Gateway CAP Board Names Edward Bethea President, CEO
Photo courtesy of Gateway Community Action Partnership.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
BRIDGETON — The Gateway Community Action Partnership Board of Directors announced this week the promotion of Edward Bethea to president and CEO, replacing the retiring Albert B. Kelly.
While replacing Kelly, the man who led Gateway to its tremendous growth for three decades, is a huge task, the board did not have go far in tapping Bethea, who served under Kelly for many of those years. Bethea had been the organization’s vice president and chief financial officer while working as Gateway for 30 years.
“Edward Bethea is uniquely qualified to lead Gateway Community Action Partnership into its next chapter,” Dr. Terrence Hardee, chair of the Gateway CAP Board of Directors said in a statement. “Throughout his distinguished career, Ed has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve.”
In a statement on LinkedIn, Bethea thanked Hardee and the board for their “confidence, trust, and support,” in leading Gateway into a new era.
“I am truly honored and humbled by this appointment and deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving an organization and communities that mean so much to me,” Bethea said.
“I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Albert B. Kelly, whose visionary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to community action have built an extraordinary legacy that has transformed countless lives throughout our region. It has been a privilege to work alongside him and learn from his example,” he added.
Under Bethea’s financial stewardship, the agency grew from a modest local nonprofit into a regional powerhouse, managing programs that touch nearly every aspect of community life — from early childhood education and housing assistance to food security and workforce development.
“His extensive knowledge of our programs, operations, partnerships, and mission makes him the ideal person to build upon Gateway’s strong foundation while positioning the organization for continued growth and innovation,” Hardee said.
Officials said Bethea’s appointment marks both continuity and renewal for one of New Jersey’s largest and most influential anti?poverty organizations. Throughout his tenure, Bethea has been instrumental in expanding Gateway’s reach across South Jersey and beyond.
Under his financial stewardship, the agency grew from a modest local nonprofit into a regional powerhouse, managing programs that touch nearly every aspect of community life — from early childhood education and housing assistance to food security and workforce development.
Bethea’s leadership follows the legacy of Kelly, Bridgeton’s longtime mayor and Gateway’s founding president, whose vision shaped the organization’s identity. Bethea worked closely with Kelly for decades, helping to build a culture rooted in compassion, accountability, and results.
Bethea also serves as president of Bridgeton City Council. He was appointed to council in 2018 and was elected to a full term. He has actively works with the community to advance the Southeast Gateway Neighborhood Revitalization Project in the city’s south ward, focusing on enhancing education, recreation, neighborhood cohesion, economic development, and promoting quality affordable housing initiatives.
Bethea holds a bachelor’s in accounting with a concentration in administrative Services from Rutgers University With extensive experience in tax consulting, financial planning, cash flow projection, and asset management, he brings valuable expertise to his role. He has served as the past treasurer of the Cumberland County Utilities Authority, secretary and treasurer of Inspira Health Center’s Board of Directors, former president of the Bridgeton Main Street Association, and the Bridgeton Board of Education.
Looking Ahead
As Gateway enters a new era, Bethea said he is focused on innovation and collaboration — ensuring the agency remains responsive to evolving community needs while maintaining the integrity of its mission.
“Gateway CAP’s mission has always been bigger than any one individual — it is about empowering people, strengthening families, and building stronger communities,” Bethea said.
“I remain committed to advancing that mission while working collaboratively with our Board, staff, partners, and community stakeholders to continue expanding opportunities and creating meaningful impact throughout Southern New Jersey.”
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