The Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority has announced that Robert J. DiBiase has been appointed as its new Executive Director.
Bob’s extensive background in the utilities industry will ensure a smooth transition and a seamless provision of services for all of its customers. Before he was employed with the township, where he served as Deputy Director of Recreation and Human Service Departments, Bob spent over 30 years managing subterranean projects for Verizon, Inc. (then NJ Bell and Bell Atlantic). In this capacity, he handled customer service issues for the top level accounts of the company. As a former area manager and supervisor, with a staff exceeding 150, Bob brings decades of experience in handling emergencies, both above and below the ground, maintaining services in even the most difficult of times.
It was that unique skill set that led Mayor Tom Kelaher to appoint Bob as the township’s Emergency Resource Manager after Super Storm Sandy ravaged the community in 2012. In addition to his regular duties, Bob identified and contacted potential sources of aid to rapidly acquire food, shelter and medical supplies for thousands of displaced residents, then located facilities to store the items and arranged for distribution to those in need. He also organized transportation services for people who lost vehicles, performed background checks on behalf of the elderly and other vulnerable citizens. He also oversaw the volunteers who came out to help with the massive recovery efforts.
Bob’s dedication to job and community extends to the country as well. He is a decorated Viet Nam veteran who attained the rank of Sergeant E-5 and served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, as well as with the Infantry and Aviation Brigade, with tours of duty abroad, including Germany.
In 2014, Bob was selected as the Grand Marshal of the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade. He is also part of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ocean County and has mentored for the past ten years. He and his wife, Roberta have lived in Toms River for more than three decades.
