fbpx
Home2024L to PROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — L to P
Home2024L to PROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — L to P

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — L to P

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 And know that history will not be kind to your outdated thinking.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 — Allison Ladd

Allison Ladd Deputy mayor & director, economic and housing development City of Newark It’s accurate to say she’s a key leader on all housing initiatives in Newark, but that only describes some of her leadership capabilities and influence.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dana Lancellotti

Dana Lancellotti CEO N.J. Restaurant & Hospitality Association How the state can take full advantage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be top of mind for the next two years.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Wendy Lanski

Wendy Lanski Director, enterprise vendor management and operations Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.J. Experienced executive with proven expertise in operations, vendor management, provider relations and contracting. Is a key leader in supporting greater equity in procurement.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Cecilia Lassiter

Cecilia Lassiter Chair, state and local incentives Sills Cummis & Gross Known as a top attorney in New Jersey’s real estate industry, she also gives back — sitting on the boards of the Foundation for University Hospital, NJ Sharing Network, Commercial Real Estate Women...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Caitlin Latko; Lauren Schiavo

Caitlin Latko; Lauren Schiavo Partners Thomas/Boyd Communications From interns to partners. The hard-working Latko and Schiavo should be an inspiration to anyone looking to climb the corporate ladder.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jeralyn Lawrence

Jeralyn Lawrence Managing partner Lawrence Law – Divorce and Family Lawyers She left a big firm (where she was partner) to start her own firm, dedicated to divorce and guiding clients through the issues related to family law. Immediate past president of the N.J....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Shannon Lazare

Shannon Lazare Business banking regional manager M&T Bank She oversees a team that helps businesses grow throughout the state — and is a leader in giving back. She works closely with numerous nonprofits, including serving as a board member of the Bergen County Workforce...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Emer Leahy

Emer Leahy CEO PsychoGenics She has more than 30 years of experience in drug discovery, clinical development and business development for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Is the new chair of BioNJ.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Sarah Lechner

Sarah Lechner Chief of external affairs Hackensack Meridian Health An experienced attorney skilled in health care transactions, management and strategic planning, she drives the strategic visioning of HMH’s policy and advocacy platform.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lei Lei

Lei Lei Dean, Rutgers Business School Rutgers University She is the head of the top business school in the state — and a top professor, too.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Leah Leto

Leah Leto Vice president for advancement & external affairs Saint Peter’s University Among other duties, longtime Peacock has been instrumental in school’s record-breaking fundraising efforts.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Diana Levy

Diana Levy Owner & CEO Undercover Snacks Women-owned company based in East Hanover is having great impact on the (healthy) snack market.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Indu Lew

Indu Lew Chief of staff RWJBarnabas Health Highly regarded health care executive, Lew partners with CEO to help drive strategic priorities, streamline important initiatives and organize functionality. She has served in multiple key positions over more than 20 years with RWJBarnabas Health, including chief...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Deb Lienhardt

Deb Lienhardt Chief business development officer RWJBarnabas Health She has expanded business development into a robust department responsible for system’s ambulatory strategy as industry shifts from inpatient to outpatient care. Among her successes, she has led two dozen transactions with above-market ROI of 20%....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Linda Lindner

Linda Lindner Managing editor ROI-NJ She’s unquestionably the most prolific writer in the state — we’re certain that we’re lucky to have her on our team.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Sue Livio

Sue Livio Investigative reporter N.J. Advance Media Veteran journalist is listed as an investigative reporter who specializes in health and social policy and how they intersect with politics — others simply call her one of the best in the business who brings key stories...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Aixa Lopez

Aixa Lopez Vice president of operations Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of N.J. In addition to her work at the chamber, she is one of the top engineering consultants in public and private sectors, serving on committees connected to the Wind Port and North...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Natasha Love Rogers

Natasha Love Rogers Global head of transformation — derivatives operations Citi Her résumé — a combination of top-level public and private jobs — is as good as anyone else on the list.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Nicole Lyons

Nicole Lyons Market leader, business disputes & economic damages Withum She specializes in business disputes relating to commercial litigation matters, whereby she has performed damage calculations, business valuations and forensic investigations into various businesses.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Amy MacFadyen

Amy MacFadyen Partner EisnerAmper Key leader in not-for-profit services group and audit department, she specializes in a number of industries, including not-for-profit, manufacturing/distribution and independent schools.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kate Madigan

Kate Madigan Assistant general manager N.J. Devils She has been working her way up through the organization with hard work and grit, starting as an assistant, then director of pro scouting, executive director of hockey management to assistant general manager. Could be the NHL’s...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Elizabeth Magennis

Elizabeth Magennis President ConnectOne Bank Magennis on how to get ahead in banking — or any industry: “Raise your hand and volunteer for the projects that no one wants to do. You’ll get noticed pretty quickly.”

