Catherine Payne Chosen as Mayor for 2026; Promises Unity

Deputy Mayor Shawn Lipani and Committeewoman Jill Gomez also sworn in

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. — The Hillsborough Township Committee selected Catherine Payne as Mayor and Shawn Lipani as Deputy Mayor for 2026 during the annual Reorganization meeting on Tuesday evening. Additionally, Committeewoman Jill Gomez was officially sworn into office to begin her first term on the governing body.

Mayor Payne has served on the Township Committee since 2024, previously serving as Committeewoman and Deputy Mayor in 2025. Prior to her election to the Committee, she served on the Board of Adjustment and the Open Space Advisory Committee. Her experience on these boards significantly influenced her decision to seek municipal office.

“I am committed to fairness, transparency, and doing what is right for Hillsborough—not for myself, but for you,” Mayor Payne said during her remarks. “I am your mayor, your voice, and that voice is unwavering as it speaks for all affiliations, parties, and beliefs. My promise is to unite this dais, this building, and this town as one.”

Deputy Mayor Lipani has served on the Township Committee since 2019, including three consecutive terms as Mayor. A local business owner, he has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout the years. Reflecting on his years of public service, Deputy Mayor Lipani noted that many residents visit his family business specifically to provide feedback and share concerns.

 “I’m always there to listen,” Deputy Mayor Lipani stated, “because I owe it to you.”

The formal proceedings began with the Oath of Office for Committeewoman Jill Gomez, administered by State Senator Andrew Zwicker. Gomez, a longtime Hillsborough resident and health and wellness professional, won her first election to the Committee in November 2025. Her history of civic engagement dates back to a young age with the Interact Club and continued at Rutgers University, where she served as a lead intern with NJPIRG, advocating for voter registration and climate action.

“I am committed to serving this community with care, integrity, and dedication,” Committeewoman Gomez said during the ceremony.

Following the seating of the Committee, former Hillsborough Mayor Gloria McCauley-Cartmell administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Catherine Payne. Upon assuming the chair, Mayor Payne presided over the selection of Shawn Lipani as Deputy Mayor, who was then sworn in by former Freeholder and Mayor Ken Scherer.

Before conducting regular business, Mayor Payne and Committeewoman Gomez unveiled their official portraits. Portraits of all Township Committee members are painted by local students of The Art Academy, under the guidance of Kevin Murphy.

Murphy’s students have been immortalizing members of the Township Committee as well as Hillsborough’s prominent residents for years. These portraits are hung in the Administration Office, the hallway of the Municipal Building, and in the courtroom. Lia Callesano painted Committeewoman Gomez’s portrait, and Daria Kuang painted Mayor Payne’s portrait.

The meeting concluded with the official appointments to various Township boards and commissions for the 2026 calendar year.

About Hillsborough Township

Hillsborough Township is a Somerset County community governed by a five-member Township Committee and committed to transparent government, responsive services, and a high quality of life for all residents.

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