Board of Directors & Governance


The Flemington Improvement District is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of local small business owners, commercial property owners, and Borough Council representatives who live, work, and invest in the Borough of Flemington.


Elected by district stakeholders, the Board provides strategic leadership, fiscal stewardship, and long-range vision to advance the FID’s mission. Members guide organizational priorities, oversee responsible management of resources, and help shape initiatives that strengthen economic vitality, enhance the visitor experience, and support business growth across all three districts.


Because Board members are directly connected to the success of the community, they bring both professional expertise and personal commitment to their service. Their volunteer leadership reflects a shared dedication to cultivating a vibrant, resilient Flemington where businesses flourish and the community thrives.

Executive Committee

Board Chair

Toni Gushue

Owner, Within Spirit and The Flemington Ghost Walk

Board Vice Chair

Jim Gano

President, Crown Trophy of Flemington


Board Treasurer

David D. Hay

Owner, Cortes & Hay Title Agency, Inc.

Commercial Property Owner

Board Secretary

Jennifer Stas-Elisades

Owner, The Wildflower Yoga Collective

Board Members


Brandon Arias

Owner, Viva Mexico and Flemington Borough Council Member


Norma Cruz Ruiz

Owner, Echelon Studio and Momito's Boutique

Commercial Property Owner, Resident


Jack Cust, CPA®

Chairman, Cust Investments

Owner, Courthouse Square Project

Founder, HealthQuest & Diamond Nation


Danielle Nicotra

Owner, Halo Salon



Tony Parker

President, Flemington Borough Council

Resident




Jonathon Ritter

Owner, Benchmark Fine Woodworking

Commercial Property Owner


Rick Seaman

Owner, The Happy Peacock


George Vallone

Owner, Liberty Village

Board Responsibilities

Board members are responsible for:

  • Upholding FID's mission, vision, and long-term priorities
  • Providing strategic guidance, while leaving day-to-day operations to staff
  • Attending bimonthly board and committee meetings prepared to ask informed questions and exercise sound judgment
  • Voting on policies, plans, and major initiatives
  • Overseeing FID's finances and fiduciary matters
  • Helping guide fundraising and development strategies
  • Placing FID's interests above personal or business interests, and avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Ensuring FID follows its bylaws, applicable laws, and its 501(c)(3) charitable purpose
  • Promoting transparency, accountability, and equity in all decisions
  • Supporting continuity and stability beyond any single election cycle or term
Governance & Elections

Who Can Serve:

Board members may include:

  • Commercial property owners within the district
  • Business owners operating within the district
  • Borough of Flemington governing body members

Who Votes:

Board members are elected by a majority vote of FID stakeholders (one vote per business or property owner, regardless of the number of businesses or properties owned).

Term Length:

Board members serve three-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive three-year terms. Board members must then roll off for a minimum of one year.

Annual Election Timeline:

  • September 30: Nomination requests sent to stakeholders
  • October 15: Nomination deadline
  • October Board Meeting: Nominations reviewed and eligibility confirmed
  • November 1: Ballots mailed to stakeholders
  • November 20: Ballots due
  • December 1: Election results announced
  • January: Officers elected at the Annual Meeting
Board Expectations

Serving on the Board

Serving on the FID Board is both an honor and a responsibility. Board members are stewards of a public-facing organization funded through assessments and partnerships. Their decisions directly affect local businesses, property owners, and the broader Flemington community. Effective governance depends on mutual respect, clear roles, open communication, and a shared commitment to the district's long-term success.

Board members are expected to:

  • Attend board and committee meetings regularly and come prepared
  • Participate respectfully and constructively, following Robert's Rules of Order and established meeting procedures
  • Serve on committees as needed
  • Take part in FID events and community outreach
  • Maintain confidentiality when required
  • Act as ambassadors for FID, while following agreed-upon communication protocols

Under FID's bylaws, board members who don't meet attendance or participation expectations may be removed.