers for the coming year are President, Thomas J. Gilmour, Asbury Park Music Foundation; Vice Presidents Nancy Barone, CentraState Healthcare System; Christopher Church, PCS; John Casagrande, Danskin Insurance Agency, Inc.; John LeMay, Oceantec, Steve Reinman, Lakewood Industrial Commission; and Linda Savino, Pause to Thrive. Karen Campi, Campi Dental, is the corporate secretary. Charlene Archer, Manasquan Bank, is treasurer.
