John R. Bruno, Founder and CEO

   During his tenure as press secretary to former New Jersey Governor Robert B. Meyner in the late 1960s, John R. Bruno, Sr. recognized a glaring need in our communities: many municipal and county units of government did not have the resources and capacity to effectively pursue and administer grant opportunities at the state and federal level.

His on-the-job training in the inner sanctum of government was a natural springboard for his establishment of Bruno Associates, Inc. which has become one of the leading grant and public relations consulting agencies in the state of New Jersey.

One of the state’s most recognized business professionals for the past 40 years, John is also active on the local level. John chaired his Town’s Recreation Commission for 15 years and has served as Chairman of the Cancer Society Fundraising Program, as well as many other charitable organizations. He is the recipient of numerous awards, which include the Italian-American Police Society Award and one from the Newark Municipal Council for 30 years of service to the Council. Other awards include a Commendation from Harrison Mayor Raymond McDonough; a Certificate of Appreciation from Rahway Mayor James J. Kennedy; an Appreciation Award from Newark Councilman-At-Large Luis A. Quintana; and a Recognition Award from Rutherford Mayor William Eireinhoffer.

He also received two special awards from the United States Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census as a key partner in Census 2000. Project Re-Direct Youth and Family Services honored him with their “Men of Valor Award 2002” for his over 30 years of community service.

In 2002, he convened the Mayors of Essex County’s five largest urban cities to form the Essex County Anti-Gang Regional Task Force. This project successfully held a first-ever forum on anti-gang initiatives and in attendance was a representative from every law enforcement agency, the U.S. Attorney General’s Office, the prosecutor’s office, and other community groups.
 
An avid golfer, reader, writer, John has traveled to more than 40 countries, but still considers the Garden State one of the best places in the world to live.  Married to his childhood sweetheart, Ann, for over 50 years, they have two children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Email:   john.bruno@brunoassociatesinc.com