Recognizing Excellence in Government IT
NJ GMIS TEC Conference 2026 - Inaugural Member Award Winners
One of the most memorable milestones of TEC 2026 was the introduction of the inaugural NJ GMIS Member Awards, presented during lunch on April 15th. For the first time in the organization's history, NJ GMIS took the opportunity to formally recognize the outstanding contributions of government IT professionals from across the state. The four award categories honored individuals and teams who demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and dedication to public service.
G2G Award Winner: Hamilton Township
The inaugural Government-to-Government (G2G) Award was presented to Hamilton Township in recognition of an extraordinary year of technology leadership. Rather than simply managing existing responsibilities, Hamilton Township's IT team seamlessly absorbed technology services for departments that had previously operated independently — all without disruption to daily operations.
In a single year, the team executed a comprehensive VoIP system conversion, a complete domain migration, cybersecurity penetration testing with full remediation, and security camera deployments. They also led a cellular consolidation initiative that generated $15,000 in annual savings, and delivered a full Axon body camera modernization for the Police Department — all while maintaining uninterrupted helpdesk services.
Hamilton Township did not simply take on more work. They raised the bar on everything they touched — exemplifying not just IT management, but true IT leadership.
Pictured in the photo (L to R) Ross Maszczak, Bob McQueen, Rob Ligato, Mayor of Hamilton Jeffrey Martin. Missing from the photo - Zac Simanski & Devin Langer.
In a single year, the team executed a comprehensive VoIP system conversion, a complete domain migration, cybersecurity penetration testing with full remediation, and security camera deployments. They also led a cellular consolidation initiative that generated $15,000 in annual savings, and delivered a full Axon body camera modernization for the Police Department — all while maintaining uninterrupted helpdesk services.
Hamilton Township did not simply take on more work. They raised the bar on everything they touched — exemplifying not just IT management, but true IT leadership.
Pictured in the photo (L to R) Ross Maszczak, Bob McQueen, Rob Ligato, Mayor of Hamilton Jeffrey Martin. Missing from the photo - Zac Simanski & Devin Langer.
Rising Star Award Winner: Yashira Schiavo, Parsippany-Troy Hills
The Rising Star Award recognizes NJ GMIS members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional growth, and exceptional promise within the past year.
The inaugural recipient, Yashira Schiavo, a Systems Analyst from Parsippany-Troy Hills, has made a remarkable impact within her organization. Nominated by her own IT Director, she has earned recognition not only for her technical depth, but for her proactive approach — anticipating problems before they arise, working through complex challenges, and bringing her team along in the process.
The combination of strong technical expertise and natural leadership instinct that Yashira embodies is precisely what the Rising Star Award was created to honor.
The inaugural recipient, Yashira Schiavo, a Systems Analyst from Parsippany-Troy Hills, has made a remarkable impact within her organization. Nominated by her own IT Director, she has earned recognition not only for her technical depth, but for her proactive approach — anticipating problems before they arise, working through complex challenges, and bringing her team along in the process.
The combination of strong technical expertise and natural leadership instinct that Yashira embodies is precisely what the Rising Star Award was created to honor.
Outstanding Professional Award Winner: Terrance Morgan, Princeton
The Outstanding Professional Award recognizes IT professionals who go above and beyond their role when circumstances demand it — not for recognition or reward, but simply because the work needed to be done.
The inaugural recipient, Terrance Morgan of Princeton, exemplified that standard when his department's IT Director departed unexpectedly. Without a formal appointment, additional resources, or a directive to do so, Terrance stepped into the leadership void and kept the department running at full capacity — all while continuing to fulfill his own responsibilities.
During that period, he coordinated infrastructure projects, maintained cybersecurity vigilance, managed vendor relationships, and kept the helpdesk responsive. Perhaps most notably, he empowered his teammates rather than centralizing control — earning the trust of staff, the confidence of leadership, and ensuring that municipal departments experienced no disruption in service.
Terrance Morgan's response to an unexpected challenge is a model of quiet, selfless professional excellence.
Pictured in the photo (L to R): Terrance Morgan & Princeton Administrator Bernard Hvozdovic Jr.
The inaugural recipient, Terrance Morgan of Princeton, exemplified that standard when his department's IT Director departed unexpectedly. Without a formal appointment, additional resources, or a directive to do so, Terrance stepped into the leadership void and kept the department running at full capacity — all while continuing to fulfill his own responsibilities.
During that period, he coordinated infrastructure projects, maintained cybersecurity vigilance, managed vendor relationships, and kept the helpdesk responsive. Perhaps most notably, he empowered his teammates rather than centralizing control — earning the trust of staff, the confidence of leadership, and ensuring that municipal departments experienced no disruption in service.
Terrance Morgan's response to an unexpected challenge is a model of quiet, selfless professional excellence.
Pictured in the photo (L to R): Terrance Morgan & Princeton Administrator Bernard Hvozdovic Jr.
Ambassador of the Year: Tyler Svenson, Brick Municipal Utilities Authority
The Ambassador of the Year Award honors NJ GMIS members who go beyond participation — actively championing the organization and investing in the success of their fellow government IT professionals across New Jersey.
The inaugural recipient, Tyler Svenson, IT Supervisor at Brick Municipal Utilities Authority, embodies that spirit in every sense. As Co-Chair of the TEC Conference, he played a pivotal role in expanding the program into the robust day-and-a-half event that members experienced this year. He also serves on the NJ GMIS Cybersecurity Task Force, volunteering his expertise to help other agencies navigate and recover from cyber incidents.
Beyond his formal contributions, Tyler is known for the everyday work of community building — connecting colleagues, promoting participation, and consistently championing what NJ GMIS stands for. His dedication to the organization reflects a genuine belief that a stronger NJ GMIS makes every government IT professional in New Jersey better at their job.
Tyler Svenson is the 2026 NJ GMIS Ambassador of the Year.
The inaugural recipient, Tyler Svenson, IT Supervisor at Brick Municipal Utilities Authority, embodies that spirit in every sense. As Co-Chair of the TEC Conference, he played a pivotal role in expanding the program into the robust day-and-a-half event that members experienced this year. He also serves on the NJ GMIS Cybersecurity Task Force, volunteering his expertise to help other agencies navigate and recover from cyber incidents.
Beyond his formal contributions, Tyler is known for the everyday work of community building — connecting colleagues, promoting participation, and consistently championing what NJ GMIS stands for. His dedication to the organization reflects a genuine belief that a stronger NJ GMIS makes every government IT professional in New Jersey better at their job.
Tyler Svenson is the 2026 NJ GMIS Ambassador of the Year.