Township of Hillside Council

DR. ANGELA R. GARRETSON

Council President, 2nd Ward

Council President, 2nd Ward
agarretson@hillsidenj.us

Council President, Dr. Angela R. Garretson is a seasoned public servant and coalition builder. She has emerged as one of New Jersey's most versatile civic leaders in the boardroom, on campus, and in the council chamber.

Dr. Garretson currently serves as Chief of Public and Community Affairs at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and brings decades of cross-sector experience to one of the state's premier research universities. Her expertise extends well into the area of corporate governance. She recently completed a term as Acting CEO and Board Chair of the Greater Newark Convention & Visitors Bureau, guiding the organization through a critical leadership transition, and now serves on the board of the Newark Alliance, where she helps shape the economic future of New Jersey's largest city.

After distinguished service as both former Mayor and County Commissioner, Dr. Garretson was returned to elected office as Council President of Hillside Township—bringing a wealth of regional perspective to local decision-making. Her academic credentials are equally impressive: she holds a Ph.D. from both Rutgers University-Newark and NJIT, combining scholarly rigor with real-world impact.

Hillside is home for Dr. Garretson, where several generations of her family have lived and contributed to the community. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Omega Psi Omega Chapter) and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa (Delta Pi Chapter). She is committed to her faith and is a long-time member of Bethany Baptist Church. 

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT: PLANNING BOARD

DAVID FEUERSTEIN

Council Vice President, 4th Ward

DAVID FEUERSTEIN

Council Vice President, 4th Ward
dfeuerstein@hillsidenj.us

Council Vice President David Feuerstein has resided in Hillside for over 15 years, witnessing firsthand the growth and transformation of this vibrant community. His journey in Hillside has been marked by a steadfast commitment to serving his neighbors and contributing to the betterment of the town.

With 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, David has cultivated valuable expertise in negotiations, creative risk management, and customer service.  Driven by entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to make a lasting impact, David founded his own insurance brokerage three years ago. 

Beyond his professional pursuits, he has been deeply engaged in Hillside's civic life for over a decade, actively participating in local elections and advocating for policies that promote transparency, inclusivity, and progress. His approach reflects an unwavering commitment to democratic principles and ensuring that all residents' voices are heard and represented.

David brings fresh energy and innovative solutions to the complex challenges that have kept Hillside from reaching its full potential. He lives in Hillside with his wife and five children, volunteers as a Chaplain, and actively supports several charitable organizations. His dedication to family, faith, and community drives his vision for a more prosperous and unified Hillside.

LISA BONANNO

Council Member, At-Large

LISA BONANNO

Council Member, At-large
lbonnano@hillsidenj.us

Councilwoman Lisa Bonanno brings 34 years of public service experience with the County of Union to her role representing Hillside's First Ward. She studied at both Kean University and Rutgers University, Newark Campus, building a foundation for a distinguished career in workforce development and social services.

Currently serving as Deputy Director of the Union County Workforce Development Board—a position she has held for over 15 years—Lisa is passionate about creating programs that make training and quality employment opportunities available to residents in need. She connects local implementation with innovative strategies to develop new solutions for the greater workforce community. A New Jersey State Certified Job Coach, State Job Developer, and Navigator for Disabled Job Seekers, she has dedicated her career to helping others achieve economic self-sufficiency.   

Lisa's commitment to community extends beyond her professional role. She is an active member of  the Hillside Chapter of UNICO, and serves as Treasurer of the Union County Status of Women. Her enthusiasm for making a difference reflects both her personal values and a family legacy of public service—following in the footsteps of her father, Angelo J. Bonanno, a former Hillside Health Administrator and Registered Environmental Health Specialist, and her mother, Lee Bonanno, a Hillside Public Library Assistant and former School Board member who rose to Board President in the 1980s.  A Hillside resident for over 45 years, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends,

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT: VETERANS COMMITTEE

GEORGE L. COOK III

Council Member, 1st Ward

GEORGE COOK

 Council Member, 1st Ward
gcook@hillsidenj.us

Councilman George Cook is a lifelong Hillside resident with more than 40 years of deep roots in the community. A proud product of the Hillside school system and graduate of Hillside High School (Class of 1986), George embodies hometown commitment and service.

A U.S. Army veteran who served honorably in the Army and New Jersey National Guard from 1991 to 1994, George has extended his service throughout local and county government, education, and community organizations. He previously served on the Hillside Town Council from 2017 to 2021 and 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 educational leadership, he was elected to the New Jersey School Boards Association Board of Directors in 2015.

George's civic engagement is extensive and ongoing. He has been a member of the Hillside Lions Club since 2016, serving as Club President in both 2020 and 2021. He has been involved with the Hillside Scholarship Fund since 2008 and served on the Hillside Recreation Advisory Committee from 2023 to 2025. At the county level, he was appointed to the Union County College Foundation Board of Trustees in 2018.

Earlier in his community involvement, George 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). His lifelong dedication to Hillside reflects his unwavering belief in service, education, and building strong community partnerships for generations to come.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT: BOARD OF HEALTH

ARMANDO DASILVA

Council Member, At-Large

ARMANDO DASILVA

Council Member, At-Large
adasilva@hillsidenj.us

Councilman Armando DaSilva is a dedicated community leader and experienced professional with a strong track record of public service and business management. He brings nearly a decade of educational governance experience, having served nine years on the Elizabeth Board of Education—including two years as Vice President and two years as President—where he focused on advancing educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and student success.

As a self-employed entrepreneur in the construction and management industry, Armando has built and led successful projects, demonstrating expertise in operations, budgeting, team leadership, and problem-solving—skills he now applies to ensure efficient municipal governance and accountability. Additionally, he has held a managerial role with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC), overseeing operations, compliance, and team performance in a high-volume public service environment.

This combined background in education governance, private-sector entrepreneurship, and state agency management equips Armando to make informed, practical decisions that benefit students, families, and the broader community. His approach to municipal leadership intersects with community recreation, public services, and local events—supporting township programs in areas such as parks, youth activities, public safety, and resident outreach to build stronger community ties.

Armando's background extends to real estate and community development, with a steadfast focus on uplifting the Hillside area through direct leadership and resident engagement. Committed to transparency, collaboration, and long-term community improvement, he continues to advocate for strong schools, effective public systems, and sustainable growth that ensures Hillside remains a vibrant place for families to thrive.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT: COUNCIL OF THE ARTS

DARYL JOYNER

Council Member, 3rd Ward

DARYL JOYNER

Council Member, 3rd Ward
djoyner@hillsidenj.us

Councilman Daryl Joyner has been a Hillside homeowner for over 23 years.  His profession  includes more than 30 years of accounting and entrepreneurial experience and he leverages this background to contribute to his service in the Third Ward. Daryl has implemented efficient processes and managed teams that have driven organizational success. Many in the community know Daryl as an accomplished event planner, having managed events throughout the East Coast that bring communities together through social engagement.

As a passionate community advocate, Daryl volunteers with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, working as a mentor for youth from single-parent families who need additional guidance as they navigate through life. He also volunteers with the Junior Achievement Program, helping young people discover their potential as they learn to address the social, educational, and emotional challenges of life—and acquire the tools to successfully maneuver through them.

Daryl promotes the philosophy that "A positive attitude will bring a positive outcome." This belief shapes his work not only with youth but throughout the community, encouraging residents not to allow past challenges to dictate their future. As Third Ward Councilman, Daryl's goal is to be an effective liaison between constituents and municipal government, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT: JOINT MEETING OF ESSEX AND UNION COUNTIES

CALVIN LOFTON

Council Member, At-Large

CALVIN LOFTON

Council Member, At-Large
clofton@hillsidenj.us

Councilman Calvin Lofton is a respected community leader and Kean University graduate who has spent his career helping people achieve their potential. His professional work with Bergen County Special Services has focused on assisting individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment, while his service as Evening Supervisor for the Hillside Recreation Department allowed him to mentor young people and strengthen community connections.

Calvin's commitment to education and family advocacy is reflected in his tenure as a former Hillside Board of Education member, where he championed the needs of students and families. A longtime Bailey Avenue resident, he and his wife raised four sons right here in Hillside, instilling in them the same values of service and community that guide Calvin's work.

An active member of St. Matthew A.M.E. Calvin's faith informs his commitment to serving others with integrity and compassion. His approach to governance emphasizes accessibility, practical problem-solving, and ensuring that every resident—regardless of background or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive in Hillside.

Calvin's work continues to advocate for initiatives that benefit the entire township. His various work throughout the years and his professional experience positions him to champion policies that create opportunity for all residents.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT: SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE &  RECREATION COMMITTEE