Commissioner John V. Kelly, III

Contact Information

Commissioner John V. Kelly, III
Director, Department of Public Affairs
149 Chestnut Street
Nutley, New Jersey 07110

Phone: (973) 284-4972
Email: commissionerkelly@nutleynj.org

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John V. Kelly, III is currently serving his first term on the Township of Nutley Board of Commissioners. Elected in May 2020, he is the Director of Public Affairs. 

John V. Kelly, III was born and raised in Nutley as were his parents and some of his grandparents. John studied computer science at Georgia Tech, where he received his Bachelor of Science with honors. Prior to graduation, John received the prestigious Presidential Undergraduate Research Award for his research in Artificial Intelligence.  Upon completion of his studies, he worked as a video game designer and AI programmer. John gave up a successful career in the gaming industry to attend law school. He attended Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a member of the Legislative Law Journal, secretary of the student government, and recipient of the Raymond Del Tufo Constitutional Law Award for earning the highest grade in his studies on Constitutional law.  After law school, John clerked in Essex County for the Honorable Christine Farrington, J.S.C. before going into private practice. John also serves his country as an officer in the Army National Guard. He is an Army veteran, who has deployed to the Middle East as well as to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

“Public Service is a Public Trust.” John became a public servant for two reasons: To help people and make his community even better. As Commissioner and Director of Public Affairs, John is proud to work and be the head of an accomplished Department. Under his leadership, the Department focuses on resurrecting the CARE committee. This is a committee that focuses on helping vulnerable members of our community. He also places renewed emphasis on events and programs for the community such as health education, women’s initiatives, mental health, well-being and veterans’ affairs.

John’s family has a commitment to public service. His grandfather served as Mayor and Commissioner of Nutley and 9 terms in the New Jersey General Assembly. His  father is a compassionate physician in the community for over 30 years and also donates time to various clubs and organizations in town.

In his personal life, John places a strong emphasis on family values, as well as, being heavily involved in the community. John served on the board of Nutley Family Service Bureau, Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee, St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, and John V. Kelly Memorial Foundation. John is a member of Nutley UNICO, Nutley Irish American Alliance, and former member of the Nutley Rotary.