Matthew J. Doherty
Matthew J. Doherty was born and raised in New Jersey, a state that has shaped much of his public service career. He grew up in a tight-knit community and developed a strong sense of civic duty from an early age. Doherty’s academic journey took him to Georgetown University, where he excelled both in the classroom and on the track. As a scholarship track and field athlete, he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Policy, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors in public service and community development.
Doherty resides in Belmar, New Jersey, with his family. He is a father of three and remains deeply connected to the community he has dedicated his career to improving.
Doherty’s career reflects a blend of leadership, innovation, and compassion, driven by a commitment to public service and community well-being. His contributions have left a lasting impact on both his hometown and the broader New Jersey region.
Doherty’s political career included his election as Mayor of Belmar, New Jersey, in 2011. His tenure lasted until 2018, a period marked by significant transformation and growth for the town. Under his leadership, Belmar experienced the most substantial economic growth and private sector investment it had seen in over three decades. This period was particularly challenging due to the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the largest natural disaster in New Jersey’s history. Belmar was hit hard, with over 1,300 homes flooded and the iconic 1.3-mile boardwalk devastated.
Despite these challenges, Doherty’s administration was instrumental in the town’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. His proactive approach ensured that Belmar had a fully completed boardwalk by Memorial Day, just months after the storm. Additionally, he achieved a rare feat in New Jersey: reducing property taxes during his time in office.
In 2018, Doherty was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) in Atlantic City. In this role, he spearheaded significant investments in the city, including the development of new medical facilities and the allocation of tax credits for a new water park at the Showboat. His tenure was marked by efforts to repair relationships between the CRDA and Atlantic City’s governing bodies, and he was a strong advocate for local nonprofits. Doherty also focused on eliminating blight in the city, notably by purchasing and renovating dilapidated rooming houses within the tourism district.
In 2023, Doherty briefly served as the Executive Director of the Atlantic City Housing Authority. During his tenure, he exposed corruption and highlighted severe mistreatment of residents. His commitment to transparency and reform, however, led to his dismissal in September 2023, as his revelations threatened entrenched interests within the authority.
Beyond his public service roles, Doherty is an accomplished entrepreneur. He owns BelcomNJ, a consulting firm that provides business development services to both labor unions and commercial businesses. Additionally, BelcomNJ operates two TAPinto franchises in Belmar and Asbury Park, which provide daily local journalism.
Doherty’s dedication to community service extends to his nonprofit work. He serves as the president of Circle of Friends, an organization that hosts social events for adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. Recent initiatives include the founding of the Circle of Friends Café, which provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, paying them a wage of $15.50 an hour. The café currently employs 22 individuals and has a waiting list of 18.