Morris County Joins Second Annual “Picatinny Charge” in Washington
Published on December 11, 2025
Delegation of Leaders Reaffirms Support for Arsenal
Morris County Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Stephen Shaw and Christine Myers recently joined a delegation of state and municipal officials, business representatives and community advocates in Washington, D.C. for the second annual Picatinny Enhancement Coalition (PEC) “Picatinny Charge” held Dec. 1-3.
The delegation, led by State Sen. Anthony Bucco, highlighted Picatinny Arsenal’s critical role in national defense and its major economic impact on Morris County and New Jersey.
“The second annual Picatinny Charge reinforced Picatinny’s critical role in strengthening our nation’s military readiness, while driving innovation and research and supporting our local economy,” said Director Selen.
The three-day visit included briefings with senior Pentagon officials, visits on Capitol Hill with members of Congress, and receptions highlighting Picatinny’s mission as the U.S. Army’s premier center for munitions. Meetings included discussions with Army leadership and other key policymakers. Remarks were also delivered by Chris Grassano, director of the Armaments Center, and Maj. Gen. John Reim, commanding general of Picatinny Arsenal.
“Picatinny’s impact extends far beyond its gates. Its workforce, research capabilities, and partnerships fuel economic growth across Morris County and New Jersey,” Deputy Director Shaw said. “Supporting its future is essential to both our region and our nation.”
“This year’s visit reaffirmed our unified commitment to securing Picatinny’s long-term success. Investing in Picatinny means investing in our national security, innovation and opportunities for New Jersey businesses,” said Commissioner Myers.
Picatinny Arsenal is the second largest employer in Morris County, supported by a highly skilled workforce of scientists, engineers, military personnel, and civilian staff. Annually, Picatinny’s Armaments Center contributes roughly $367 million in workforce labor to New Jersey, with $163 million in Morris County, where nearly half its employees reside.
The Picatinny Enhancement Coalition advocates for Picatinny Arsenal’s continued success by cultivating strong relationships between the installation, local communities, businesses, and government leaders. Its mission is to highlight the arsenal’s contributions to national defense and regional economic growth while addressing the unique challenges faced by Northeast military installations.
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Photo: (l-r) Emilio Nardone, New Jersey State Police (retired); Samuel Gatley, Executive Director, Government and Military Relations, Defense & Homeland Security at NJIT; Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw; Lt. Col. Craig A. Bonham II, Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander; Jefferson Mayor Eric Wilsusen; John Kennedy, Senior Advisor to NJEDA; Wharton Mayor William Chegwidden; Paul Chiodo, former Picatinny Arsenal employee and DoD consultant; Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen; Vince Matrisciano, former Picatinny employee and consultant; Sen. Anthony Bucco; Marty Kane, former Picatinny Arsenal employee; Nick Korinis, President & CEO of Savit Corp. (back row); Neal Picillo, New Jersey State Police (retired); Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers; County College of Morris President Dr. Anthony Iacono; Cheryl Hall, President & CEO of WisEngineering; Jorge McPherson, Technology Management of Leidos and Rudy Rodas, managing director of Policy, Research, & Government Affairs at NJEDA.