George Cook is a lifelong Hillside resident with more than 40 years of deep roots in the community. A product of the Hillside school system, he is a proud graduate of Hillside High School, Class of 1986.
Mr. Cook is a U.S. Army veteran, having served honorably in the Army and New Jersey National Guard from 1991 to 1994. His commitment to public service extends throughout local and county government, education, and community organizations.
He served on the Hillside Town Council from 2017 to 2021 and previously dedicated eight years to the Hillside Board of Education from 2009 to 2017, including four years as Board President from 2010 to 2014. In recognition of his leadership in education, he was elected to the New Jersey School Boards Association Board of Directors in 2015.
Mr. Cook has long been active in civic and community service. He has been a member of the Hillside Lions Club since 2016 and served as Club President in both 2020 and 2021. He has also been a member of the Hillside Scholarship Fund since 2008 and served on the Hillside Recreation Advisory Committee from 2023 to 2025.
At the county level, Mr. Cook was appointed to the Union County College Foundation Board of Trustees in 2018. Earlier in his community involvement, he volunteered as a youth basketball and football coach at the local recreation center from 2005 to 2009, leading teams to championship wins in flag football (2005) and basketball (2009).
George Cook’s lifelong dedication to Hillside reflects his belief in service, education, and building strong community partnerships.
