Joseph K. Hemphill – Mayor

Joseph Kelly Hemphill, the current mayor of Rumson, is the son of Rumson residents Julian and Anne K. Hemphill, who moved into Rumson in 1945. He is married to Robin Fowler Hemphill who is also a lifelong Rumson resident and a local realtor. Together Joe and Robin raised two children, Jonathan and Carrie and both attended Dean Porter, Forrestdale, and Rumson Fair Haven High School. Joseph is a member of Holy Cross Parish and also went to Holy Cross School as a child.

He founded Hemphill Associates, Inc. in 1978 which is known in Monmouth County as a premier custom home builder. Before founding his own company, Joe was Senior Vice President and General Auditor of First Merchants National Bank.

Prior to becoming mayor, Joe served on the Rumson Borough Council for 12 years, the last four as Council President. Joe began on the Council at a critical time when the town needed to rebuild the Rumson Municipal Complex. During his first year he was appointed as the head of the building committee. Under Joe’s leadership, the new municipal complex was completed on time and budget.

Joe has served on the Finance Committee for the past 12 years and has been involved in creating and applying for numerous State and Federal grants which have benefited Rumson residents over the years.

Joe has been an active supporter of many local charities and was a member of the CPC Behavioral Healthcare Advisory Board. Joe served as a member of the Navesink House (Atrium in Red Bank) Board during their project to renovate the building and their service facilities.

Over the past 12 years of service on the Rumson Borough Council, Joseph is especially proud of:

• Achieving the triple Aaa bond rating from Moody’s Financial Services
• Overseeing the massive renovations to town infrastructure that were needed after Superstorm Sandy
• The upgrades to Rumson recreational facilities including new multi-purpose sports fields
• Partnering with Monmouth University to build Monmouth Marine and Environmental Field Station
• The renovations to Victory Park Playground
• Improvements made to local roads and sewer systems

Joseph was sworn in to fill the remaining term of former Mayor John Ekdahl, who retired in May and is now enjoying time with his family in Florida. It is easy to see that Joe is passionate about serving as Mayor and continuing the success that Rumson has enjoyed.  Never to rest on the accomplishments of the past, Joe looks forward to collaborating with the Borough Council to innovate facilities and services for local residents.