FLORHAM PARK BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce has appointed five new members to its board of directors, bringing expertise from agriculture, real estate, communications, banking and the arts.
The new board members — Ashley Asdal of Riamede Farm, Kim Brennan of Cushman & Wakefield, Casey Carpenter of Speak & Own It Communications, Beth Johns of Fulton Bank and Thomas J. Loughman of the Morris Museum — began their three-year terms effective immediately.
“Asdal heads Riamede Farm, one of the first pick-your-own apple orchards in New Jersey, and said she looks forward to representing the agricultural community.
“I am pleased to be able to represent the farming and tourism industry here in Morris County,” said Asdal. “I’m honored to represent local agribusiness on the chamber board and look forward to building bridges between our farms, businesses and residents. Riamede has thrived for more than half a century because we cherish our local partnerships and believe in cultivating opportunity – both on the land and within our wider community.”
Brennan, a commercial real estate professional with more than 25 years of experience, said she hopes to bring a practical business perspective to the board.
“Living and working in Morris County, I see firsthand how interconnected our business community is,” Brennan said. “My hope is to bring a practical, business-focused perspective to the chamber board – one that reflects the realities companies face as they grow, evolve and compete. I’m especially passionate about supporting local employers, strengthening relationships across industries and ensuring Morris County remains a place where businesses of all sizes can thrive, attract talent and put down long-term roots.”
Carpenter, who founded Speak & Own It Communications, said she plans to advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“I’m truly honored and excited to provide not only small business perspectives but solo entrepreneurial viewpoints to board discussions,” Carpenter said. “Forty-two percent of the chamber’s membership is made up of smaller businesses – this is an active segment with unique experiences. I’m eager to hear what they have to say and to convey their voices to the board.”
Johns, a senior vice president in commercial banking, said she aims to connect businesses and expand awareness of chamber benefits.
“As someone who has been in the banking industry in the Morris County area for the last 25 years, I hope to let my network of contacts know all the advantages that being a Morris County Chamber member brings and to connect them to other members,” Johns said.
Loughman, president and CEO of the Morris Museum, said he hopes to elevate the role of the arts within the region’s business community.
“The Morris Museum is our region’s premier engine of curiosity and wonderment, presenting meaningful experiences with the visual and performing arts, science and design,” Loughman said. “Like the chamber, we serve as a convener and connector for everyone. My aim within the chamber board is to help bring the collective work of the culture sector forward, and integrate the arts into conversations about making this region an even better place to work, live and play.”
Chamber President Meghan Hunscher welcomed the new members, citing the range of experience they bring.
“We could not be more pleased to have Ashley, Kim, Casey, Beth and Tom join our board,” Hunscher said. “Each brings a unique perspective and area of expertise, including agribusiness, commercial real estate, leadership development, banking, and arts, culture and history. Our board will be well served by the additions of these new members.”
Asdal and Loughman will also serve on the chamber’s executive committee and act as liaisons to the Morris County Tourism Advisory Council.
