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HomeEditor's PicksROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — Top 50
HomeEditor's PicksROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — Top 50

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — Top 50

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint of heart.

But neither is doing business in Jersey — and these women own it.

They’re visionaries. Dealmakers. Disruptors. The ones who don’t just show up — they change the game. And we’re beyond excited to celebrate every one of them.

But why stop at one list?

We’re doubling down. Starting now, ROI-NJ will be spotlighting the women driving New Jersey’s economy forward — with candid Q&As, deep-dive profiles, behind-the-scenes looks, and more.

So, buckle up.

This is just the beginning.

ROI Influencers

Deborah Visconi: Transforming health care with compassion for the whole person

Deborah Visconi President & CEO Bergen New Bridge Medical Center As president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Deborah Visconi is redefining what it means to lead in health care. At the helm of New Jersey’s largest hospital, she has spearheaded a...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 2 Patrizia Zita

Patrizia Zita Founder & CEO The Zita Group Patrizia “Trish” Zita, CEO and principal owner of The Zita Group, has built one of New Jersey’s most influential lobbying firms. Since co-founding TZG in 2007, she has led the firm to rank among the state’s...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 3 Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti Senior advisor Governor’s Office Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, chief of staff to Gov. Phil Murphy, has been a driving force in transportation and public policy, holding leadership roles that have shaped infrastructure development in New Jersey and beyond. As commissioner of the New Jersey...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 4 Thai Lee

Thai Lee Co-founder & CEO SHI International Thai Lee, CEO of SHI International, is a trailblazing entrepreneur who has redefined success in the technology sector. As the co-founder and leader of SHI International, one of the largest minority- and woman-owned IT solutions providers in...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 5 Kim Hanemann

Kim Hanemann President & COO PSE&G Kim Hanemann is a proven leader in the energy sector, serving as president and COO of Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G). Hanemann is the first woman to lead New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility in its...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 6 Adenah Bayoh

Adenah Bayoh CEO Adenah Bayoh & Cos. Adenah Bayoh is the founder and CEO of Adenah Bayoh & Cos. This former Liberian refugee has become a powerhouse in New Jersey’s business landscape, excelling in both the restaurant and real estate industries. She is one...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 7 Amy Mansue

Amy Mansue CEO Inspira Health Amy B. Mansue, president and CEO of Inspira Health Network, has been a key figure in shaping New Jersey’s health care landscape. Since taking the helm at Inspira in 2020, she has focused on expanding health care services and...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 8 Alma DeMetropolis

Alma DeMetropolis Managing director & manager of N.J market JPMorgan Chase Alma DeMetropolis, managing director and market manager for J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s New Jersey division, has more than 30 years in the financial services sector. She provides strategic wealth management guidance to business...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 9 Gretchen Wilcox

Gretchen Wilcox President G.S. Wilcox & Co. Gretchen S. Wilcox is the founder and president of G.S. Wilcox & Co., the first and only female-founded commercial real estate mortgage banking firm in the U.S. Since 1994, she has led the firm in financing more...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 10 Karen Kessler

Karen Kessler CEO Kessler PR Group Karen Kessler is the founder and CEO of Kessler PR Group, specializing in crisis communications, reputation management, and litigation support. With more than 30 years of experience, she has advised high-profile clients across the U.S., Europe, and the...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 11 Kristin Peck

Kristin Peck CEO Zoetis Kristin Peck is the CEO of Zoetis Inc., the world’s leading animal health company and a Fortune 500 member. She has held this role since January 2020 and serves on the company’s board of directors. Before leading Zoetis, she held...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 12 Lori Roth

Lori Roth Global managing partner Prager Metis Lori A. Roth, global managing partner at Prager Metis, continues to be a prominent figure in the accounting and advisory industry. Leading strategic operations for the international firm, she oversees more than 100 partners and 600 team...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 13 Valerie Montecalvo

Valerie Montecalvo President & CEO Bayshore Recycling Valerie Montecalvo, president and CEO of Bayshore Recycling Corp., continues to be a leading force in sustainable business and environmental advocacy. Under her leadership, Bayshore has grown into a premier recycling operation, processing construction debris, concrete, asphalt,...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 14 Lata Reddy

Lata Reddy Chair; Senior vice president, inclusive solutions Prudential Foundation; Prudential Financial Lata Reddy, senior vice president of inclusive solutions at Prudential Financial and chair of The Prudential Foundation, continues to drive the company’s efforts in impact investing and economic mobility. Under her leadership,...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 15 Susan Hardwick

Susan Hardwick CEO American Water Susan Hardwick, president and CEO of American Water Works Co. Inc., is at the helm of the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility, which serves 14 million people across 24 states. Since stepping into the role in...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 16 Tahesha Way

Tahesha Way Lieutenant governor State of New Jersey Advancing New Jersey’s economic growth and international partnerships is where you will find Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way. She recently led the state’s first economic mission to India, signing agreements to enhance collaboration in life sciences and...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 17 Beth Rooney

Beth Rooney Port Director Port Authority NY/NJ Beth Rooney, Port Director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, oversees the largest and busiest seaport on the East Coast. She manages a nearly $400 million annual budget, spearheads major capital programs, and...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 18 Ranjini Poddar

Ranjini Poddar CEO Artech In 1992, Artech, a leading IT staffing company, was co-founded by a woman who came to the United States at age 8. That woman, Ranjini Poddar now CEO of Artech, leads the largest woman-owned IT staffing firm in the nation...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 19 Michele Siekerka

Michele Siekerka CEO N.J. Business & Industry Association Michele Siekerka president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, recently celebrated a decade of leadership at the organization. Earlier this year, she was appointed chair of the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations,...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 20 Chaya Pamula

Chaya Pamula Co-founder & CEO PamTen, SheTek and SOFKIN Chaya Pamula, co-founder, president, and CEO of PamTen Inc., is a leader in IT solutions and workforce development. With more than 25 years of experience, she has helped businesses optimize technology portfolios while championing diversity...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 21 Fran Ehret

Fran Ehret N.J state director Communications Workers of America, District 1 Chaya Pamula, co-founder, president, and CEO of PamTen Inc., is a leader in IT solutions and workforce development. With more than 25 years of experience, she has helped businesses optimize technology portfolios while...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 22 Jayne Mallard

Jayne Mallard Executive chair & co- CEO Turtle & Hughes Jayne Millard, executive chair and co-CEO of Turtle & Hughes, has played a key role in expanding the company into one of the top 20 electrical distribution firms in the U.S. With more than...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 23 Maria Black

Maria Black CEO ADP Maria Black, president and CEO of ADP, has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of human capital management. Since taking the helm in 2023, she has focused on leveraging ADP's vast workforce data to create more human-centric workplace...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 24 Diane Wasser

Diane Wasser Partner-in-charge, N.J., & managing partner, regions EisnerAmper Diane Wasser is Partner-in-Charge of New Jersey and Managing Partner of Regions at Eisner Advisory Group LLC; Wasser plays a pivotal role in overseeing the stewardship and growth of the New Jersey office. Her responsibilities...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 25 Melissa Orsen

Melissa Orsen SVP and Chief Strategy Officer South Jersey Industries Melissa Orsen has been a driving force in New Jersey's business community, holding key leadership roles in utilities, economic development, and public service. In 2024, she made history as the first woman to chair...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 26 Kathleen Coviello

Kathleen Coviello Chief economic transformation officer N.J. Economic Development Authority Kathleen Coviello serves as the Chief Economic Transformation Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), where she oversees strategic sector and economic growth initiatives, including corporate tax credit programs, clean energy and...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 27 Suuchi Ramesh

