Rosenello Named To County Board of Commissioners

Posted May 19th 2026

Former North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello was recently appointed to serve on the Cape May County Board of Commissioners to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of commissioner Melanie Collette. He will serve the remainder of Collette’s term, which expires Dec. 31. He was sworn in on April 14 by former New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael Donohue.

“Stepping into the commissioner role at this point in my career is both an honor and a natural progression,” Rosenello said. “I’ve spent many years working at the local level, and this opportunity allows me to bring that experience to a broader stage, helping shape policy and priorities that impact the entire county.”

Rosenello departs the North Wildwood governing body after more than 22 years of service. First elected to City Council in 2004, he served for a decade alongside Mayor Aldo Palombo and Mayor William Henfey. In 2014, he was elected as the city’s 17th mayor, a position he held through the end of 2025. He returned to City Council in January 2026.

As a young boy, Rosenello moved to North Wildwood from Levittown, Pa. He attended Wildwood Catholic High School and graduated from The Catholic University of America in 1995. He began his career in public service as a legislative aide to U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly and later served as communications director for state Sen. Nick Asselta. Prior to his election to City Council, Rosenello also served on the North Wildwood School Board.

“The biggest difference from my time as mayor is the scope,” he said. “As mayor, my focus was on the day-to-day needs of one community. As a commissioner, the perspective widens, balancing the interests of multiple municipalities while addressing countywide infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.”

In addition to his service on the governing body, Rosenello has contributed to the community through numerous organizations, including the Greater Wildwood Little League Board of Directors, Wildwood Catholic Advisory Council, Naval Air Station Wildwood, Cape May County Bridge Commission, Cape May County Open Space Board, and the North Wildwood Joint Planning Board.

Looking ahead, Rosenello said he is eager to begin working with his new colleagues. “What I’m most looking forward to is the collaboration,” he said. “The Board of Commissioners has a strong foundation of experience, and I’m eager to work alongside my colleagues to build consensus and move initiatives forward that benefit all of Cape May County.”

Photo caption: Patrick Rosenello being sworn in to Cape May County Commissioners Office with his wife Michelle and son Peyton alongside.