Thomas Mullahey is a seasoned athletic director and public servant. Through his work as a Rutherford Borough Councilman, High School Athletic Director and leadership roles in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), Mullahey has helped his hometown and has worked to support student athletes.
He currently serves as Clifton Public Schools Athletic Director. Former roles include Athletic Director of Snyder High School; middle school language arts/social studies teacher; and Head Boys Soccer Coach and Assistant Soccer Coach at McNair Academic High School; all in Jersey City.
Mullahey served on the Rutherford Council from 2016-2022, including a period as Council President in 2020. He was the Council’s Liaison to the Recreation and Police Departments. Mullahey also helped to guide the Borough through the COVID-19 Pandemic.
His accomplishments as a Councilman include leading a variety of athletic facility and park renovations; guiding an array of pedestrian safety projects; supporting responsible redevelopment projects; revitalizing the Rutherford Municipal Alliance for alcohol and drug awareness; and sponsoring the first-ever Rutherford Veterans Banner Program, through which families honored veterans of all branches of the United States Military.
In addition, Mullahey has served in leadership roles in high school athletics and has received many accolades. He is an Executive Committee Member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) since 2014 and served as Committee President in 2022. Mullahey was part of a 7-person COVID-19 Return to Play Task Force, which created safe ways for the State’s 435 schools to return to athletic competition. The initiative became a model program for the Northeast. He is Chairman of the Eligibility Appeals Committee and a member of the Personnel Committee, which evaluates the Executive Director and negotiates salaries of NJSIAA Officers.
Mullahey is currently the Vice President of Super Football Conference, consisting of 113 schools, the largest high school football conference in the country. Within this position, he plays a role in fundraising, providing professional development for coaches and crafting legislation. As President of the NJILL Lacrosse League and Vice President of the Big North Conference, Mullahey is responsible for sportsmanship, running tournaments, conflict resolution and mentoring less experienced athletic directors.
His honors include the 2022 Directors of Athletic Association of New Jersey Sectional Award of Merit, 2020 Hudson County Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Irishman of the Year and 2018 Passaic County Coaches Association Athletic Director of the Year.
His community service includes roles as a Rutherford Education Foundation Board Member, Recreation Soccer, Basketball and Softball Coach, and PTA Member and Volunteer.
Mullahey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Caldwell University, a Master of Arts degree in Administration and Supervision from St. Peter’s University, and is a New Jersey Department of Education Certified Supervisor and Principal.
Mullahey and his wife Maria were both born and raised in Jersey City. They reside in Rutherford with their daughters Angelica and Lauren.