Suuchi Ramesh CEO Suuchi Inc. Suuchi Ramesh, founder and CEO of Suuchi Inc., has transformed supply chain management through technology-driven solutions. Established in 2016, Suuchi Inc. developed the Suuchi GRID, a proprietary software platform.  Committed to New Jersey's economic growth, Ramesh expanded Suuchi Inc....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 28 Aisha Glover

Aisha Glover Global Head of Urban Innovation Audible Aisha Glover is the Global Head of Urban Innovation at Audible, leading initiatives for inequitable development, racial justice, and economic empowerment. With nearly 20 years in economic development, she served as President & CEO of Invest...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 29 Laura Matos

Laura Matos Partner MAD Global Strategy Laura Matos is a partner at MAD Global Strategy Group; she has played a key role in shaping public policy and political campaigns across the state. Matos previously served in the Governor's Office under Govs. Â McGreevey, Codey,...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 30 Liz Thomas

Liz Thomas Co-founder Thomas/Boyd Communications Liz Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Thomas/Boyd Communications (TBC), is a trailblazer in New Jersey's public relations and marketing industry. With over 25 years at the helm of the Moorestown-based TBC, she has helped build the firm into a...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 30 Pam Boyd

Pam Boyd Co-founder & president Thomas/Boyd Communications Pam Boyd, co-founder and CEO of Thomas/Boyd Communications (TBC), is a powerhouse in New Jersey's public relations and marketing industry. With more than 20 years of leadership, she has helped establish TBC as a premier agency, providing...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 31 Debra Tantleff

Debra Tantleff Founding principal Tantum Real Estate Debra Tantleff is the founding principal of TANTUM Real Estate, a Jersey City-based certified Women's Business Enterprise specializing in multifamily and mixed-use developments. With more than $2 billion in construction projects and more than 7,000 residential units...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 32 Lauren Nathan LaRusso

Lauren Nathan LaRusso Co-host, city manager & general counsel N.Y./N.J. 2026 World Cup Host Committee Lauren Nathan LaRusso is a key figure in New Jersey's business and sports landscape as co-host city manager and general counsel for the New York/New Jersey Host Committee of...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 33 Becky Button

Becky Button Co-managing director & co-principal, Morristown office Gensler Becky Button is a distinguished figure in New Jersey's business community, serving as the co-managing director and co-principal of Gensler's Morristown office. Gensler is a globally renowned architecture, design, and planning firm with a significant...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 34 Nicole Meyer

Nicole Meyer President Kushner Cos. Nicole Meyer, president of Kushner Companies, a family-owned real estate development and management firm, leads deal sourcing, investor relations, and the execution of real estate developments shaping New Jersey's real estate. She spearheaded the transformation of Monmouth Mall into...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 35 Alfa Demmellash

Alfa Demmellash Co-founder & CEO Rising Tide Capital Alfa Demmellash is co-founder and CEO of Rising Tide Capital. For the past 20 years, she has empowered underserved entrepreneurs by providing the resources needed to build sustainable businesses. Since 2004, the non-profit's Community Business Academy...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 36 A.J. Johnson

A.J. Johnson CEO N.J. Society of CPAs Aiysha (AJ) Johnson is the executive director and CEO of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA). Since taking the helm in 2023, she has focused on workforce development, mentorship, and increasing diversity in the...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 37 Balpreet Grewal-Virk

Balpreet Grewal-Virk N.J. commissioner; Senior vice president of community health Gateway Development Commission; RWJBarnabas Health As Senior Vice President of Community Health at RWJBarnabas Health, Balpreet Grewal-Virk, PhD., is at the forefront of expanding healthcare access for New Jersey's most vulnerable populations. She has...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 38 Debbie Hart

Debbie Hart President and CEO BioNJ President and CEO of BioNJ, Debbie Hart, has been a key architect of New Jersey's biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem for more than three decades. Since co-founding BioNJ in 1994, she has led the organization in representing nearly...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 39 Christine Guhl-Sadovy

