For many people doing business with the Borough of Fanwood, the first person, and possibly the only person they will meet, is Courtney Agnello. The Borough’s administrative assistant since 2019, Courtney is the friendly person behind the glass when you walk into Borough Hall or call the main number. As such, she wears many hats.

“People come in for things like dog licenses, to rent park buildings,” she says. “Sometimes they stop by with general questions, or they may call with a question. If I don’t know the answer, I can refer them to the person who does.”

A Fanwood resident since 1996, Courtney is also known for her other job which predates her service to Fanwood, advising people on Disney vacations.

“I help people plan their trips to theme parks in Orlando and other Disney destinations. It can be very overwhelming for people because there’s a lot to know.”

Courtney and her husband Pete have raised three children in Fanwood–Katie, 22, Ryan, 20 and Ellie, 15. The two oldest have ambitions in the movie industry. Ellie is a student at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

After working at home for many years as a travel advisor, being in an office at Borough Hall each day was quite a change, mostly for the good.

“My favorite thing is working directly with the residents that come in. Every day is different.”

Courtney has a few other favorite things, all of which serve our community. She is one of three women who co-chair the annual SPF MLK Day of Service, a 14-year tradition which recruits volunteers to give back to the community in the name of Dr. Martin Luther King. She is also the Service Unit Manager for the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Girl Scouts

“I’m really dedicated to the Girl Scouts,” she says. “We do a lot of fun and important things. Being of service to the leaders and their troops is very fulfilling. People should look out for the Girl Scout Cookie booths popping up in Scotch Plains and Fanwood in the next few weeks!”

She is also a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Pastoral Council, helping to grow and enrich the parish.

“The work Courtney does for Fanwood and its residents is amazing,” says Mayor Colleen Mahr. “I see her dedication and easy-going personality in everything she does.”

Courtney is one of the all-woman staff that basically runs Fanwood Borough Hall. In a town where the mayor is a woman and the majority of the Borough Council are women, Fanwood is making women’s history as we speak.

Fanwood’s Borough Hall professionals including Courtney, third from right, posing for Go Red Day in February, 2023