The 2026 Inductees:

Nicole Dorrity is a woman living in recovery, having overcome a 27-year battle with addiction. In 2016, she embarked on her recovery journey, a path that ignited her passion for supporting others facing challenges similar to her own. In early recovery, Nicole dedicated her time as a volunteer at the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, aiding at-risk and unhoused veterans. This period of volunteering laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in nonprofit work.

In December 2017, Nicole joined PBHG and received her certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPRS) in March 2019. There, she played a crucial role in the development of the STAR Program (Support Team for Addiction Recovery). She offered comprehensive support to individuals seeking recovery, those who were recovery-curious, and those already in recovery—facilitating meetings and providing access to basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, and harm reduction services.

Nicole’s passion for giving back was further demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to supporting individuals through STAR, she volunteered with RAFTS (Recovery Advocates for The Shore), which led to her certification to facilitate the CPRS training courses—programs she herself had completed less than two years prior. She developed and launched a program with Brookdale Community College, where she still teaches CPRS classes today, preparing future peers for state certification and workforce development.

In November 2020, Nicole expanded her impact by joining JBJ Soul Kitchen as the Community Coordinator of the flagship restaurant in Red Bank. There, she focused on assisting the community’s most vulnerable, ensuring they had access to essential services including food, shelter, and support. In January of this year, she was promoted to Program Manager of JBJ Soul Kitchen and now works with Community Coordinators at JBJ Soul Kitchens throughout New Jersey in Ocean, Monmouth, and Essex Counties. She is passionate about the work being done at JBJ Soul Kitchen and is grateful for the amazing team that has become her second family.

Nicole’s tireless work ethic is evident as she manages her role while continuing to volunteer her time to many causes she believes in. Her efforts were recognized in 2021 when she received the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies’ “Inspired Peer Leader” award, and again in 2024 when she was honored with a Community Volunteer Award at the JLMC Women Making a Difference luncheon in Monmouth County. This past May, she became a Board Member for Sea Change RCO and Harm Reduction Center in Ocean County.

Residing in Asbury Park, Nicole is a single mother to her son, Tyler, 29, who lives in Ewing, NJ, where he is a professor at TCNJ. Despite her demanding schedule, Nicole remains committed to making time for her loved ones, cherishing every moment with them as a testament to the profound gratitude she feels for the second chance her recovery has afforded her.

Nicole Dorrity

Jaimee L. Katz Sussner is a Member of the commercial law firm of Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., where she focuses her legal practice on commercial and real estate litigation, and is currently serving on the Firm’s Management Committee. She is passionate about advancing women in the legal profession and supporting women’s causes, while also enhancing the broader legal and civic communities she serves. She has been recognized for her leadership in the New Jersey legal community as a Member of the Board of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, where she currently serves as Co‑Chair of the Endorsements Committee and the Reproductive Rights Committee, and has previously led other key committees. Jaimee has also contributed to the Essex County Bar Association, including serving as the former Chair of the Chancery Committee. Beyond her legal career, Jaimee and her husband founded Watchung Hills for Warriors, a charity providing support services for returning veterans. Her commitment and leadership have earned her recognition as one of ROI‑NJ’s “ROI Influencers: Women in Business” in 2025, along with accolades in a number of leading legal rankings, including Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Learn more: https://www.sillscummis.com/professionals/jaimee-katz-sussner/