Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, was sworn into his first three-year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s Organization Meeting on January 7, 2026. Professionally, Commissioner Ellenbogen works in real estate asset management and business development, overseeing residential and commercial properties across multiple states. His professional background emphasizes responsible growth, coordination with infrastructure systems, and long-term community impact. Commissioner Ellenbogen brings extensive public sector experience to county government. Since 2022, he has served on the Ocean County Utilities Authority (OCUA), where he holds the roles of Commissioner and Treasurer. In this capacity, he has helped oversee budgets, capital planning, and policies that protect Ocean County’s waterways, bays, and environmental infrastructure. His work includes close collaboration with county engineers, public works, law enforcement, and emergency services to ensure smart investment in critical infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Serving as liaison to many County departments, Commissioner Ellenbogen works across operations and policy to strengthen day to day services and long term planning for Ocean County residents. As a co-liaison to County Administration, Finance and Purchasing, Commissioner Ellenbogen engages in overall management, budget development, and implementation of Board policies with the County Administrator. His work with Finance emphasizes fiscal stewardship, budgeting, revenue oversight, and grants, while his role with Purchasing focuses on fair, transparent procurement and contract compliance. In the public-safety arena, Commissioner Ellenbogen supports Corrections in operating safe, professional facilities and inmate services. As liaison to Security, he helps coordinate facility protection and emergency protocols. With Juvenile Services, he works on diversion programs and family supports designed to promote positive outcomes. He also serves as one of the liaisons to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the primary law enforcement agencies that work diligently to keep residents and visitors safe. As a co-liaison to the Ocean County Airport and the Airpark Advisory Committee, Commissioner Ellenbogen supports safe operations, planning and capital improvements, compliance with aviation standards, and collaboration with pilots and local communities. Commissioner Ellenbogen works closely with the Ocean County Department of Human Services and its agencies and affiliated partners to ensure programs and services are in place to help the most vulnerable citizens in Ocean County. He also serves on many boards and commissions that provide vital resources for residents, including those focused on disabilities, mental health, and opioid recovery. Deeply involved in civic life, Commissioner Ellenbogen regularly works with municipal leaders and community organizations to address public safety, infrastructure needs, open-space preservation, and quality-of-life initiatives throughout Ocean County. He is known for his hands-on approach, accessibility, and ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to solve complex challenges. In addition to his public service, Commissioner Ellenbogen serves on charitable boards and is actively involved in nonprofit and community-based initiatives that support families and strengthen the broader community. Commissioner Ellenbogen resides in Toms River with his wife and their three children.
