Jersey City Mayor James Solomon announced he’s appointing Peter Vincent as the director of the Department of Recreation and Youth Development.
By Dan Israel/Hudson County View
Vincent, a born and raised Jersey City resident and athletics administrator with more than two decades of experience in youth development and collegiate athletics, will report to Deputy Mayor of Education Dia Bryant.
“Peter Vincent is exactly the kind of person this role was made for. He grew up here, he’s spent his entire career investing in young people, and he knows firsthand the difference that access to opportunity can make,” Solomon said in a statement.
“I’m confident he’ll bring the same energy and dedication to our youth programs that he’s brought to every team and program he’s ever led. I’m grateful he’s coming home.”
Vincent most recently served as director of athletics at Centenary University, where he oversaw 16 intercollegiate athletic programs and served as a member of the university’s senior leadership cabinet.
Prior to that, he spent 14 years at New Jersey City University (NJCU) as assistant director of athletics, where he co-founded the Rising Knight Institute, an academic retention and student-athlete success program.
He also led game-day operations, summer camp programming, and sport administration.
“Jersey City made me who I am, and this is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way,” noted Vincent.
“Mayor Solomon and Deputy Mayor Bryant have made it clear that investing in our young people is a cornerstone of this administration, and I couldn’t be more energized to get to work. Expanding the city’s youth programs is a real, tangible way to change lives, and that’s what drives me. I can’t wait to get started.”
Beyond collegiate athletics, he has spent years coaching and mentoring young people across Hudson County, including a decade as head coach of the Girls Varsity Basketball program at Hudson Catholic Regional High School.
There, he compiled a 142-72 record and was named Hudson County Coach of the Year twice. He has also been a coach and clinician with the legendary Hurley Family Foundation alongside Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley, Sr.
He currently serves as co-director of the United NJ AAU Basketball Program, which fields 16 travel teams for players between the ages of 10 and 18, and has contributed to youth basketball development for decades through the Philadelphia 76ers’ overnight camp program and Five-Star Basketball Camps.
As director, Vincent’s first priority will be executing on Solomon’s commitment to expand Jersey City’s youth program offerings, recreation opportunities, and creating new economic opportunities for young residents citywide.
At the last City Council meeting, some residents advocated for another born and raised Jersey City resident, Tommy Best, to be the next recreation director, as HCV first reported.
