ROI Influencers: Real Estate 2021 — Elected Officials & Public Leaders


Leslie Anderson
CEO and president
N.J. Redevelopment Authority
The sudden interest and effort to bring development to underserved communities is nothing new for Anderson, who has been doing amazing work there for decades. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NJRA created the Small Business Lease-Emergency Assistance Grant Program to provide commercial rent-relief grants of up to $10,000 to the small businesses that have been hardest hit by the health and economic crisis. 


Ras Baraka
Mayor
City of Newark
Baraka continues to push both commercial and residential projects — and has had great success in both areas. He vows to work with residents and stakeholders to create a new master plan looking to bolster the arts and affordable housing.


Jim Cahill
Mayor
City of New Brunswick
The longtime mayor’s efforts on economic development have transformed New Brunswick into one of the state’s most important cities, and made it the state’s premier Health Care City.


Tai Cooper
Vice president
N.J. Economic Development Authority
She is well-connected in both the political and business worlds and serves as a key player on all economic development initiatives involving the restart and recovery of the state.


James Davis
Mayor
City of Bayonne
It’s a city that’s exploding with development and is the hottest North Jersey town that few people know about. From the waterfront to medical centers and everything in between, Davis has the city thriving with his revitalization plan.


Steve Fulop
Mayor
City of Jersey City
By winning his third term as Jersey City’s mayor this past November, Fulop became the first to do so since the 1940s. He vows to continue to work hard, make the people of Jersey City proud and move Jersey City forward.


Joe Kelley
Deputy chief of staff for economic growth
Governor’s Office
The go-to guy for all things economic development in the Governor’s Office, Kelley has worked to ensure the economic health of the state’s business always is top of mind with the governor.


Kris Kolluri
CEO
Camden Community Partnership
Kolluri oversees the private, nonprofit corporation that has served as the planner, promoter and master developer of private and public investment in Camden and a major player in the transformation of Camden’s downtown.


Allison Ladd
Deputy mayor
City of Newark
Development and real estate deals continue to change the face of New Jersey’s largest city, and Ladd is right there helping to contribute toward reaching Baraka’s five-year equitable housing goals.


John McCormac
Mayor
Township of Woodbridge
McCormac has always been one of the most development-friendly and pro-business mayors in all of New Jersey. He and his economic development team boast a record that includes two new power plants, millions of square feet of warehouse space and dozens of new retailers, banks and eateries that have opened during his time.


Sheila Oliver
Lieutenant governor, commissioner of Department of Community Affairs
State of New Jersey
Oliver says she has one of the toughest jobs in the cabinet. And she currently is preparing to deal with the lifting of the no-eviction moratorium on Dec. 31, as well as ensuring that $2.6 billion in federal funds is spent appropriately.


Kevin O’Toole
Chairman
Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J.
From tunnels to bridges to airports, there are an endless number of projects the Port Authority is — and will be — involved in.


André Sayegh
Mayor
City of Paterson
Sayegh has been determined to inspire a renaissance, driven in part through tourism and economic development. Aside from all the transit-oriented development, Sayegh has been an instrumental part in the planning for the historic Hinchliffe Stadium to be revitalized. 


Marty Small
Mayor
City of Atlantic City
He’s got the enthusiasm and connections to continue to revitalize the great Atlantic City, most recently seeing shovels hit the dirt for the town’s first grocery store in 15 years — which will add jobs and improve access to healthy and affordable food.


Tim Sullivan
CEO and president
N.J. Economic Development Authority
The future of commercial real estate is based squarely on the health of the businesses that occupy the space. No organization is doing more to help small businesses survive than the EDA. Sullivan supports all businesses in the state all the time, and spends his time getting through what will be good for business owners and their communities.

Read all of our honorees at the links below: