Rev. Dr. Michael Festa

Rev. Dr. Michael Festa is the  CEO/President of the New Seminary.  He oversees the ordination of new ministers each year.  He is well known for his work as a health officer in New Jersey as well as his work with women in crisis.

Education:

Commonwealth Open University – Doctor of Theology (2003)National

University of Graduate Studies – Doctor of Ministry (1990)National

University of Graduate Studies – PhD – Alcohol Studies (1974)

Montclair State University – MA – Human Organizational Processes (1975)

Montclair State University – MA – Health Education (1969)

Fairleigh Dickinson University – BA – Psychology (1959)

Professional Experience:

Health Officer/Director of Hazardous Response
County of Essex                                                        Newark, New Jersey

§  Directly responsible for the implementation of County Environmental Health Administration Program (CEHA). Worked with NJDEP to develop work plan. Responsible for grant proposals, training programs, procedures and monthly in-service meetings. Established Environmental Court with County Counsel and Environmental Fund (EQEF) for the deposit of those fines collected from solid waste, hazardous waste, air, noise and water pollution enforcement activities.

Infectious Disease Control                                                  
County of Essex                                               Cedar Grove, New Jersey

§  Responsible for infectious disease control at the Essex County Hospital Center, Essex County Jail and Essex County Youth House. In addition to surveillance and follow-up of reportable diseases, I have set up and administered Tuberculin testing, Hepatitis B programs, flu inoculation programs and arranged for x-ray evaluation when needed.

President/CEO                                                                                                                        The New Seminary                                                    New York, New York

§  Responsible for ordination of Interfaith Ministers.

Director/Counselor                                                                                                             Seminary Resource Center                              West Orange, New Jersey

§  Addictions Counselor

§  Anger Management Counselor

Instructor/Trainer                                                                                                                Essex County Police Academy                         Cedar Grove, New Jersey 

Instructor/Lecturer                                                                                                              Turning Point, Inc.                                                    Verona , New Jersey

Instructor/Trainer                                                                                                                American Red Cross                                                Fairfield, New Jersey

Adjunct Professor                                                                                                                     Kean College                                                              Union, New Jersey

Publications:

Alcohol and Drug Abuse the Basic Facts – A training manual for Secondary School Teachers,
Law Enforcement Personnel, Social Service Workers, Health Care Providers and Spiritual Counselors

Memberships:

The Royal Institute of Public Health, London, England

American Public Health Association – Fellow

Alcohol Concerns, London, England

Turning Point, Inc. – Board Member

National Council of Alcohol & Drug Dependence – Board Member

Choices, Inc. – Board President

Integrity, Inc. – Board Member

Best Friends, Inc. – Board Member

Children of the World, Inc. – Board Member

Essex County Health Officer’s Association

New York Academy of Sciences

NJESGR – Chaplain

Employee Support of the National Guard and Reserve – Northern Area Chairman

Rotary International – Past President

American Legion Post #185 – Chaplain

V.F.W. Livingston, NJ – Chaplain

Fraternal Order of Police – Chaplain

Essex County Sheriff’s Department – Chaplain