The New Jersey Economic Development Authority board has voted to approve Tim Sullivan as the new CEO, the EDA announced Tuesday.
Sullivan, who had been deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, was chosen by Gov. Phil Murphy to lead the agency tasked with supporting economic growth in the Garden State.
“As a highly regarded professional with an established record of achievement in economic development, Tim Sullivan’s depth of experience and knowledge will help ensure we are able to strengthen and grow New Jersey’s economy to benefit all residences and businesses,” Murphy said in a prepared statement. “Tim will be a tremendous asset to the state, and I applaud the EDA board’s decision to appoint him as the authority’s new chief executive officer.”
Sullivan succeeds Melissa Orsen, who served in the role from 2015 until near the end of former Gov. Chris Christie’s term.
“We are delighted to welcome Tim Sullivan to the EDA,” board Chairman Thomas P. Scrivo said in a statement. “We look forward to working with him as we continue EDA’s longstanding tradition of supporting business growth in New Jersey.”
Sullivan, a Bergen County native, had served in Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy’s administration since 2014, and previously served in New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration. He has also worked for Barclays Capital and Lehman Bros.
(READ MORE from ROI-NJ on Tim Sullivan.)
“Returning to my home state of New Jersey to join the Murphy administration and lead the EDA is an honor,” Sullivan said in a statement. “With Gov. Murphy’s clear vision of building a stronger and fairer economy, and an experienced team of professionals in place, I am excited to join the EDA at this pivotal time and strengthen our focus on supporting the growth of small, innovative businesses and thriving communities.”
Sullivan will join the EDA on Feb. 20, overseeing strategic direction, policy and governance initiatives, as well as serving as principal representative of the authority in the state.
