Daniel Del Vecchio
Nominated - Excellence in Education Award

Daniel Del Vecchio, a native son of Camden, New Jersey, graduated from Saint Joseph's High School and Rutgers University in the 1970s. Upon completion of his Bachelor's degree, Dan began his professional career in computer sales and refined his skills in customer service. Throughout his years of success, Dan never forgot his roots and the many educators who supported and encouraged him to succeed. After many fruitful years in business, he decided it was time to pay it forward to a new generation of students. He wanted those in most need to have the opportunity to take advantage of all the supports that were provided to him as a student. This would involve attending graduate school and making a major career change. In 2005, Dan earned his Master's degree in School Psychology from Rowan University. He was employed as a School Psychologist in the late 2000s by Gloucester City Public Schools and Cherry Hill Township Public Schools. His impact was immense and his supervisors encouraged him to advance his studies in School Leadership and Administration, which he did. In 2010, Dan became the Director of Special Services for Medford Lakes Public Schools where he remained until 2013. In 2011, his responsibility as a Director doubled as he took on oversight of the Special Services department of Shamong Township Public Schools, as well. His strong work ethic and keen insight of student needs, education policy, and business, equipped him for his entrance into Superintendency. He joined Camden County Educational Services Commission in the role of Superintendent in June 2013 and maintains this role today. Since joining CCESC, his accomplishments have been vast and varied. He has grown the CCESC in terms of service offerings, revenue, and employed staff. New programs under Dan's leadership include: providing Child Study Team and Related services to public school districts, creating a Pre-School Consulting Collaborative, creating a Mental Health program and securing a SAMHSA grant, and he has expanded the CCESC's cooperative pricing system that many school districts use throughout the state. Dan was also the engine behind the newly renovated and recently dedicated Valerie Still Youth Empowerment Zone recreational space in Clementon, NJ. All of that aside, however, one of Dan's most endearing and valuable qualities is making connections and bringing folks together. For all of his accomplishments, he is probably most known for his efforts in bringing together folks from Cooper Health, Center for Family Services, multiple departs at the Camden County Dept. of Health, as well as numerous members of the Camden County CIACC (pronounced "kayak"), and various other groups. He is doing this out of his passion to improve the lives of the children of Camden County, specifically those who are from underserved communities and suffering from Mental Health and Trauma. Dan has a huge heart and always puts the needs of others at the forefront of his actions. He is a great collaborator and a wonderful man.