The Burlington County Commissioners continued to celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring three more of the county’s most inspiring leaders.
The commissioners recognized Maple Shade Councilwoman Sandra Nunes, Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kristi Howell and Burlington County Historical Society Executive Director Lisa Fox-Pfeiffer on March 22. Each honoree was presented with a certificate of excellence in recognition of their achievements and for inspiring current and future generations.
“As women leaders, we stand on the shoulders of the women trailblazers and unsung heroines who fought to secure the rights and opportunities we now enjoy,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We are committed to honoring those leaders from our past and the leaders of today who are helping to shape our county. By doing so, we hope to inspire future generations to serve and lead.”
“Women’s History Month is when we reflect on the achievements of women throughout history and pay tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for more women to lead and excel,” added Commissioner Allison Eckel. “Sandra Nunes, Kristi Howell and Lisa Fox-Pfeiffer are Burlington County residents whose careers and service embody what women fought for over the centuries. It’s fitting that we celebrate them and their achievements while we continue to strive to advance the rights of women in America and around the world.”
The following are biographies of the county’s latest Women’s History Month honorees:
Councilwoman Sandra Nunes
Sandy Nunes is a member of the Maple Shade Township Council and Vice Chair of the Burlington County Bridge Commission. She has resided in Burlington County for more than 30 years and owned and operated the L&S Chocolates store in Maple Shade for more than two decades.
Nunes served on the Main Street Maple Shade Board and was also the organization’s executive director. She worked as a real estate agent and as an assistant art director for PSE&G. She was also one of the original members of the Maple Shade Business Association.
In addition to her experience in government and business, Nunes has volunteered with Animal Aide and as a youth softball umpire.
Kristi Howell
Kristie Howell has served as the President and CEO of the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce (BCRCC) for more than 20 years.
A graduate of Widener University, Howell began leading the Chamber in 2002 after serving as a special assistant at the South Jersey Transportation Authority and as the Deputy Director of Intergovernment Affairs for New Jersey Gov. Donald DiFrancesco.
Under her leadership, the BCRCC has become a leading voice for businesses in Burlington County and the region. She has helped expand the organization’s membership and programming to match the evolving needs of area businesses and the economy.
Howell and the chamber have also partnered with the commissioners on several of the county’s largest business initiatives, including Burlington County Restaurant Week and Downtown Business Tours promotions. As a member of the Joint Base Open House and other military support groups, she has also helped Burlington County and its business community forge closer ties with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Lisa Fox-Pfeiffer
Lisa Fox-Pfeiffer has served as the executive director of the Burlington County Historical Society since 2007. She is credited with helping to preserve Burlington County’s rich history but also bringing it to life for residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Before coming to Burlington County, Fox-Pfeiffer worked as a curator and interpreter at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton and at the Bucks County Historical Society and Fonthill Castle Museum in Doylestown, Pa.
During her tenure at the Burlington County Historical Society, she has been deeply involved with the development of the organization’s Children’s History Center, a family-friendly and interactive space for children and adults to explore Burlington County’s past. She advocated for the preservation of historical buildings, launched new and engaging programs and tours, and initiated the Society’s “Remembering COVID-19” project documenting the pandemic’s impacts on Burlington County life.
Fox-Pfeiffer has also served as a grant reviewer for the Burlington County Department of Resource Conservation and is a member of the Burlington City Tourism Council and the American Association for State and Local History.