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Elizabeth Maher Muoio

Elizabeth Maher Muoio Treasurer State of New Jersey She has headed the Department of the Treasury before, during and after the pandemic. Hard to imagine anyone in this role having so much thrown at them — or handling it as well.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jennifer Manchester

Jennifer Manchester Chief human resources officer Fiserv She has led the hiring of more than 3,000 people at Fiserv at the Innovation Center @ the Park in Berkeley Heights.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Diana Manning

Diana Manning Managing principal Bressler, Amery & Ross A top litigator for more than three decades, she also is helping to pave the way for women to advance in the legal profession. Manning became the firm’s first managing principal in 2021.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Debbie Mans; Stacy McCormack

Debbie Mans; Stacy McCormack Co-founders & partners TWENTYTWENTY public affairs They bring a unique perspective after years of working inside government and other advocacy organizations — and have a proven ability to build diverse coalitions of seemingly disparate interests such as labor groups, environmentalists...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Emily Manz

Emily Manz Chief business development officer Invest Newark She is fostering Newark’s sustainable economic growth by authentically building relationships and championing the community. At the forefront, she shapes Newark into an ideal place to live, work and play.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Ellen Marshall

Ellen Marshall Executive vice president & region head, N.Y./N.J. commercial banking Santander Marshall’s responsibilities include managing the commercial banking business in N.J., Manhattan and Long Island.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Desiree Martins

Desiree Martins Commercial relationship manager TD Bank Burlington County-based small business relationship manager has been a longtime asset to her clients — and to the bank. She is skilled in sales coaching, sales effectiveness and project management — and always eager to mentor.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Sabeen Masih

Sabeen Masih Senior vice president Capital Impact Group A next-generation leader at Capital Impact and in Trenton, her main policy areas of expertise include health care, alcohol and cannabis regulatory issues and licensure procurement, and energy.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — April Mason

April Mason President Violet PR We’re never sure what being a “boutique” firm means. If it means exceeding expectations and providing award-winning service that big firms would envy, then consider Violet PR a boutique firm.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dina Mastellone

Dina Mastellone Chair, Human Resources Counseling and Compliance Practice Group Genova Burns Also a member of firm’s Employment Law and Litigation and Criminal Defense, investigations and compliance practice groups, she has extensive experience training businesses and human resources organizations on all matters of employment...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dr. Suja Mathew

Dr. Suja Mathew Chief clinical officer Atlantic Health System A veteran in clinical leadership, she oversees the quality, research, education and health equity missions of an Atlantic Health organization that prioritizes quality of care.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Brett Matik

Brett Matik Chairperson Atlantic County Economic Alliance President of Harrison Beverage Co. also is board member on Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and AtlantiCare health services board.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Ashley Mays

Ashley Mays Chief of place & real estate Newark Alliance She exemplifies exceptional leadership and demonstrates a unique approach to city development strategy for equitable growth, fostering inclusivity and supporting the resilient Newark communities.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jennifer Mazawey Vinosky

Jennifer Mazawey Vinosky Partner K&L Gates A key member of firm’s real estate practice, her experience includes working with developers in a number of asset classes, including mixed-use residential, retail, industrial and office.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Laurie McCabe

Laurie McCabe Chief of staff & senior adviser Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Sen. Joseph Vitale and Asw. Yvonne Lopez Her substantive understanding of complicated health care issues makes her a key adviser to the state’s key leaders, especially when it comes to health care...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Courtney McCormick

Courtney McCormick President; Senior vice president Executive Women of New Jersey; Public Service Enterprise Group Her efforts at PSEG as a senior vice president are enough to warrant a spot on this list — her leadership role at the top organization for executive women...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — AnnMarie McDonald

AnnMarie McDonald Senior vice president & media relations manager Bank of America She’s not only a communications and advocacy expert, she’s the creator of the 67 Foundation. Named in honor of her grandparents (who were married 67 years), it provides scholarships for those entering...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Linda McHugh

Linda McHugh Chief experience & people officer Hackensack Meridian Health She has been the driving force to retain and attract health care professionals in the most challenging staffing crisis the industry has ever faced, doing so by implementing more support — and more compensation...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Christie McMullen

Christie McMullen President & chief operating officer Elizabethtown Gas Here’s an honor every company wants: In 2023, Elizabethtown Gas earned “Easiest to do business with” for the fourth year in a row in a survey of 141 utility companies.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Dr. Sonia Mehta

