ORANGE, NJ –- David Broderick, Chairman of the Board of The First Occupational Center of New Jersey, announced two new members to its board of directors: Harlan Mellk, M.D., and John Wise.

Dr. Mellk, whose practice is located at 127 Millburn Ave., Millburn, is certified in both internal medicine and nephrology, (the branch of medicine that studies the kidneys). He is an attending at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark; Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, and East Orange General Hospital.

Dr. Mellk completed his internship at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and residency at United States Veterans Administration Hospital, Bronx, NY. He also completed a fellowship at Nassau County Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. Dr. Mellk was a Major in the United States Air Force and served as Assistant Chief of the Nephrology Service.

He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, with which he has been affiliated since 1974. He is also currently an advisor to the Department of Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Office of Hearings and Appeals.

Mr. Wise is an attorney in private practice, located at 15 Village Plaza, South Orange, specializing in bankruptcy and real estate, with over 22 years of experience representing individuals undergoing personal financial reorganization and families in financial crisis. He is a noted public speaker on the topics of “Life Before and After Bankruptcy” and “First Time Homeownership.”

Named “Volunteer Lawyers for Justice Attorney of the Year” in 2005 for assisting the indigent population of northern New Jersey, Mr. Wise is also the recipient of the Essex County Bar Association Bernard Kuttner Pro Bono Award.

The First Occupational Center of New Jersey is the state’s oldest and largest vocational and job placement agency, providing services to the developmentally and physically challenged, economically disadvantaged, and visually impaired seniors. The non-profit agency uses an entrepreneurial approach to training and securing jobs with the goal of helping workers transition from dependence to independence. The Center provides jobs through its seven wholly-owned and operated companies, including Recycling, Building Management Services and Groundskeeping, Production and Printing Services, Document Scanning & Micrographics, Abbry Security, and the OCNJ Driving School, as well as placing its graduates in businesses within the community.