Meet Our Council Leaders
NJ Council President: Daniel A. Dermer
Dan was a graduate of Rider University in Lawrenceville NJ in 1995. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management with a minor in Political Science he became a Law School Candidate. During that time, he continued to work and manage his small concrete construction firm while also working part time for multiple law firms in Central NJ. From 2010 to 2018 he put his education and work experience to use while he worked for the US Department of Homeland Security at the Transportation Security Administration in Newark NJ.
Most notable is how he has been actively involved in his community since the age of 17 when he became the youngest member of the Millstone Valley Fire Department in East Millstone NJ. He then became the youngest person ever elected Chief prior to his 25th birthday. Ten years later he was elected the youngest President and would serve for four years. He then served for two additional years as President of the Franklin Township Fire Chief’s Association.
His record of service continued when he joined the New Jersey Council-Navy League of the US in 1999. Upon being elected its President, he created the motto, Non-Military families helping Military families. After three years as its President, Dan became Chief of Staff serving the next five Presidents from 2007 until 2021. On October 1, 2021, Dan formed the Angel Program of NJ, along with colleagues from three previous organizations in which he served. The new Non-Profit seeks to provide aide and assistance to families in distress due to emergencies and continued outreach to military families throughout the year. Due to the devastation wrought by the Covid 19 global pandemic, Dan returned for his second stint as Council President on February 6, 2024. Utilizing the resources from two major nonprofits, Dan and both of his teams are now focused on being In Service to Those Who Serve.
Dan is also a founding Board Member, Trustee and the Corporate Secretary for the NJ Submarine Commissioning Organization. The USS NJ (SSN-796) was Commissioned in September of 2024 in NJ. Besides his organizational duties, his responsibilities include providing for entertainment and activities for the crew and their families during Commissioning Week. While serving in that capacity he was also the Co Chairman of the USS John Basilone (DDG-122) Commissioning Committee. Together with Navy League counterparts from the New York Council, the ship was Commissioned in early November 2024 at Pier 88 in Manhattan. His primary duty was to be the NJ outreach coordinator for all activities that the Committee and crew participated in for the State of NJ. In 2025, Dan repeated his success with the USS NJ (SSN-796) and became the founding Board Member, Trustee and the Corporate Secretary for the Tri State Sea Services Support Team which will Commission the USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG-127) in late 2026.
Senior Vice President William A. Aitken, Jr.
William A. Aitken, Jr., is a 1982 graduate from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, New Jersey with a B.S. in Economics. In 1985 he obtained his Juris Doctorate from Whittier College School of Law in Los Angeles, California, graduating Cum Laude. Mr. Aitken was then admitted to the N.J. bar in 1985 and has been practicing law since admission. Mr. Aitken has almost forty years of legal practice. He has extensive experience in all aspects of law, with an emphasis in contracts, residential and commercial real estate, financing, land use, and zoning matters. He has served as attorney for various planning boards, including the Borough of Milltown, Borough of North Plainfield and Township of Green Brook. Bill has appeared before the New Jersey State Superior Court, the New Jersey Appellate Court and Federal District Court.
Mr. Aitken’s commitment to public service extends to active and leadership roles in many charitable organizations. He is presently a member of the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Folk Festival 2004-present) a member of the Board of Trustees for both the Angel Program of New Jersey (2021-present), and the USS NJ (SSN-796) Commissioning Organization. He is actively involved with the New Jersey Council-Navy League of the United States. With the Council he has served as a member of its Board of Directors (2005 to present); Treasurer (2001-2004 and 2019-2021); President (2009-2010); Judge Advocate (2004-2019); and Vice President of Military Affairs (2005-2008 and 2011-2019).
Mr. Aitken also serves as an instructor for the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corp. (2005-present) and was an Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America Troop 60, Monroe Township, New Jersey (2010- 2018). In 2018 he once again volunteered his services and is one of the founding members for the USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee, overseeing its legal compliance. His commitment to Our Country and its future leaders continues as he serves as an Admissions Partner for the United States Coast Guard Academy and a Field Representative for the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He is a proud parent of twins: Ens. Allison Aitken, USCG, serving at Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi; and LTJG Austin Aitken, USCG, serving on board a USCG Cutter homeported in Florida.
Vice President of Military Affairs Fernando Rivera
Fernando is a graduate of New York University with a degree in Economics. As a Senior Securities Lending and Risk Management Trade Executive he has a wealth of knowledge in Agency Lending and Client Liquidity Management. He has been employed by some of the largest Financial Firms within the US including Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Deutsche Bank, Edward Jones and Wells Fargo.
Fernando has worked for many years as a US Coast Guard Academy Admissions Partner. He has helped many High School students work their way through the US Coast Guard Academy’s application process. He supported both of his sons as they entered and succeeded at the USCG Academy (USCGA). Both of his sons are now Officers in the USCG and serve in their fleet. He continues to support the USCGA by maintaining his position as an Admissions Partner as well as providing continued support for the USCG Rowing Team. He is proud to be a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and serves as a Culinary Specialist for a local Flotilla when his time allows. He is also proud to be an officer and member of the Angel Program of NJ, his work with Team Rubicon, Team Red White and Blue, and a supporter of Ronald Mc Donald House.
