Separated by only a few miles but united by a shared commitment to service, Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose and Bernards Township Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy lead neighboring communities with remarkably similar hearts. Each woman roots her leadership in collaboration, preservation and thoughtful planning, shaped by decades of volunteerism and civic involvement. In towns known for history, strong schools and close-knit neighborhoods, both mayors see their role not simply as policymakers, but as stewards—working alongside residents, local businesses and community organizations to ensure their municipalities continue to thrive for generations to come.
In Bernardsville, Canose’s leadership grows from deep roots—nearly 54 years of calling the borough home and a lifetime devoted to community service. A lifelong volunteer and civic leader, Canose is in her seventh year as mayor, guided by collaboration, preservation and careful planning for Bernardsville’s future.
“My professional and volunteer work has always been centered on service,” Canose says.
Before retiring in 2015, Canose served as school business administrator for the Chester School District and previously for Harding Township School. Earlier in her career, she worked with the New Jersey Department of Labor, coordinating ESL classes in local factories. She also served two terms on the Bernardsville Borough Council in the 1990s and has contributed to numerous boards and committees over the decades.
Her community involvement includes co-chairing two community-built playgrounds, helping launch the borough’s annual holiday celebration, serving on the Boy Scout Board, the Home and School Association and the Open Space Committee, and chairing the Outstanding Community Volunteer Award Committee. For the past four years, she has chaired Wreaths Across America Day locally, honoring veterans at a community cemetery. She is also a member of the Somerset Hills Rotary Club and serves on the Main Street Bernardsville board.
“What I love most about serving Bernardsville is the opportunity to work alongside residents, community organizations and local businesses to collaboratively address challenges and make our community stronger,” she says.
Canose describes Bernardsville as a blend of history, beauty and neighborliness, with a walkable downtown and strong traditions. She points to downtown revitalization, infrastructure upgrades and recreation investments as meaningful progress in recent years. Among the projects she is most proud of are the installation of historic markers on 10 downtown buildings to create a self-guided walking tour and chairing the borough’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Looking ahead, she remains focused on supporting small businesses and strengthening the downtown corridor.
“Our small businesses are the heartbeat of Bernardsville,” she says. “Many owners know their customers by name and are deeply committed to the borough’s character and vitality.”
She also values the borough’s open space and traditions, from the Memorial Day parade to the holiday tree lighting. Living near the Peters Tract, she often walks the trails with her dog, Harriet, and welcomes continued investment in recreation and preserved land.
“While we cannot always control change as much as we might wish, by working together we can create a positive future for our community,” Canose says.
Just next door in Bernards Township, McCarthy leads with a similarly service-centered philosophy shaped by her own personal and professional journey.
An American of Dominican heritage, McCarthy’s parents immigrated to the United States in 1955 so her father could pursue a medical residency. The family planned to return to the Dominican Republic but remained because of political instability. Service was central in her household. Her father led a Dominican medical association, and her mother headed its women’s branch. From an early age, McCarthy was active in student government, athletics and civic life.
A nearly 30-year resident, she and her husband chose Basking Ridge for its schools, parks, transit access and proximity to family. Over the years, she volunteered in recreation sports, PTO leadership, professional boards and the Greater Somerset County YMCA board of directors.
After retiring from full-time professional work, she joined the Township Committee and was later appointed mayor. She describes the committee’s role as stewardship.
“We are stewards of the community, working in partnership with our staff in service of residents,” McCarthy says.
She is focused on financial stability, measured economic development and regional collaboration. A township economic subcommittee is working with local and county partners to support existing businesses and attract thoughtful new investment.
Bernards Township has grown significantly in recent decades, expanding in both population and diversity. McCarthy points to the strength of local cultural and service organizations and expanded support networks for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including group homes developed with nonprofit partners and local parent-led advocacy groups.
Safety and infrastructure remain priorities. The township has ranked among the safest communities in New Jersey in recent safety studies, and leaders continue to expand public safety education and transportation awareness programs.
McCarthy is especially enthusiastic about upcoming historical and civic milestones. Bernards Township, founded in 1760, has Revolutionary-era roots, including ties to George Washington’s circle, the Boudinot-Southard Farmstead and historic agricultural sites. Local committees are planning programs tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, along with community engagement around major regional events such as the 2026 World Cup matches in New Jersey.
She also emphasizes the importance of remembrance. The township annually honors residents lost on Sept. 11, and the upcoming 25th anniversary will include a special ceremony.
Quality of life, she says, is driven by strong schools, parks, libraries, houses of worship, transit access and active community organizations. Bernards Township features more than a dozen parks and recreation facilities, year-round programming and long-standing traditions such as the Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Carol Sing.
In her free time, McCarthy enjoys local parks, pickleball, golf at the township course, YMCA workouts and walking her two Labrador retrievers on area trails. Community events such as Charter Day and summer theater productions are among her favorites.
“Regardless of affiliation, we are neighbors and locals first,” McCarthy says. “I look forward to working together in service of our community.”