Dr. Sonia Mehta Region II CEO and chief medical officer Prime Healthcare California-based Prime Healthcare includes Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, St. Mary’s General Hospital in Passaic and Saint Clare’s hospitals in Dover and Denville.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Michele Meyer-Shipp

Michele Meyer-Shipp CEO Dress for Success Worldwide Highly respected Fortune 500 executive happily stepped away from corporate life for impactful nonprofit that has a goal of empowering women looking to enter the workforce.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Karyn Miller

Karyn Miller Managing director & market manager Capital One Miller, who sits on the board of the N.J. Chamber of Commerce, is making her presence felt in New Jersey.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Tiffany Miller

Tiffany Miller Executive vice president R&J Strategic Communications In a state filled with so many hard-working and inspiring communications professionals, Miller’s efforts for her clients — and in teaching the next generation — stand out.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Rebecca Moll Freed

Rebecca Moll Freed Partner K&L Gates Her practice is truly at the intersection of law, government and business. She is a member of the firm’s government contracts and procurement policy practice as well as its nonprofit, power and public policy and law practice.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Michele Morrison

Michele Morrison President & chief hospital executive Southern Ocean Medical Center She’s a top performer in navigating complex operations, finances, performance improvement initiatives and strategy development at HMH hospital. Skilled in building a transformative culture of collaboration, compassion, courage and creativity to achieve top...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Linda Moss

Linda Moss Senior staff writer CoStar News Few are better on the national and local real estate beat. Moss, who has done business and financial writing for most of her career, has earned a reputation for being one step ahead of the competition.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Natalie Mouyal-Peleg

Natalie Mouyal-Peleg Northeast Region executive, small business Bank of America She is responsible for driving small business growth in New Jersey, but her skills as a driver of corporate culture have enabled her to consistently hire, develop and retain top talent throughout her career...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Courtney Mulligan

Courtney Mulligan Vice president of marketing Russo Development She oversees all marketing, social and digital media advertising and efforts at Russo Development. Her marketing team’s multitiered initiatives have helped propel Russo and the Vermella Collection to great success.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Audrey Murphy

Audrey Murphy Co-chief legal officer Hackensack Meridian Health Also the chief officer for health and safety, she recently was honored by her alma mater with a Changemakers in Health Care Award.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Valerie Murray

Valerie Murray President Beacon Trust Under Murray’s leadership, Beacon Trust was recently named one of America’s top registered investment adviser firms by Forbes in combination with SHOOK Research. She also serves as chief wealth management officer for Provident Bank.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Megan Myungwon Lee

Megan Myungwon Lee Chair & CEO Panasonic North America In 2023, she was recognized as an influential Pan-Asian leader at the Ascend Foundation’s A-List Awards — an award that honors those who have contributed to the advancement of others in her industry and community.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jayne O’Connor

Jayne O’Connor Vice President Taft Veteran comms pro has advised CEOs and political leaders in the private, public and nonprofit sectors (she served as press secretary to Gov. Christie Whitman and as director of corporate communications for Bristol Myers Squibb).

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Lorna O’Hara

Lorna O’Hara Strategic adviser Princeton Public Affairs Group She is focused, both on the state and national level, on association management, grass tops and grassroots field campaigns, marketing, communications, public relations and political action committee development.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jill Ojserkis

Jill Ojserkis Chair, Health Care Practice Cooper Levenson In addition to serving in leading role at the firm, she also is extremely involved in the Atlantic County community. She recently was elected president of the Mainland Regional High School board of education, where she...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Trish O’Keefe

Trish O’Keefe President Morristown Medical Center In addition to leading one of top hospitals in the state, area and country, she serves as the chief nursing executive for Atlantic Health, one of the top health systems in the state, area and country.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Amy Osborn

Amy Osborn CEO N.J. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation Widely recognized as a voice for veterans, she is a former recipient of the James C. Gates Award, given by the VFW Department of New Jersey, for her efforts to help find gainful employment for veterans.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Camille Otero

Camille Otero Chair, Environmental Group Gibbons Trusted adviser who helps clients achieve their business goals — particularly, the strategic growth of their business operations and presence in various markets. Oversees the work of environmental attorneys in two Gibbons offices and sits on the firm’s...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Nichelle Pace

Nichelle Pace President & principal Brand Enchanting Media Camden-based firm relishes chance to provide opportunity for small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs. It is a cheerleader and advocate for diversity, equity & inclusion in the media/advertising industry.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Sundari Pai Luts

