William J. “Bill” Mercantini was educated in both Bordentown’s public and private school systems, graduating in 1979. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a minor in accounting, from Rider College. He later pursued a master’s degree in management and leadership from Thomas Edison College. Sat for and completed training for the CPA Exam. After running his own business for several years, Bill transitioned to state government, where he served in juvenile corrections for 26 years. His tenure concluded as Business Administrator for New Jersey’s two largest juvenile institutions.
In addition to his public service career, Bill entered local politics, where he successfully served a three-year term and eventually became President of the local school board. He also contributed to the community as a member of the Economic Development Committee and Planning Board. A dedicated Rotarian, Bill has held various leadership roles, including two terms as Club President and a three-year term as Assistant Governor for Area One of District 7505. In 2023, he was selected as District Governor Nominee Designate, preparing to serve as District Governor for Rotary Year 2026-2027.
Bill has participated in numerous leadership trainings, including Presidents Elect Training Seminars and Action Zone, and is working towards completing Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) facilitator training. He is an eight-time Paul Harris Fellow and a sustaining member of the Rotary Foundation. Bill co-created and co-sponsored Rotary 4 Recovery, after the loss of his younger son, an initiative aimed at supporting individuals in recovery.
He is married to Carol A. Hopf-Mercantini, and they reside in Columbus, NJ. His older son, Jim, who is on active duty with the USN, has served over 20 years, as has his daughter-in-law, who is a retired Navy chief. He has two grandchildren, Eva and Leo Mercantini.