The Cumberland County Women’s Hall of Fame has announced a change in leadership, as its founder Louise T. Bertacchi has retired after nearly 14 years as president of the board of directors.

Replacing Bertacchi as president is Shelly Schneider, who was inducted into the hall in 2015, then joined the board in 2016. She has served as principal and later superintendent of the Millville School District, as interim president of Cumberland County College now RCSJ – Cumberland) twice, and has been a visiting professor at Stockton University and an adjunct professor at Rowan University.

Schneider was elected president of the Cumberland County Women’s Hall of Fame in December, taking the reins as the Hall resumes its annual induction event in 2023.

Bertacchi founded the Hall of Fame in 2007 and has led the organization since then as president of the board. She is a former business owner and has 40 years experience in civic, school and charitable activities. She has served dozens of organizations from the Millville Chamber of Commerce to the Cumberland-Cape Atlantic YMCA; the Landis Theater, the Cumberland County College and many other diverse groups.

Bertacchi said she realized in 2007 that the women of Cumberland County who have accomplished so much in their lives and careers should be honored in some way. She formed the hall of fame, developed a board of directors, and the first women were inducted in April 2009. The hall has resumed holding the induction gala annually.

“The hall has been my passion,” Bertacchi said. “And I believe we have made a difference in our community and will do so for many years.”

Since 2009, 48 women from throughout the county have been inducted.

Under her leadership, the hall developed a scholarship program for young women graduating high school in Cumberland County.