Mayor of Manchester Township, New Jersey2025-01-14T09:57:29-05:00

Meet Mayor Joseph Hankins

The Manchester Township Council on January 13, 2025, accepted nominations for Mayor and voted to appoint Councilman Joseph Hankins to the leadership role, following the resignation of former Mayor Robert Arace.

Mr. Joseph Hankins initially won his seat on the Manchester Township Council in the December 2022 runoff election and assumed office on January 3, 2023. His term will expire on December 31, 2026.

Joe is a life-long resident of Manchester, raising his family with his wife, Carol Ann here in Pine Lake Park. As a dedicated public servant, Joe has served 25 years as a Manchester Police Officer, keeping our town safe and protecting our community. Their son followed in his footsteps, becoming a Manchester police officer and starting his own family in Manchester.

As a Manchester Police Officer, Joe served our town as a Patrolman, Detective, and Patrol Sergeant. He also served as Fire Chief, Emergency Medical Technician, and SCUBA Captain and is currently the Vice President of the New Jersey State Fireman’s Association. Joe holds a Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Public Administration. Having an ancestor who fought in the American Revolutionary War and resided in near-by Jackson Township, Joe is also an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

A special election to serve the remainder of the Mayoral term, which expires on December 31, 2026, will be held in November of 2025.

With your support, Mayor Hankins looks forward to preserving the quality of life for all Manchester residents and continuing to make our town a great place to live for both retirees and new families, alike.

Email Mayor Hankins: JHankins@ManchesterTWP.com

Mayor Arace Takes Oath, Outlines Administration’s Goals at Reorganization Meeting

Incoming Mayor Robert Arace and members of the Township Council outlined their visions for Manchester Township in 2023, as Oaths of Office were administered and plans for the upcoming year were presented during the January 3, 2023, Reorganization Meeting held in the Municipal Complex Courtroom. As the first order of business, Mayor Arace took his Oath Office in front of [...]

By |January 4th, 2023|ALERTS, Around Town With Mayor Hankins, News & Announcements|

Manchester Township Seeking Volunteers for Board Vacancies

Manchester Mayor Robert Arace announces that the Township is currently seeking volunteers to fill several vacancies on the Municipal Authorities, Boards and Commissions servicing our Town.  Interested residents should complete the attached Citizen Leadership Form and return it to the Office of the Mayor by email it to svalentine@manchestertwp.com. The current boards are, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Planning Board, Environmental [...]

By |December 20th, 2022|ALERTS|

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 2022

Thanks to everyone who shared in making our annual #TreeLighting Ceremony yesterday a hit! As always, we were glad to see so many of our neighbors and friends come together to celebrate the holiday season with music, fun, and a special visit from Santa himself. Manchester Recreation never fails to impress, and their 2022 winter wonderland at Town Hall was [...]

By |December 6th, 2022|ALERTS, News & Announcements|

Manchester Celebrates Veterans Day 2022

Continuing a proud annual tradition in Manchester Township, our hometown United States Service Members were honored during a moving Veterans Day ceremony at Town Hall on November 11, 2022. "Today we honor and celebrate those who served and returned home, and their families, and their service. We can thank the millions of Americans who strengthen our nation with their example [...]

By |November 14th, 2022|ALERTS, Around Town With Mayor Hankins, News & Announcements|
Go to Top