Brian Sabina, the chief economic growth officer and an unheralded star inside the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, will be leaving the organization in mid-March, ROI-NJ has learned.
Sabina, who has been with the EDA since May 2018, is leaving in support of an out-of-state job opportunity for his wife.
Sabina, who came to the EDA after working nearly five years for McKinsey, was instrumental in a number of areas, including all efforts related to the offshore wind energy program and the New Jersey Wind Port.
He also was a key factor in the growth of the state’s efforts in life sciences, film, digital media, fintech, sports wagering and clean tech industries — as well as the creation of the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology.
All of this was accomplished while helping the EDA serve as the leading conduit for programs aimed at helping businesses during the pandemic.
EDA CEO Tim Sullivan said Sabina will be missed greatly.
“Brian has been one of the key architects of Gov. (Phil) Murphy’s efforts to transform and diversify New Jersey’s economy, playing a leading role in such critical projects and programs as the development of the New Jersey Wind Port, the reestablishment of the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, the implementation of new programs under the Economic Recovery Act (Emerge, Aspire, Evergreen) and countless other initiatives these last four years,” he said.
“Brian’s departure is bittersweet, as he has been a great partner and colleague, but this is an exciting time for him and his family. In the meantime, between now and his departure, much work remains, including identifying someone to fill his role.”
Sabina earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and management sciences from Northwestern, a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Booth School at the University of Chicago.
