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Home2024E to KROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — E to K
Home2024E to KROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — E to K

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — E to K

It’s time to get with the times.

We’ve grown tired of hearing from people who say they can’t find women to run their company, be in a top leadership role, sit on a board — or even be on a panel.

So, we’re leaving them behind.

If you haven’t caught on yet, then please stop reading. And know that history will not be kind to your outdated thinking.

The release of the 2024 ROI Influencers: Women in Business once again shows the state is overflowing with amazingly impressive female leaders who are ready, willing, able and eager to take on any role.

Just scroll through our list of honorees, take in their accomplishments and ask yourself:

Wouldn’t they be good candidates for any and all roles at a company where smarts, work ethic and leadership are required?

It’s 2024. The future is here. And it’s decidedly female.

ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Regina Egea

Regina Egea President Garden State Initiative She’s ready, willing and able to discuss the issues (spoiler alert: She doesn’t think the state is headed in the right financial direction). More importantly, she’s not afraid to debate the issues.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Darian Eletto

Darian Eletto Chief clinical officer, behavioral health Bergen New Bridge Medical Center One of the youngest leaders of behavioral health in the state, she is revolutionizing care delivery, especially for at-risk children and teens.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Karin Elkis

Karin Elkis Co-chair N.J.-Israel Commission In these troubled times, support for Israel, both in the Middle East and in New Jersey, has never been more important.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Gabrielle Esperdy

Gabrielle Esperdy Interim dean, Hillier College of Architecture and Design New Jersey Institute of Technology Her efforts strengthen NJIT’s connections to its home city of Newark in a number of ways. Her college currently is designing the upcoming Hope Village III housing for homeless...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Joanna Everitt

Joanna Everitt Vice president, consulting services, life sciences CGI Innovation industry leader of more than two decades drives value in analytical, quality and business process improvement roles within global Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Rosa Farias

Rosa Farias Deputy executive director N.J. Senate Majority Office New position means Farias, who had been serving as a senior policy adviser to Senate leadership for the Senate Majority Office led by President Nicholas Scutari, is one of highest-ranking nonelected Latinos working in the...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Christina Farrell

Christina Farrell Vice president of government & public affairs N.J. Utilities Association With a decadelong career in the government affairs process as a lobbyist and staffer in the New Jersey Legislature, she has a proven track record of success in external affairs, lobbying, relationship...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Caroline Feeney

Caroline Feeney Head of U.S. businesses Prudential Financial A member of Prudential’s Executive Leadership Team, she recently was awarded the Women in Insurance 2023 distinction from the Geneva Association. She also serves as a trustee of Prudential’s corporate social responsibility oversight committee.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Mimi Feliciano

Mimi Feliciano Founder & CEO FEM Real Estate Hall-of-fame figure is known as much for her real estate company as the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Montclair State University (and its business school) that bears her name.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jo Anna Fellon

Jo Anna Fellon National leader, private client services Marcum Highly regarded Fellon is the office service line partner-in-charge for the East Hanover office. Throughout her career, she has contributed to countless tax, philanthropic gifting and wealth transfer strategies, explored alternative investments and helped restructure...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Stephanie Fendrick

Stephanie Fendrick Chief strategy officer Virtua She leads the formulation, development and advancement of Virtua Health’s growth and transformation strategy across multiple service lines and for the entire health system.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kathleen Fennelly

Kathleen Fennelly Partner McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter She focuses her practice in the areas of general commercial litigation, including consumer fraud/class action defense litigation, estate litigation and guardianship matters. She is the immediate past president of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Paula Ferreira

Paula Ferreira Office managing partner Mazars She delivers accounting and tax services to privately held businesses spanning a range of industries. She also provides tax advisory and estate and gift strategies to individuals, business owners and family groups.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dora Figueiredo

Dora Figueiredo Events manager Choose New Jersey She not only leads the coordination and execution of complex international business attraction missions with a high-level traveling delegation (that means it may include the governor), she also runs a podcast that provides great insights for those...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Virginia Flood

Virginia Flood Director of marketing & communications N.J. Economic Development Authority She’s always quick (and accurate) with information — an incredible feat when you work at an organization that seemingly has an endless number of programs and initiatives.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Chris Foglio

Chris Foglio Founder & CEO Community Investment Strategies State’s largest female developer of affordable housing (more than 4,000 units), she is all about impact investing. Her motto is to not only do well, but to do good.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Regina Foley

Regina Foley Chief nursing executive & chief clinical transformation & integration officer Hackensack Meridian Health A key leader of one of the state’s two dynamic health systems, she is a health care executive with a caregiver background (she has a master’s in nursing).

