Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey to Honor Atlantic Health System’s Chilton Medical Center at 2025 Light the Way Gala
Wayne, NJ – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey (BGCNWNJ) is proud to announce that Atlantic Health System’s Chilton Medical Center and Maureen A. Schneider, PhD, MBA, RN, President of Chilton Medical Center and Senior Vice President at Atlantic Health System will be honored at this year’s Light the Way Gala, taking place on November 14 at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park. This prestigious event celebrates outstanding community leaders and partners who make a lasting impact on the lives of local youth and families.
Chilton Medical Center has been a steadfast supporter of BGCNWNJ for more than a decade, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of children and families in our community. Their dedication to excellence in healthcare, combined with their extensive outreach efforts, aligns perfectly with the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs to provide a safe, positive, and enriching environment for young people to learn and grow.
“We are thrilled to recognize Chilton Medical Center for their outstanding contributions to our community,” said Joseph Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of BGCNWNJ. “Their continued partnership and dedication to improving the lives of children and families embody the spirit of our Light the Way Gala, and we are honored to celebrate them.”
The Light the Way Gala serves as one of BGCNWNJ’s premier fundraising events, helping to sustain and expand programs that support academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development for over 6,000 youth annually. Guests will enjoy an evening of fine dining, cocktails, live music, a silent auction, and inspiring stories of impact.
For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, or ways to support the event, please visit https://bgcnwnj.org/events/ or contact Gina Radice at gradice@bgcnwnj.org or call 973-956-0033.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey is dedicated to enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, BGCNWNJ provides a safe and supportive environment where youth can build great futures.
About Atlantic Health System
Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 21,000 team members and 5,440 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 14 counties and 7.5 million people.
The not-for-profit system offers more than 550 sites of care, including its eight hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ.
The system includes Atlantic Medical Group, part of a physician enterprise that makes up one of the largest multispecialty practices in New Jersey with more than 1,700 physicians and advance practice providers. Joined with Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners they form part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.
Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 30 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Health Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.
Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of six regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability, has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University, is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers, and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.
CEO Joe Lynch Wins Prestigious National Award
Joseph Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey and a resident of Pompton Plains, was recognized as a Masters & Mentors recipient from the Academy of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals on May 2 during the Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) National Conference in Houston. As a testament to the Academy’s belief that “enduring lessons are taught by example,” Lynch was recognized for his inspirational leadership and mentoring of numerous staff within the Boys & Girls Club Movement.
Masters & Mentors is a distinguished honor bestowed by the Academy’s National Advisory Council. Lynch was nominated by the National Training and Professional Development Advisory Committee based upon one or more of the following: contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement over a sustained period; successful mentoring of Academy members; or demonstrated excellence in the Boys & Girls Clubs profession.
Lynch began as the Athletic Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey in 1992 and became the CEO in 1996. That same year he reconstituted the Boys & Girls Clubs Garden State Chapter of The Professional Association, which had been dormant for nearly a decade. He served as the chapter’s first President, which led him to his involvement with the TPA on a national level. In 2005, Joe was honored to be named Executive of the Year by TPA. He ran for his first National Board seat in 2002 and has served on the board ever since, serving as the TPA President from 2011–2013.
Lynch has also served continuously since 2002 on the Training and Professional Development Committee (TAPDAC). Through his participation in TAPDAC, he had the opportunity to gain his Masters’ in Human Resource Development in 2005 from Clemson University. He is also a 2011 graduate of the Executive Advanced Leadership Program and a 2013 graduate of the Advancing Philanthropy Program.
“Joe has been a tremendous asset to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey,” said David Unger, chair of the board of directors. “Under his leadership, the organization has positively impacted the futures of thousands of children.”
During his 23 years as CEO, Lynch has expanded his organization from a membership of 800 children with a budget of $700,000 to one that currently serves over 5,000 children with a budget of more than $4.2 million dollars. He has overseen two major construction projects, which added critically needed program space. In addition, he was instrumental in orchestrating a merger in 2006 between the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne and the Boys & Girls Club of Morris County to become the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest New Jersey.
“My passion is to see children receive quality and safe programming from a well trained staff and to help nurture Boys & Girls Boys Club professionals so others can have the same support and success I have enjoyed in my career,” said Lynch.
