Josh Berliner has been named executive director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, according to a Wednesday announcement from Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration.
“After the departure of Andrew Gross last year, we are happy to announce his successor, Josh Berliner,” Murphy said. “Josh’s extensive professional background and ties to the development of Israel’s footprint in New Jersey gives him an insightful perspective as we seek to strengthen the ties between our two regions. Our office looks forward to coordinating with Josh in the new role to build on the New Jersey-Israel connection.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Josh Berliner as the executive director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission,” Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who oversees the commission in her capacity as secretary of state, said. “His wealth of experience and dedication to fostering collaboration between Israeli startups and our local ecosystem will undoubtedly contribute to the commission’s success. Josh’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening ties between New Jersey and Israel in various sectors, including health care, technology and investment.”
“I am extremely gratified to be joining the team of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, and for the opportunity to be serving my community by helping to tell the stories of friendship between New Jersey and Israel,” Berliner said. “This bilateral partnership is built on a rock-solid foundation of shared values, inspired entrepreneurship and dedicated volunteers, and I am honored to have the chance to be a part of this legacy. I am eagerly looking forward to working with our partners in New Jersey and Israel to enhance this relationship.”
Berliner brings extensive experience from his 12-plus year tenure at the Government of Israel Economic Mission to North America. In his recent role as director of business development, he played a key role in connecting Israeli health innovation and biotech startups with the local and regional ecosystem.
Berliner’s expertise includes identifying and encouraging investors, economic development programs and corporate partners to invest in and collaborate with Israeli startups. At the Economic Mission, he facilitated thousands of meetings for Israeli startups, and cultivated dozens of new champions and connections for the Israeli ecosystem across the country in the health care, investment and technology landscapes.
Previously at the Economic Mission, Berliner served as director of business development for high-tech industries, engaging Israeli startups and U.S. partners in various activities and media initiatives. He also has experience as an adviser to the economic minister and worked at the Consulate General of Israel in New York as the American secretary to the consul general, under Consuls General Arye Mekel and Asi Shariv.
