MORRISTOWN, N.J. — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners formally recognized longtime nonprofit executive and education advocate Patty Sly this week, presenting her with a framed resolution honoring her retirement from P.G. Chambers School and commemorating more than 40 years of influential leadership dedicated to advancing education, health care and community services across the region.
The recognition took place during the board’s public meeting at the Morris County Administration and Records Building in Morristown, where County Director Stephen Shaw led the tribute, praising Sly’s decades-long commitment to strengthening opportunities for children and families throughout northern New Jersey. The ceremony drew family members and community leaders, including Sly’s husband, Bob, and her son, Jack, alongside P.G. Chambers School’s incoming executive director Adam Kerins and Director of Development Katie Olsen, underscoring the broad network of professionals and supporters impacted by her work.
Sly concludes a distinguished seven-year tenure as executive director of P.G. Chambers School, a pioneering institution in special education founded in 1954 by families seeking comprehensive education and therapy services for children with disabilities. Over the decades, the school has evolved into a cornerstone of specialized learning and early childhood intervention, serving families from across the region with innovative programs designed to support developmental growth, independence and long-term academic success.
During her leadership, P.G. Chambers School expanded and strengthened three core program areas central to its mission. The organization operates a state-approved private school that provides individualized education for approximately 120 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, drawing families from 11 northern New Jersey counties. The institution also delivers early intervention services for infants and toddlers facing developmental challenges, as well as contracted educational and therapeutic programs in partnership with school districts throughout the region. Collectively, these initiatives reach nearly 900 children each year, providing critical services that help bridge gaps in specialized education and support systems.
County commissioners emphasized that Sly’s tenure reinforced the school’s reputation as a regional leader in special education by promoting inclusive learning environments and expanding access to high-quality therapy and educational resources. Her leadership helped guide program development, enhance community partnerships and strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability, ensuring continued support for families navigating complex educational and developmental needs. Those interested in broader developments and initiatives in education can explore additional coverage through the publication’s ongoing reporting on <a href=”https://sunset-daily.com/category/education/”>education</a>.
Before joining P.G. Chambers School, Sly served as president and chief executive officer of JBWS, a Morris County-based nonprofit focused on addressing domestic violence and supporting survivors. During her 11-year tenure, she played a central role in establishing the Morris County Family Justice Center, an integrated service hub that coordinates legal, counseling and advocacy resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Her leadership at JBWS significantly expanded prevention programs and strengthened community awareness initiatives, creating a more coordinated response system for vulnerable populations.
Sly’s career also includes a significant chapter in health care administration, where she held senior management positions with Atlantic Health. Among her most notable contributions was helping lead the development and opening of the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital, a project that brought advanced oncology services and comprehensive patient care to the region. Her work in health care management demonstrated a consistent focus on expanding access to essential services and improving patient outcomes through strategic planning and institutional development.
Beyond her executive leadership roles, Sly has been a prominent civic figure in Morris County, contributing to numerous initiatives aimed at shaping the region’s long-term growth and quality of life. She served as chair of the United Way of Morris County, supporting programs that address community needs ranging from financial stability to youth development. She also played a leadership role in Morris 2000, later known as Morris Tomorrow, where she helped guide initiatives that led to the creation of the Morris County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund and advanced regional transportation planning efforts now recognized as Avenues in Motion.
Commissioners noted that Sly’s impact extends well beyond individual institutions, reflecting a career defined by collaboration, strategic vision and a commitment to public service. Her work has strengthened educational access, expanded health care resources and advanced supportive services that continue to benefit thousands of residents throughout Morris County and surrounding communities.
In recognizing her retirement, county officials described Sly’s legacy as one rooted in advocacy for children, families and underserved populations, crediting her with helping to shape a stronger network of services that improve both opportunity and quality of life. Her leadership, they said, leaves a lasting imprint on Morris County’s educational and nonprofit landscape, setting a standard for community-driven progress and compassionate service that will continue to guide future generations of leaders.
