About Nonprofit Sandy Hook Foundation’s New Board Members

The Sandy Hook Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Sandy Hook Unit, has added three members to its Board of Trustees, two Rumson residents among them.

Most recently, this month, Rumsonite Stephanie Hoitt was appointed to the board. In November of 2024, Atlantic Highlands resident Chuck Rutledge was named a board member; and in October of 2024, Rumson resident Jeff Friedman was appointed.

“The Sandy Hook Foundation is thrilled to introduce Chuck, Jeff, and Stephanie as the newest members of our board,” Sandy Hook Foundation President Pete Izzo said in a released statement. “With their extensive expertise, shared passion for history and the outdoors, and dedication to preserving our national park, they will play a vital role in deepening our connection with the community and fostering our partnership with the National Park Service. We couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.”

As members of the board, Hoitt, Rutledge and Friedman will be responsible for advancing the Foundation’s resources and efforts and supporting its mission to enhance the visitor experience at Sandy Hook.

Sandy Hook offers several historical and recreational resources for its park visitors. Historic venues open to visitors include the Fort Hancock, the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, and the NIKE Missile Radar sites.

Outdoor enthusiasts visiting the park can partake in various passive and active recreation. Naturalists have trails with abundant flora and fauna to explore. And there are miles of ocean and bayside beaches.

The Foundation plays an integral role in supporting programs and projects that improve visitors’ experiences by working to preserve and protect Sandy Hook’s natural and cultural resources.

About the new Foundation board members

Stephanie Hoitt

Stephanie Hoitt is a dedicated board member who brings a deep personal connection to her role. A resident of Rumson, she cherishes fond childhood memories of Sandy Hook from visits to her grandparent’s home in the Highlands.

Today, she enjoys creating new memories there with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs.

Stephanie’s professional background includes more than a decade of client relationship management in New York and San Francisco. After taking time to focus on her family, she channeled her energy into charitable endeavors.

In that realm in the community, she has been involved with the VNA Health Group, the Rumson Garden Club, and Impact 100. With a passion for preserving Sandy Hook’s natural beauty and historical significance, Stephanie is dedicated to ensuring this special place remains a treasure for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Jeff Friedman

Born and raised on Long Island near the Sound, Rumson resident Jeff Friedman spent more than two decades living and working in Manhattan. He has spent most of his summers and weekends in Sea Bright since 2015 and became a full-time Rumsonite in 2020.

Jeff spent his professional career working in the digital media space across a variety of disciplines including strategy, operations, and business development. He started his career at CNN, spent time at various start-ups, and most recently spent more than 10 years working in various roles for News Corporation.

Over the past several years, Jeff has taken a pause from his professional career to be a stay-at-home parent and spend as much time on the beach and in Sandy Hook as possible. Jeff is an avid tennis player, skier, and a bad surfer. He lives in Rumson with his wife, Denise, 7-year-old son, Ryan, and dog, Yogi.

Chuck Rutledge

An Atlantic Highlands resident, Chuck Rutledge possesses a wealth of leadership experience, from start-ups to global technology companies, along with a passion for nonprofit service.

As an expert in strategic partnerships, marketing, and business development, he brings valuable insight to the Foundation’s mission to protect Sandy Hook’s natural and historic treasures, enhance public programming, and promote environmental stewardship.

In addition to his board service with organizations like the Readington Township Board of Education, the Readington Education Foundation and Literacy Volunteers of America, Chuck is a devoted hiker who has explored National Parks nationwide, deepening his appreciation for natural spaces. Drawn to the unique beauty and history of Sandy Hook, he is committed to supporting initiatives that protect this local treasure for generations to come.

For more information about The Sandy Hook Foundation, visit https://www.sandyhooknj.org, email info@sandyhooknj.org, or call 732-291-7733.

— Edited press release from The Sandy Hook Foundation

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