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