The Monmouth Ocean Development Council (MODC) has appointed Dana Lancellotti as its new executive director. Lancellotti, a longstanding member of MODC, previously served as the president and CEO of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association (NJRHA), which advocates for 19,000 food service establishments, hotels, and other hospitality businesses.
“Dana is a passionate multifaceted professional who brings a talented skill set, significant operational knowledge, creative marketing experience, nonprofit leadership and an amazing network,” stated Tom Gilmour, president of MODC.
During her three-year leadership at NJRHA, Lancellotti undertook various initiatives including rebranding the association, restructuring membership programs, updating the NJRHA website, and advocating for pandemic-affected restaurants and hotels in Trenton and Washington D.C., according to Gilmour.
“Dana’s extensive experience includes serving as Ocean County’s director of Business Development and Tourism,” Gilmour noted. He highlighted her efforts in promoting the Jersey Shore as a year-round destination and supporting regional recovery after Superstorm Sandy.
Gilmour also emphasized Lancellotti's commitment to community involvement. “She is very involved with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and served as an honorary commander from 2012 to 2017," he said. "As a founding member of the Military Support Alliance of New Jersey, she was the executive director from 2021-2024.”
Lancellotti's accolades include being recognized with the 2015 Tourism Achievement Award by MODC and being honored by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore as the 2020 Woman of Distinction. She was also awarded the Silver Gull Tourism Achievement Award in 2016.
Growing up in Sea Girt with deep family roots in Monmouth and Ocean counties—her grandparents founded Weir’s Pharmacy in Manasquan—Lancellotti graduated from Manasquan High School and met her husband at Monmouth University. Her appointment took effect on March 7.
