TOMS RIVER – Everyday people have the power to make a big difference in the community by going out of their way to help others live a better life.
Such is the case for Jerry W. Conaty, a Lanoka Harbor resident and Partner at HFA, who was recently honored at the Hometown Heroes 11th annual Gala and Awards Show that was held on Jan. 16 in Point Pleasant Beach.
“It’s always special to be recognized for what you’ve done in your community, but this honor is extra special to me coming from Hometown Heroes,” Conaty said. “Having served on the Board of Trustees in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, I saw what a positive impact Hometown Heroes had on the community and the standards by which they measure people’s hearts.”
Conaty has been a member of the HFA team for more than 15 years. He has experience in construction and real estate development, governmental authorities (including municipalities, counties and school districts), utility authorities and not-for-profit entities. His areas of expertise include auditing, consulting, forensic accounting, financial statement audits and single audits.
Today, Conaty sits on the board of the American Red Cross of the Jersey Coast and is treasurer for the CSM Robert Gallagher Charitable Foundation. He is also on the Board of Trustees for Phoenix Productions, Inc.
“Although I’ve since moved on to other charitable ventures, I will forever cherish my time with Hometown Heroes and thank them for this honor,” Conaty added.
Hometown Heroes is a nationwide registered 501(c)(3) charity organization comprised of local chapters and school-based programs, whose main purpose is to foster an environment of goodwill, generosity and encouragement by supporting local communities when unexpected needs arise during a crisis without discrimination towards an individual’s ethnicity, gender and age. The nonprofit organization partners heroes in the community with people, programs and projects in need.