A legend is someone who leaves behind an unforgettable impression and legacy on others. Living a life of purpose and doing something remarkable that touches lives is truly legendary.
After over 40 years, Senior Regional Public Affairs Manager Rich Dwyer is saying goodbye to PSE&G, and this couldn’t describe his dedication and work ethic any better – so much so, that he’s received not one, but two special recognitions.
The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce’s Legends Award honors those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to the betterment of Hudson County. Rich is among a small group of business leaders, community advocates and individuals to receive this remarkable honor.
“Rich has been an integral part of the Public Affairs organization for many years. He has served this company and the residents of Hudson County with tremendous dedication and self-sacrifice,” said Eileen Leahy, director external affairs, PSE&G. “Rich is always on the pulse of the community and fully engaged with government leaders. He lives and breathes PSE&G and is treasured by those who had the pleasure to work with him.”
In addition, Rich also was recognized with a resolution presented by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the City Council for his distinguished career and outstanding service to Jersey City.
“I don’t know where I would be without you Rich. As a young councilperson who got appointed during the pandemic, you have been there by my side during every power outage and every issue. You have always been there, like Batman, and I really appreciate you.”
Jersey City Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh
Who is Rich Dwyer?
After college Rich began working as the editor of the Greenville Gazette Newspaper. He joined PSE&G on Dec. 1, 1982, as a utility operator at Hudson Generating Station and his first job was breaking frozen coal with a sledgehammer on the midnight shift. In 1996, he transitioned to the public affairs team and has served as the RPA manager in Hudson, Bergen and Union counties during various times in his career.
Our RPA managers create partnerships with municipal leaders, businesses, and communities to ensure a consistent source of information about projects and current or ongoing concerns. Through the relationship between PSE&G and town officials, RPA managers mitigate concerns by ensuring issues are managed and resolved through the proper channels.
During his tenure at PSE&G, Rich was well known for personally handling customer issues with passion and professionalism – always keeping the needs of the customer in mind while resolving issues. Rich partnered with municipalities during emergencies, storms or large outages, often responding to social media posts from customers and answering his cell phone at all hours to ensure the inquiry was addressed.
On a few occasions, he even made sure our street construction team knew which customers had required medical appointments, so they did not block the street/driveway during those times. It was that dedication, forethought and consideration for our customers that has made Rich’s time at PSE&G legendary.
“I never met Richard personally, but he was always serving the residents of Jersey City. Always attentive and very helpful. He answered your calls and emails immediately. An admirable person. We are going to miss him very much. God always bless you Richard,” said Hector Velasquez, Jersey City resident.
Positive Impact:
Rich’s career at PSE&G doesn’t end with storm restoration or resolving customer issues 24/7, 365. Rich has the remarkable ability to identify and create opportunities for PSE&G to partner with various nonprofit organizations and municipal leaders for the betterment of the community. Here is just one example of how Rich’s efforts have supported PSEG’s goals around environmental stewardship and the protection of biodiversity and natural resources in the air, in water and on land.
Rich was the driving force behind PSE&G’s support of several environmental improvement projects for the Hackensack River Watershed. Working with PSE&G’s Environmental team, Rich helped organize the building of over a dozen nesting platforms for osprey. He also organized countless beach cleanup events with PSE&G and community volunteers, as well as organizing a collection of broken hockey sticks to create artificial reefs.
“The outpouring of love surrounding my retirement has been wonderful. It has been fun hearing from so many people that I never met, yet helped over the years. Often the relationship doesn’t start out well because people were calling with problems and, in most cases, the relationships end on a positive note,” Rich said. “It really was a privilege to work with community leaders who came to me with their issues or challenges, and it was even more rewarding to work with my colleagues at PSE&G to find the solutions.”
Rich is what you call community he is always there to help everyone. I was blessed to meet Rich as a Jersey City councilman and will always be grateful for his willingness to be of service. Rich I wish you and your family a absolutely wonderful retirement. You will always be a special person. God Bless