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Althea D. Ford

Althea D. Ford Vice president of government affairs N.J. Business & Industry Association Well respected in the business community and elected officials, she brings a balanced, experienced and thoughtful approach to the issues.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jillian Frechette

Jillian Frechette Chief marketing officer Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Prudential Center & N.J. Devils She’s an experienced storyteller passionate about conceiving, developing and executing complex campaigns that engage fans/guests, drive revenue and generate impact.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Brielle Freda

Brielle Freda President Brewster Washers She is the seventh-generation leader of 104-year-old company that takes on some “out of this world” projects — as in, their parts are on the Hubble Telescope, Mars Lunar Rover and on all the Apollo and Space Shuttle missions.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — DonnaJean Fredeen

DonnaJean Fredeen Provost Rider University Veteran leader has helped school to new heights by following one guiding principle: Helping students excel by combining the strength of school’s academic programs with real-world experiences.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Tanya Freeman

Tanya Freeman Attorney Callagy Law After 15 years in the banking and insurance industries, Freeman entered the family law field, where she has built a reputation as a “go-to” family law attorney. Also serves as chair of University Hospital in Newark.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich

Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich Co-founder & CEO ZAGO Manufacturing Co. Inc. A model for public and private sector excellence. She runs woman-owned global manufacturer of high-tech sealing fasteners and components in Newark — and is a councilmember in her hometown of Fair Lawn.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jeannine Frisby LaRue

Jeannine Frisby LaRue Senior vice president The Zita Group Veteran lobbyist, social media consultant, public affairs executive and policy strategist is a legend in Trenton circles.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Maria Fruci

Maria Fruci Co-chair, Fashion Law Practice Genova Burns Handles complex commercial litigation, class action defense, intellectual property and mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Her clientele spans various fields including startup companies, family-owned and small businesses, entrepreneurs and large contractors.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Janice Fuller

Janice Fuller President, mid-Atlantic Anbaric Offshore wind still figures to have big future in state. As an experienced leader with all the right connections on the ground, she heads the New Jersey efforts for an Anbaric team that plays well nationally.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Pearl Gabel

Pearl Gabel Founder & chief creative officer Grit Strategies Who told us to put Gabel on this list? Your mom. Not that we needed to be told. The legendary communications branding, marketing and social media expert has started her own firm.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Mary Gabriel

Mary Gabriel Deputy firmwide managing partner McCarter & English Don’t call her a next-generation law firm leader: She’s demonstrating her skillset today. A seasoned litigator with broad-based experience in complex commercial litigation, Gabriel will be impactful in future of the firm and the sector.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Sylvie Gadant

Sylvie Gadant Managing partner Citrin Cooperman She leads the transaction advisory services practice for Citrin Cooperman’s Private Equity and Capital Markets Practice. She leads buy-side and sell-side due diligence engagements for private equity firms, independent sponsors, family offices and strategic buyers.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Mary Clare Garber

Mary Clare Garber Principal Princeton Legal Search Group When it comes to talent acquisition in the legal world, few do it better than her firm, which specializes in general counsel searches.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Angela Garretson

Angela Garretson Chief government & community relations officer New Jersey Institute of Technology She nurtures relationships with governmental and community-based organizations, focusing on partnerships that create economic opportunity.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Carleen Gaskin

Carleen Gaskin Head of Matrimonial Department Withum A key leader in Withum’s forensic and valuation services department, she performs a wide range of forensic services, which include business valuations, forensic investigations, cash flow and spending analyses, alimony scenario calculations, asset tracing analyses and marital...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Ann Gavzy

Ann Gavzy Co-chief legal officer Hackensack Meridian Health She is responsible for coordinating all legal services for the health system, and guiding the health system through the evolving health care landscape.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kate Gibbs

Kate Gibbs Deputy director Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative 825 With her background in politics, public affairs and organizational management, she is perfectly suited to help ELEC 825 achieve its core objectives of growing the economy and creating jobs.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Collyn Gilbert

Collyn Gilbert Chief strategy & marketing officer Valley Bank With new headquarters open in Morristown, Valley is working to ensure it has the correct post-pandemic strategy.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Stacy Gilbert

Stacy Gilbert Regional managing partner Citrin Cooperman Serves as regional managing partner for firm’s office in New Jersey (as well as White Plains, New York, Boston and Providence, Rhode Island). An audit and tax partner, she also is co-leader of firm’s restaurant and hospitality...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Rozleen Giwani

Rozleen Giwani Partner Grassi A leader in firm’s family office practice, she focuses on tax planning and preparation services for ultrahigh net worth individuals and families and their investment partnerships to earn greater tax savings.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Danielle Gletow

