A Bridge Between Old and New Montgomery: Cheryl Chrusz Retires After 38 Years of Service

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY, NJ — For nearly four decades, as Montgomery Township grew, changed and planned for its future, Cheryl Chrusz was there.

From her first day with the township in November 1987 to her final years as assistant planning director, Chrusz became something increasingly rare in local government: a living connection between Montgomery’s past and present, carrying decades of institutional knowledge while helping guide the community through years of growth and change. On Sept. 17, the Montgomery Township Committee formally recognized Chrusz upon her retirement after 38 years of service, with Mayor Neena Singh reading a proclamation honoring her career and Township Administrator Lori Savron offering an emotional tribute to a colleague she described as far more than simply a coworker.

A Career That Began in 1987
Chrusz began working for Montgomery Township n November, 1987, as an applications coordinator. She was promoted to administrative assistant in May 1999, became planning coordinator in September 2019 and, in June 2023, was promoted to assistant planning director. Over those 38 years, her work extended well beyond a single position or department.

Chrusz is credited with providing professional support to the township’s Planning Department, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Master Plan Committee, Economic Development Commission and Landmarks Commission, while also serving as a source of continuity for elected officials, municipal professionals, applicants and residents navigating Montgomery’s planning process.

That longevity placed Chrusz in a unique position.

Her career began in a Montgomery that looked considerably different from the township residents know today. Through nearly four decades in planning and municipal government, she witnessed and helped administer the decisions accompanying the township’s evolution while maintaining familiarity with the agricultural, historic and residential character officials have long sought to preserve.

‘Always With a Smile’
Singh’s described Chrusz as someone who brought a “wealth of knowledge, professionalism and commitment” to her work “always with a smile.” She also recognized something difficult to quantify on an organizational chart: institutional memory. After 38 years, Chrusz knew not only how Montgomery’s planning processes worked, but also much of the history behind them — knowledge accumulated through thousands of applications, meetings, hearings, plans and conversations over the course of her career. She earned the respect and appreciation of those around her through her institutional knowledge, dedication, patience and willingness to share her expertise. Chrusz has served as assistant planning director within Planning and Zoning and as staff support for Montgomery’s land-use boards, positions requiring regular interaction with applicants, professionals, board members and the public. 

Savron: ‘There Will Never Be Another Quite Like You’
Following the proclamation, Savron spoke personally about what Chrusz’s departure means to the employees who worked alongside her. “Cheryl was here when I started in Montgomery,” Savron said. “In fact, she was here when most of the employees started that are working here now in Montgomery.” Her remarks quickly moved beyond Chrusz’s professional accomplishments. “It’s hard to put into words what it means to say goodbye to someone like Cheryl,” Savron said. “She’s been far more than a coworker to many of us here, including myself.” Savron described Chrusz as the person colleagues could turn to during difficult moments, someone who offered a listening ear, steady advice and a calming presence. At work, she called Chrusz “unmatched”, diligent, conscientious, supportive and “the ultimate team player, she made us all look good,” Savron said.

‘What Do You Need?’
Perhaps the simplest description of Chrusz’s approach to public service came through a phrase Savron said characterized her attitude throughout the years:

“What do you need?” Savron credited that willingness to step in, solve problems and help others with keeping municipal operations moving through countless challenges. “Thank you, Cheryl, for your positivity, your roll-up-your-sleeves attitude, the ‘what do you need?’ that kept this place moving,” she said. Savron said colleagues respected Chrusz because she led through example rather than title. “You embody what it means to lead by example,” she told her. “There will never be another quite like you, and we are all better for having worked with you.” She also thanked Chrusz for “every late night” and “every solution no one else could find,” adding that she never questioned whether she could count on her.

More Than 38 Years on a Résumé
For Montgomery, Chrusz’s retirement represents more than the departure of a longtime employee. Thirty-eight years in municipal planning means her career stretches across generations of township officials, planning professionals, applicants and residents. It spans countless changes to Montgomery’s landscape and government while connecting an earlier version of the township with the community it has become. The Township Committee proclamation recognized Chrusz for her dedication, professionalism, integrity and leadership, saying her work had positively contributed to Montgomery’s growth and success. Savron, however, perhaps best captured the personal side of that legacy. “You leave behind not just accomplishments,” she said, “but a legacy of kindness, integrity and excellence.” She encouraged Chrusz to enjoy the slower pace that retirement can bring — and asked her not to become a stranger. “Come back and visit us, please,” Savron said, joking that township staff would promise to ask only about family and the dog — and not about work.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com