SCBP names Edwards new CEO/president to succeed Kerwin

The Somerset County Business Partnership announced on Friday it has named Chris Edwards as CEO and president of the Bridgewater-based business organization.

Edwards, the vice president of business services since May 2018, will succeed Mike Kerwin, who is retiring on March 13. Edwards also served as director of business development from March 2013 to May 2018.

“Chris was a valuable addition to the Business Partnership staff from the day of his hiring,” commented current Board Chairman Ed Dolan. “He immediately understood the culture of the Partnership and was able to communicate that culture to businesses throughout the county. We have not only experienced a significant increase in the number of members of the organization but also have experienced an increase in member participation and renewals over that time.”

Prior to SCBP, he was the director of resource development at United Way of Ocean County and a congressional staffer for Congressmen John Adler and Frank Pallone.

“Chris Edwards represents a new generation of leadership for the Business Partnership,” Kerwin said.  “His goals are to work with our Board of Directors, Somerset County Freeholders, membership, and our community partners to widen and strengthen our culture of collaboration, to be the “one stop shop” for business resources, and to give our employers tools to attract and retain talent.”