Kenneth J. Malagiere is a proud lifelong resident of New Jersey whose journey has been defined by a deep commitment to education, community, and creativity. He honed his academic pursuits at Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, England, and earned his degree in Political Science and International Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2005. More recently, he completed a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Services, further deepening his dedication to student success and institutional excellence.
As Executive Director of the Ocean County College Foundation, Ken leads with vision and heart, championing scholarships, grants, and transformative educational opportunities for the greater Ocean County community. His leadership was recognized in 2021 with the prestigious President's Award for College-Wide Excellence. Since 2017, Ken has curated the Blauvelt Speaker Series, bringing renowned thought leaders, historians, journalists, and artists to campus, enriching the intellectual life of the College.
A passionate advocate for the arts, Ken is also an active commissioned artist whose original works can be found in private residences and commercial spaces throughout the region. His artistic practice reflects the same spirit of creativity, storytelling, and community engagement that defines his professional and civic leadership. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he serves as Chairman of Wroxton College Educational Services and has held leadership roles with the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River, the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce, and the Garden State Philharmonic. From 2013 to 2016, he proudly served as an Honorary Commander at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Service Award from Harbor House of Ocean County, the Groundbreaking Business Award from the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce, and the Award for Excellence from the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council. In 2021, he was honored as "Man Enough to Be a Girl Scout" by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.
In 2005, Ken founded the James Joseph Group, Inc., and quickly made his mark in the floral design industry with Narcissus Florals. His team's artistry has been featured in leading publications including Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, and New Jersey Bride, and has enhanced events ranging from intimate celebrations to Presidential and Vice-Presidential visits to the Garden State.
Ken lives in Toms River with his husband, Jonathan Z. Petro, Partner at the law firm Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Doyle, Gutman & Petro. Together, they were honored with the Red Triangle Award in 2017 and the Good Turn Award in 2025 for their shared commitment to community service through the Ocean County YMCA and the Jersey Shore Council of Scouting America.
Together, Ken and Jonathan live with joy, travel with curiosity, and laugh often, embodying a life of purpose, partnership, creativity, and service.