Danielle Gletow Founder & executive director One Simple Wish Created nonprofit that aims to brighten the lives of foster children, at-risk youth and impoverished families by empowering everyone to grant them simple wishes through its website. Organization has granted more than 15,000 wishes.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Sally Glick

Sally Glick The Ultimate Connector SLG Marketing LLC She may be Cali Sally, but even out West, she remains a presence in New Jersey. No one can work a room better. Expect to see her a few times in 2024.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dr. Generosa Grana

Dr. Generosa Grana Director MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper An expert in the field of genetics and breast cancer, she also is a professor of medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and a member of the Cooper board.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Beth Green

Beth Green Senior vice president, human resources Cooper University Health Care She has successfully overseen Cooper’s employee growth of a couple thousand employees during and since the pandemic — as well as helping to manage overall staffing through nationwide shortages.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Qing Guo

Qing Guo Managing member Guo Law High performing, no-nonsense, adaptive attorney with extensive corporate, litigation, employment and nonprofit experience. She also is of counsel with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani. Former president of Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of N.J.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Amber Hamlett

Amber Hamlett Founder & CEO Hamlett Consulting Runs Atlantic City-based public relations/communications firm, specializing in branding, social media marketing, event planning and media relations.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Col. Elizabeth Hanson

Col. Elizabeth Hanson Commander, 305th Air Mobility Wing Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst The 305 AMW provides global mobility support for national security objectives, combat operations, contingencies and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide through aerial refueling and airland capabilities.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Daryl Harrison Rand

Daryl Harrison Rand CEO HarrisonRand She’s a legendary figure in Hudson County business world — because she’s more than just business. She embraces clients and causes like few others.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Bridget Hartnett

Bridget Hartnett Principal CliftonLarsonAllen A principal in firm’s assurance practice, she specializes in the nonprofit industry. Harnett has more than 25 years of experience providing service, counsel and suggestions to social service organizations, independent schools, New Jersey Schools for the Disabled and membership associations.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Deborah Hays

Deborah Hays Chair of board of directors Archer & Greiner With over 25 years of experience in corporate finance law, she is sought-after for her strategic planning abilities, knowledge, experience and ability to cut straight to the essence of a challenge.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Maureen Hemhauser

Maureen Hemhauser Chief risk officer & head of compliance Peapack-Gladstone Bank She is responsible for administering the bank’s enterprise risk management program and responsible for overseeing the bank’s regulatory compliance, bank secrecy act, Office of Foreign Assets Control and anti-money laundering programs.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jeanette Hoffman

Jeanette Hoffman President Marathon Public Affairs She uses facts and humor to get her client’s messages out. But don’t mistake her easygoing personality for being a pushover. Few are ready, willing and able to fight for their causes.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Nancy Holecek

Nancy Holecek Senior vice president of patient care services & chief nursing officer RWJBarnabas Health Highly regarded hospital and health care industry executive, she is skilled in system integration, nursing administration, critical care, medical-surgical and emergency nursing.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jessica Hollobaugh

Jessica Hollobaugh Market leader, national forensics, investigations & white collar criminal defense Withum She is routinely engaged to perform white-collar investigations and defense, corporate internal investigations, CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program investigations, estate, trust and other tax investigations, economic damage calculations, business valuations...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jennifer Horowitz

Jennifer Horowitz Co-chair, corporate transactions Cole Schotz A true dealmaker, especially in financial services, her clients include private and public companies, startup and mature businesses, lenders, financial institutions and investors across a wide array of industries.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Maj. Gen. Lisa Hou

Maj. Gen. Lisa Hou Adjutant general & commissioner, Department of Military & Veterans Affairs State of New Jersey She commands the more than 8,400 soldiers and airmen of the N.J. National Guard. She leads, directs and manages the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dianna Houenou

Dianna Houenou Chair N.J Cannabis Regulatory Commission Few are comfortable with the cannabis rollout in the state — but it remains to be seen if cautious approach is right approach. This is clear: The business possibilities connected to cannabis industry continue to make it...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Pavita Howe

Pavita Howe Vice president, innovation & entrepreneurship BioNJ An expert at helping startups and entrepreneurs commercialize new technologies, launch new products, formulate business plans, pitch to investors and drive business development.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Amirah Hussain

Amirah Hussain Director of government relations N.J. Chamber of Commerce Well respected in the State House for her knowledge on health care, taxation, economic development, education — and the next generation. She is helping to spearhead the chamber’s young professionals network.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lisa Iachetti

Lisa Iachetti President & chief hospital executive Palisades Medical Center Recently promoted to the top job at hospital in which she has spent nearly three decades in various leadership roles.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Monica Jain