Sundari Pai Luts Senior manager, global supplier diversity Bristol Myers Squibb A diversity, equity & inclusion champion, she is a catalyst for global diverse economic inclusion, empowering businesses and advocating for underserved communities while fostering collaboration with diverse suppliers and external advocacy groups.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Kristen Pappas

Kristen Pappas Senior vice president of property management & construction Onyx Equities She is responsible for the executive oversight of all field operations across Onyx’s more than 13 million square feet of real estate. She is currently overseeing more than $250 million in projects,...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Katia Passerini

Katia Passerini Interim president Seton Hall University Former provost had perfect résumé for interim role, as she has been a key player in school’s academic affairs as well as its adjustments during pandemic.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Darcella Patterson Sessomes

Darcella Patterson Sessomes Chief of programming & reintegration services N.J. Department of Corrections Sessomes, now a city council member in Plainfield, has a long history of advocating for economic equity forand other vulnerable and underprivileged people, ensuring they “have a seat at the table.”

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jacqueline Pena

Jacqueline Pena Product liability practice Bowman and Brooke She’s president of the Hispanic Bar Association, a group that actively is working to increase the number and impact of Hispanic attorneys while aiding other Hispanic community, business, civic, charitable and cultural organizations.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jessica Perry

Jessica Perry Managing editor NJBIZ A former colleague who has fans across the state for a work ethic that helped her rise in the organization — and for being a really great person, too.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Marjorie Perry

Marjorie Perry CEO MZM Construction She is a force in an industry that is mostly men and mostly white. An alumna of New Jersey Institute of Technology, where she still gives back in effort to train the next generation.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jennifer Phillips Smith

Jennifer Phillips Smith Co-chair, Real Property Group Gibbons She has been a lead land use attorney on several of state’s largest, most high-profile development and redevelopment projects, including a $2.5 billion redevelopment considered the largest mixed-use development in state history and transformation of Asbury...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Ellen Pietrowitz-Philips

Ellen Pietrowitz-Philips Owner & CEO LEM Precision Fabrication Wallington-based, second-generation, woman-owned company produces precision plastic components for a variety of industries. Pietrowitz-Philips, who preaches company culture, is a leader in bringing more women into sector.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Blenda Pinto

Blenda Pinto Director, corporate & government affairs United Airlines The carrier, long a leading employer in the state, is back — and better than ever.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Eliana Pintor Marin

Eliana Pintor Marin Assemblywoman (D-Newark) State of New Jersey As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, she has tremendous impact and influence on spending and economic policies.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Cristina Pinzon

Cristina Pinzon Founder & president Stateside Affairs Already a proven force in Trenton, she has 15 years of media and government experience, allowing her to bring creative marketing and unique strategies to a diverse array of issues.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Jennifer Porter

Jennifer Porter Practice group leader, redevelopment, land use and zoning CSG Law Her ability to practice zoning and land use development law in four states (N.J., New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut) establishes her as a key player in helping clients expand into the regional...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Carolyn Powell

Carolyn Powell Chief human resources officer Provident Bank Innovative HR leader who has placed the employee experience at the center of Provident’s people strategy.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Grace Power

Grace Power Partner McCarter & English Recognized as a force on all issues in the energy sector, she brings deep experience in energy, utilities and renewables industries — and more than two decades of experience advising businesses and governmental leaders on a variety of...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Patricia Prezioso

Patricia Prezioso Chair, Employment & Labor Practice Group Sills Cummis & Gross She’s an in-demand management-side employment litigator and counselor who takes great pride partnering with her clients to address employee issues and assist with reducing risk.

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Crystal Pruitt

Crystal Pruitt External affairs lead Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Future is bright for rising star in the clean energy space and local politics. A former town council member, it’s easy to see her in an elected office down the road.

More ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Top 50

It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — A to D

It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — E to K

It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Q to Z

It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024: Top 50 — No. 1 Gretchen Wilcox

Gretchen Wilcox President G.S. Wilcox & Co. Here is the most incredible...

More ROI Influencers

More ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Top 50

It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — A to D

It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — E to K

It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Q to Z

It’s time to get with the times. We’ve grown tired...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024: Top 50 — No. 1 Gretchen Wilcox

Gretchen Wilcox President G.S. Wilcox & Co. Here is the most incredible...

More ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Top 50

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...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — A to D

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...

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...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024 — Q to Z

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...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2024: Top 50 — No. 1 Gretchen Wilcox

Gretchen Wilcox President G.S. Wilcox & Co. Here is the most incredible statistic of all the incredible statistics around Gretchen Wilcox and her firm. When she founded G.S....

Latest Articles