Montclair Heath Official Retires, Earns Praise For COVID Response

MONTCLAIR, NJ — It isn’t just Montclair that owes Sue Portuese a debt of gratitude. The town’s nearby neighbors of Nutley, Cedar Grove and Verona can also thank the retiring health official.

Earlier this week, the Montclair Town Council offered a proclamation that honored Portuese, the longtime director of the town’s department of health and human services (watch the video below).

Montclair officials detailed her contributions to the town in their proclamation, also noting that she has served as the covering health officer for the townships of Nutley, Cedar Grove and Verona through shared service agreements.

The full proclamation follows below.

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Township of Montclair, on behalf of the municipal staff and all Montclair residents, congratulate Susan B. Portuese, who is retiring July 2, 2021 after serving the Township for over 36 years; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Portuese, who began work with the Township on April 8, 1985, has served Montclair in several capacities. She began her career as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist and then as Health Officer/ Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. It is with the position as Health Officer and Director that Sue has made her greatest impact and legacy of service. Ms. Portuese had direct supervision of the Montclair Health Department, Senior Services, Environmental Affairs, Section 8 Housing and the Montclair Animal Shelter. Additionally, Ms. Portuese, through shared service agreements, serves as the covering Health Officer for the Townships of Nutley, Cedar Grove and Verona. During her tenure, Ms. Portuese has made a name for herself and the Township of Montclair as a leader in Public Health Practices in New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, Sue’s tireless leadership has been there throughout many public health crises, such as H1N1, Zika, Ebola and, most significantly, the current COVID-19 Pandemic. During the past year Sue has worked continuously under extremely challenging conditions, supporting and guiding her staff and the communities on the most current CDC and NJDOH guidance. Sue has been a vital resource for providing guidance and decision making for local emergency management, numerous schools and school superintendents, long term care facilities, residents, businesses, and non-profits. Sue has had the responsibility of overseeing all COVID-19 case investigations and contact tracing for Montclair, Cedar Grove and Verona. Sue organized COVID-19 testing for seniors, residents and employees. Sue also played a major role in not only securing COVID-19 vaccine inventory for Montclair, Nutley, Cedar Grove and Verona Township, but setting up COVID-19 clinics for our communities. Ms. Portuese has been instrumental in earning the Township of Montclair a “Healthy Town” Designation from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute for the third year in a row. Sue has secured and managed numerous grants, including Lead Prevention, Vulnerable Population Outreach Coordinators, MCIA, and CARES Act Funding that have provided over $1.5 million in revenue for the township; and

WHEREAS, Sue served as a member of the Montclair Community Farm where she was instrumental in starting the mobile farm stand which provides low cost, fresh produce to low-income senior citizens. She served as a member of the Essex Regional Health Commission which provides vital environmental health services to Essex County. Sue also served as the liaison of the Cedar Grove Advisory Health Council and the Alliance Coordinator for MCIA and initiated the Montclair Mayor’s Wellness Committee; and

WHEREAS, Sue is the devoted daughter of Don and Judy Kellerman and loving sister of Scott Kellerman. Sue was born and raised in Clark, N.J. and has remained extremely loyal to her Garden State. Sue graduated from the Rutgers University Class of 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Montclair State University Class of 1989 with a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Management. Sue married Rich Portuese on September 11, 1988 and is a proud and loving mother to Michelle and Nicole. Sue’s creative talents are many and will likely serve her well as she embarks on her next chapter. With a tremendous knack for painting, quilting, cake decorating, baking and gardening, as well as a true love for the beach, traveling and being outdoors,Sue will have many things to fill her newfound time. Sue has earned the respect and admiration of all who know her, and her dedication and commitment to the Township of Montclair have set a standard to which we should all strive to achieve.

NOW THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, hereby recognize the many contributions Sue Portuese has made to our community and join with her family, friends and co-workers in recognizing and thanking her for her service to Montclair. We wish her a happy retirement in which she can spend time with family and friends and further pursue her many interests.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.