Fernando has been a member of the New Jersey Council for many years. His experience with the US Coast Guard led him to becoming the very first Military Attache’ to the US Coast Guard for the Council. During that time, he worked diligently to foster new relationships with units based in Sandy Hook NJ. His commitment to all of the Councils adopted military units led him to being elected the Vice President of Military Affairs (VPMA) His Roles and Responsibilities include continuing to support all fifteen adopted military units from the US Coast Guard and US Navy. To also facilitate support and funding to each individual units including Sailor of the Year Awards, Morale, Welfare and Recreation events, holiday gift giving and a host of other activities. Fernando also oversees his US Naval Attache’s activities by working closely with Peter Engelman. As the Vice President of Military Affairs, he also presides over the most active, dynamic and most crucial of all activities within the Council.
Vice President of Community Affairs Suzanne Blum
Suzanne recently retired from the Harry S. Truman School in Sayreville NJ. She is an accomplished educator serving in Central NJ School districts since 1991. She brings a wealth of experience dealing with a broad range of age groups, especially young men and women. Suzanne is a graduate of Kean College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.
Suzanne has been a long-time supporter of the Navy League of the United States, assisting the Central Jersey Council before joining the NJ Council. After serving as the Council’s Public Affairs Officer and Chief Editor of the Council’s online newsletter, she was recently elected to a Vice Presidents level position. As she enters the Vice President of Community Affairs (VPCA) position her Roles and Responsibilities include: Fundraising Types/Procedures, Events/Messaging/Community Affiliates, Organizational Objectives (Updated Trifolds & NJC-NLUS Marketing Materials/Fully integrated Social Media Platform including our Website, Facebook, X and Twitter.
Suzanne has held multiple leadership positions in East Brunswick organizations such as Girl Scout Troop 81724, Cub Scout Pack 223, Boy Scout Troop 223 and the East Brunswick Baseball League. She formerly served as a Member of Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) for empowering women educators to promote diversity, excellence, and global understanding. A Member of NJREA as well as past member of East Brunswick Community Action Committee and Eucharistic Minister for St. Bartholomew Parish in East Brunswick, NJ. She provides continued outreach to Veterans as an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Post 133 East Brunswick, NJ and as an active member of American Legion Post 211 Auxiliary, Sayreville, NJ.
Vice President of Membership: Vincent Robinson
Vince comes from a New Jersey family with generations who served in the military including the Navy. Although relatively new to the NJ Council, Vince has been a member of the Navy League of the United States for over twenty years. He is a graduate of Ocean County College in Toms River, NJ in 1994 with a AAS in EET degree. Also in 1994, he became an electrical design engineer for a microwave communications company. After designing products for international data communications and television applications in South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia, including a computer stabilized microwave oscillator, he entered the computer industry and started his own IT business. As the owner of VNR Tech Solutions, LLC., he provides technical service to over 900 clients. Vince has the distinction of being the lead beta tester for Harpoon, a naval warfare simulation game. As a member of the Garden State Model Boaters and other various clubs and organizations over the years, he honed his skills in managing and growing memberships. Vince also holds the position of Liberty Region Vice President for Legislative Affairs in the Navy League of the United States. In addition to many committees and other roles Vince is also serving on the commissioning committee for the PCU Patrick Gallagher, a destroyer which will be commissioned in late 2026.
As the Vice President of Membership for the New Jersey Council- Navy League of the United States, Vince assumes the important role of overseeing all membership recruitment, retention and outreach for the tenth largest Council in the world. His experience in the realms of IT, managing lists and growing memberships, he is perfectly positioned to help the New Jersey Council take important steps forward in the future.
Public Affairs Officer: Megan Miller
Megan is a graduate of Kean University in Union, NJ, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education with a minor in History in 2016. She later continued her academic path by completing her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2019. With seven years of experience in the field, Megan has worked as a Behavior Analyst specializing in Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. She remains committed to professional growth and is currently working toward earning her Board Certification.
Megan has been a proud supporter of the Navy League of the United States, by assisting the New Jersey Council with it’s Social media footprint and publications. After serving as the Council’s Deputy Public Affairs Officer and Co-Editor of the Council’s online newsletter, she was recently elected to become the sole PAO for the Council. In addition to overseeing the Social Media Platform which includes the Website, Facebook, X and Twitter, Megan will help craft and distribute information regarding Events, Marketing Materials and overall Messaging. She will work closely with the Vice President of Community Affairs and the Council President. It is anticipated that by the end of 2026, Megan will step into the important role as the Chief of Staff for the Council President. This appointed position requires a mastery of details relative to Council Operations and interaction with the Community at large. Megan possesses all of the qualities necessary to perform this dual role seamlessly.