Monica Jain Senior vice president & general manager Tata Consumer Products Highly regarded exec recently was hired by Tata to help company strengthen and grow its business in the U.S., which is a key international market for the company.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Shivani Jain

Shivani Jain Tax practice leader Sax LLP She specializes in tax planning and compliance for multistate businesses and high net worth individuals. She also is instrumental in employee development through programs, continuing professional education training, standardizing tax procedures and effectively communicating tax law updates...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Cindy Jebb

Cindy Jebb President Ramapo College of N.J. Under her leadership, Ramapo College received more than $35 million in grant funding to increase vital student health and wellness services and to expand innovative academic programming.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Alexandra Jingoli Smolar

Alexandra Jingoli Smolar CEO Jet Electrical Testing Heads company that specializes in commissioning, preventative maintenance, equipment repair, apparatus testing and emergency response/troubleshooting. She also is co-founder of Ivory Collective Events, which specializes in the creation of corporate, social events and weddings.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lisa John-Basta

Lisa John-Basta Chair, redevelopment, land use & zoning Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi She brings nearly two decades of experience representing both municipalities and private developers throughout the local and outside agency land use and redevelopment entitlement process.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Brigitte Johnson

Brigitte Johnson CEO Care Plus New Jersey Instrumental in expanding the delivery of mental health and addiction treatment services to adults and children in northern New Jersey with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Natalya Johnson

Natalya Johnson Senior counsel; Immediate past president Johnson & Johnson; Garden State Bar Association Her work at J&J is top shelf, but her efforts as a mentor, ally and thought leader through various organizations (Garden State Bar Association, N.J. State Bar Association and others)...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — M.J. Jolda

M.J. Jolda Principal CMO and Co. Heads firm that helps brands and businesses elevate their marketing strategy, understand their customer and overcome growth challenges. Also serves as president of New Jersey chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lisa Kaplowitz

Lisa Kaplowitz Executive director Rutgers Center for Women in Business Former chief financial officer of top companies now runs center that aims to remove barriers, build community and empower women with the confidence and skills necessary to succeed as business leaders.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Rippi Karda

Rippi Karda Associate general counsel Verizon Multiexperienced associate general counsel with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and pharmaceutical services industry also is co-chair of Punjabi Chamber of Commerce and immediate past president of South Asian Bar Association.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lucille Karp

Lucille Karp Co-chair, Transactional Group McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter Takes full advantage of her undergraduate engineering degree as a member of the renewable energy, cleantech and climate change committee of the N.J. State Bar Association. She also serves as co-chair of hiring committee...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Carol Katz

Carol Katz Principal Katz Government Affairs Her firm has been successfully representing trade and professional associations and companies, large and small, for more than three decades.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Eileen Kean

Eileen Kean N.J. state director National Federation of Independent Business Kean, co-founder of the Komjathy & Kean government affairs firm, heads NFIB, which supports small and independent businesses — a sole focus that distinguishes it from other business groups.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Audrey Kelly

Audrey Kelly Executive director, board of trustees Kean University A former newspaper reporter (we love that), she is a key leader at Kean. In addition to role on board, she serves as chief of staff to the president, overseeing a variety of departments and...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Sue Kida

Sue Kida President Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation The impact of having the No. 3 rehabilitation hospital in the nation (by U.S. News & World Report) is incredible. Kida, president since 2015, oversees four campuses.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kate Klinger

Kate Klinger Director Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy She handles the environment and energy portfolio, leading work on the governor’s clean energy agenda, environmental justice and climate resiliency work, among other key initiatives.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Paralee Knight

Paralee Knight Vice president & senior social impact and sustainability specialist Wells Fargo For nearly a decade, she has been one of Wells Fargo’s philanthropy leaders in New Jersey, collaborating on the deployment of millions of dollars to nonprofits, serving low- and moderate-income communities.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Randi Kochman

Randi Kochman Co-managing shareholder Cole Schotz Also serves as chair of the firm’s Employment Law Department, where she helps employers understand and navigate complicated and ever-changing employment laws so they can effectively manage employees, avoid costly mistakes and focus on their core business.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi

Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi Chief medical officer Holy Name Recently named CMO will spearhead clinical research, direct the development of clinical information systems, lead physician engagement and oversee the new graduate medical education program.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kara Kopach

Kara Kopach Executive director Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Kopach oversees agency that is overseeing a transformation of Fort Monmouth into one of the leading production studios on East Coast for Netflix. Project recently got a key approval.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kristin Kucsma

Kristin Kucsma Chief economist Sobel Tinari Economics Group Oversees the group’s team of award-winning economists and experienced analysts. Her ability to explain complicated economic analysis clearly and simply makes her an effective expert witness; she has testified more than 850 times.

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