The New Jersey Council of County Colleges was created by state statute (18A:64A-26) in 1989. The Council, a body corporate, operates under bylaws approved by its membership and has tax exempt status under Section 501-C-3 of the IRS Code. As an independent, trustee-headed organization that joins the leadership of trustees and presidents, the Council is the voice of the community college sector before the state legislature and other branches of government. The Council is also the state coordinating organization for all community colleges in New Jersey. Mr. Ronald D. Winthers, chairman of Burlington County College's Board of Trustees, serves as the Council's chairman. Dr. Lawrence A. Nespoli serves as the Council's president.