Meet Hannah Zollman

Hannah also serves as Board Treasurer of South Orange Downtown, a nonprofit dedicated to making the Village Center a vibrant place to live, work, and enjoy through events, beautification, and advocacy for local businesses. In this role, Hannah stewards resources and collaborates with fellow board members to support small businesses and enhance public spaces. Her work with South Orange Downtown has shaped her vision for a walkable, people-focused downtown with beautiful, intentional gathering places that reflect community needs and creativity. As a Councilmember, Hannah would advocate for development that brings lasting value to residents and contributes to a more connected, engaging, and accessible Village Center.

That focus carries through to Hannah’s work as a member of the South Orange Planning Board, where she brings a thoughtful, community-first lens to questions of growth, housing, and long-term planning. She is especially passionate about expanding housing options that meet residents’ needs across every stage of life.

Hannah is an emeritus board member of the South Mountain YMCA and served as co-PTA President at Montrose when her son was in preschool. Earlier this year, she was named South Orange Villager of the Month by the Village Mayor and Council for her “perpetual volunteerism and community leadership.” She is also an active member of Congregation Beth El, where she serves on the Membership Committee and helps welcome new families into the community.

She and her husband are proud supporters of the South Orange Public Library and were among the early lead donors to its capital campaign. Their support reflects a shared belief that libraries are one of the few places in the world that welcome everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, and without expectation. For Hannah, libraries are the heart of a community. They foster curiosity, learning, and connection across generations. She is committed to ensuring that South Orange continues to invest in inclusive public institutions that offer opportunity, creativity, and a sense of belonging for all.

Professionally, Hannah is the founder and CEO of Mission Driven Consulting, where she leads a consulting team that helps nonprofits build sustainable organizations and deepen their impact. With nearly two decades of experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational development, she brings a deep understanding of how to secure funding and build cross-sector partnerships. As a Councilmember, she would bring this perspective to help South Orange identify new grant opportunities and build the kinds of partnerships that support long-term success.

For Hannah, volunteering is not something she “squeezes in” when she has the time. It is a way of life. She serves as one of the administrators of the SOMA Community Gifting (formerly “Buy Nothing”) Facebook group, a joyful hybrid hub for mutual aid and generosity between neighbors. She also organizes community events, including an annual SOMA Nonprofit Happy Hour, and regularly mentors residents looking to become more involved in civic life. She believes government works best when it is rooted in transparency, accountability, and everyday acts of connection.

Hannah lives in the Montrose neighborhood with her husband and son. She is running for Village Council to help strengthen pedestrian safety, support inclusive growth, and foster a vibrant, connected community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. She is committed to keeping residents at the center of local decision-making and ensuring that South Orange continues to grow in ways that reflect its creativity, values, and spirit. Grateful to be part of a town that has given her so much, Hannah is ready to give back by helping South Orange thrive for generations to come.