Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella announced that his Chief of Staff, Timothy A. Rothang, has been awarded the 2025 Trailblazer Award by the Mastic Beach Conservancy. The award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the preservation and protection of the Mastic Beach community and waterfront.
“Tim has been an invaluable asset to the 3rd Legislative District and to the residents of our community,” said Legislator Mazzarella. “Tim’s commitment to environmental preservation and his passion for ensuring that future generations can enjoy our natural resources make him a true trailblazer.”
Born and raised in Mastic and a 2002 graduate of William Floyd High School, Rothang developed a love for the waterfront through boating, fishing, and swimming on the Forge River. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree in public policy from Stony Brook University.
Rothang has worked at both the Suffolk County Legislature and the Town of Brookhaven. In 2018, he returned to the 3rd Legislative District as Chief of Staff. Rothang also serves on the Town of Brookhaven Open Space and Farmland Acquisition Advisory Committee.
- Among his most notable accomplishments were:
- Preserving hundreds of acres of open space throughout the 3rd District
- Working to create and expand the Mastic/Shirley Conservation Zone
- Working on the establishment of the Forge River Watershed Sewer District.
- Securing Violet Cove for future community use
- Developing Suffolk County’s first disc golf course at Southaven Park
This year’s other honorees: Sally Wellinger, Executive Director of the Center for Environmental Education and Discovery in Brookhaven Hamlet, and NOAH, the guest of honor and an American men’s clothing brand.
The Mastic Beach Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the 6 ½ miles of publicly accessible waterfront in Mastic Beach and Shirley.