Physical Address
17 North Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Role as County Surrogate
Elected to the office of Gloucester County Surrogate in 2018 he is currently serving his first term as Surrogate. Surrogate Chila has served over 20 years in various capacities in local, county, and state appointed governmental positions. Prior to serving as Surrogate, Mr. Chila served 12 years on the Board of Commissioners, 7 of which he served as Deputy Commissioner Director. Additionally, Surrogate Chila served as Mayor of Woolwich Township, member of the Swedesboro/Woolwich Board of Education, and he is a former New Jersey Pinelands Commissioner.
Responsibilities
As Surrogate of Gloucester County, he oversees the Surrogate Court which responsibilities include:
- Adoptions
- Appointing administrators of estates
- Guardianship of funds for the benefit of minors
- Guardianships of adults
- Probate of wills
Accomplishments
During his tenure on the Board of Commissioners, he served as the liaison to the Office of Veteran Affairs and the Office of Emergency Response. He was an active participant in “The Wall of Heroes” project, a gallery of artistic renderings that honored fallen Gloucester County’s men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Surrogate Chila was instrumental in helping create Gloucester County EMS and was a strong advocate for our first responders.
Other Involvements
He also serves as Deputy Court Clerk for the New Jersey Superior Court Probate Part. Surrogate Chila has a very active public outreach program that speaks to groups throughout the county educating the public on the importance of estate planning and other matters of the Surrogate Court.
Surrogate Chila is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351 (AFL-CIO) where he worked as a Union Electrician for over 30 years.
Term
The position of Surrogate is one of three Constitutional Office's in each county and is a five year term. Surrogate Chila's term expires in 2023.
Personal Life
Raised in Gibbstown, Surrogate Chila is a lifelong resident of Gloucester County. Chila currently resides in Woolwich Township and has two Sons Domenic and Michael.
For more information visit the Surrogate Court