Karen Lew Orgen has served the Township of Teaneck for most of her life in many different capacities. A resident since 1974, Karen’s first foray in serving the Township began in 1987 when she joined the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps at the age of 20. After 10+ years of service, Karen was awarded Life membership in 1997. During her time as an active member of TVAC, Karen responded to over 2,000 emergency medical calls, and held numerous leadership positions including as TVAC’s first female President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.

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Community service is a core tenet and family value in the Orgen household. Karen met her husband, Eric, at TVAC, who continues to serve the Township as an active Life Member. Their youngest daughter, Jamie, is a full-time student, and their oldest daughter, Allie, a recent college graduate, is beginning her career at a not-for-profit focused on supporting and creating innovative and effective organizations and initiatives that strengthen American democracy. 

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After many years of service to her Synagogue and daughter’s schools, Karen was appointed as a member of the Planning Board in 2016 and served for four years. In that time, Karen was instrumental in approving numerous projects and developments benefiting the Township through increased revenue and creating new housing. 

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With a passion to continue her service to Teaneck, and following in her father’s footsteps, Karen ran for council in 2020 and was elected with overwhelming support from residents across all of Teaneck’s voting districts. 

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In her capacity as Councilmember, Karen has served on numerous subcommittees and task forces including: 

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• Personnel Sub Committee

• Parking Subcommittee

• Community Relations

• Parking 

• Leaf Collection 

• Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse

• Patriotic Observance Advisory Board  

• Sewer Billing

• Scattered Sites 

• Belle Avenue Flooding 

 

Council Liaison Roles:

• Library Board of Trustees

• Senior Citizen Advisory Board 

• Board of Education 

• Fields Advisory Board 

 

Karen’s council service began at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. Leveraging her professional experience as a pharmacist and healthcare provider, Karen worked diligently alongside Township Manager Dean Kazinci providing support to residents and Holy Name Hospital at Teaneck’s Covid Vaccination Site at the Richard Rhodda Community Center. The support included assisting our seniors and other residents in scheduling vaccine appointments, arranging for transportation to and from the center, as well as organizing meal deliveries and shopping assistance for Teaneck’s most vulnerable residents who were at high risk of contracting covid and preferred to stay quarantined. 

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Karen is by no means a politician and hates the politics that some people bring. She always strives to do what is right, and what will have the biggest positive impact for Teaneck residents as well as Teaneck’s workforce. Karen has always been a strong supporter and believer in public safety. She continues to work tirelessly to ensure Teaneck’s residents are kept safe and Teaneck’s first responders have the tools and means necessary to accomplish their missions.   

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Karen views her role as a Councilmember to help everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live in town. Karen’s service and drive has made a positive impact on Teaneck, and she looks forward to being able to leverage her experience, to continue to serve Teaneck.