Kenneth J. Malagiere
A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Ken attended Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, England in 2003 and was graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2005 with a degree in Political Science and International Studies. Departing from his field of study upon graduation, forming the James Joseph Group, Inc. Kenneth quickly established a niche in the floral design industry on the New Jersey Shore, leading the talented team at Narcissus and Mueller’s Historic Florist. Ken and his team have been highlighted in numerous industry publications including, Flowers and Profits, Floral Finance, NJ Brides, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings as well as featured articles in the Asbury Park Press, NJ.com and other news and social media platforms.
Additionally, Ken serves as the Executive Director of the Ocean County College Foundation, where he is entrusted to advance the mission of the Foundation; providing scholarships, special grant support and opportunities of intellectual and educational value for the greater Ocean County community. In 2021 he was awarded the President’s Award for College Wide Excellence.
He is a collected artist and engaged citizen, serving as Chairman of The Wroxton Advisory Committee of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Past-Chair of The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and The Garden State Philharmonic. He is President-Elect of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River and served as an Honorary Commander of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst from 2013-2016.
Among other recognitions, Ken has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Harbor House of Ocean County in 2018, the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce Groundbreaking Business Award in 2019, the Monmouth Ocean Development Council’s Award for Excellence in 2020, and most recently was honored as Man Enough to Be A Girl Scout, by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore in 2021.
Presently, Ken lives in Toms River with his husband Jonathan Z. Petro, Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Doyle and Sacks. Notably, they were honored with The 2017 Red Triangle Award for their dedication and contributions to the mission of the Ocean County YMCA.
Together they live well, travel often and laugh as much as possible.