Governor Chris Christie announced this week he is appointing Mahwah resident William F. Dator to serve on the Ramapo College of New Jersey Board of Trustees.

A real estate broker for over 30 years, Dator is an NJ licensed real estate appraiser. A Monmouth College graduate, Dator has been named both the Realtor of the Year by the Northwest Bergen Board of Directors and citizen of the year by the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Dator has been very involved in the Mahwah community throughout his life.

He has served as the Vice Chairman of the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority, the President of the Mahwah Chamber of Commerce, Battalion Chief of the Mahwah Fire Department, and President of the Mahwah Ambulance Corps. Co 1.

According to the Ramapo College website, Trustee Edward S. Zarnock, who had served on the Board since 2004, died on April 9.

The Board is made up of eight other members, and two student representatives. According to the school’s website, the Board of Trustees “shall have general supervision over and shall be vested with the conduct of the college.” This includes powers such as determining the curriculum, setting certain costs to students, approving new programs, and granting diplomas.

According to a release sent out by Governor Christie’s office, this appointment is subject to the “advice and consent of the State Senate."