Christine Guhl-Sadovy President N.J. Board of Public Utilities Christine Guhl-Sadovy was appointed President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) in 2023, bringing extensive experience in energy policy and regulatory leadership, having previously served as Chief of Staff at NJBPU and Cabinet...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 40 Elisa Charters

Elisa Charters Co-founder & president Latina Surge Elisa Charters,  principal of EAC Business International, Elisa leads two brands: Juego Juegos software and AI development and Ahgua Tech, a firm tackling health and safety risks in industrial and emergency sectors. She co-founded Latina Surge National,...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 41 Leslie Anderson

Leslie Anderson CEO N.J. Redevelopment Authority Leslie Anderson is president and CEO of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), where she has spearheaded efforts to transform New Jersey's urban communities, leveraging nearly $4 billion in investment to create 15,000+ housing units and 10 million...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 42 Christina Renna

Christina Renna CEO Chamber of Commerce Southern N.J. Christina Renna, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ), leads the region's largest and most active business organization, advocating for public policy and economic development across seven counties. Since taking the...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 43 Linda Doherty

Linda Doherty President N.J. Food Council As President and CEO of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), Linda Doherty has been a key advocate for the state's food industry. Under her leadership, NJFC has influenced policies on sustainability, workforce development, and supply chain stability....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 44 Beth Noveck

Beth Noveck Chief AI strategist State of New Jersey Beth Noveck is a pioneering figure in technology and governance, renowned for her efforts to enhance public sector innovation. In 2024, Gov. Murphy appointed her as the state's first chief AI strategist, following her tenure...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 45 Linda Czipo

Linda Czipo CEO New Jersey Center for Nonprofits Linda Czipo is a leading advocate for New Jersey's non-profit sector, serving as president and CEO of the Center for Non-Profits. Under her leadership, the organization has worked tirelessly to strengthen non-profit organizations through policy advocacy,...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 46 Monica Smith

Monica Smith Founder & CEO Marketsmith Inc. Monica Smith is a dynamo in marketing, tourism, and economic development, with a distinguished career dedicated to promoting destinations and businesses. As the founder and CEO of Marketsmith Inc., a nationally recognized marketing agency, she has led...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 47 Dina Opici

Dina Opici President Opici Family Distributing Dina Opici is a prominent leader in New Jersey's beverage industry, serving as the president of Opici Family Distributing, a leading wine and spirits distribution company. With decades of experience, she has played a critical role in expanding...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 48 Monica Martinez Milan

Monica Martinez Milan Entrepreneur Various entities Monica Martinez Milan is an entrepreneur and advocate for economic growth in New Jersey. As owner of Stumpy's Hatchet House in Green Brook, she has successfully expanded her business while championing Hispanic entrepreneurship. In 2019, she joined the...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 49 Varsha Waishampayan

Varsha Waishampayan Founder & CEO Wings for Growth Varsha Waishampayan is a visionary leader in finance and investment, recognized for her strategic expertise and commitment to fostering economic growth. As the founder and CEO of WINGS for Growth, she has dedicated her career to...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025: Top 50 — No. 50 Briana Vannozzi

Briana Vannozzi Anchor N.J. Spotlight News Briana Vannozzi is an Emmy award-winning journalist and the anchor of NJ Spotlight News on NJ PBS. Since joining the organization in 2012, she has held various roles, including senior correspondent and multimedia journalist. Vannozzi has reported extensively...

More ROI Influencers

Sound the alarms, cue the confetti — ROI-NJ’s Influencers: Women in Business list is here.

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

Deborah Visconi: Transforming health care with compassion for the whole person

Deborah Visconi President & CEO Bergen New Bridge Medical Center As president...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — A to C

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — D to H

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — I to L

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — M to P

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — Q to T

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — U to Z

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

More ROI Influencers

More ROI Influencers

Sound the alarms, cue the confetti — ROI-NJ’s Influencers: Women in Business list is here.

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

Deborah Visconi: Transforming health care with compassion for the whole person

Deborah Visconi President & CEO Bergen New Bridge Medical Center As president...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — A to C

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — D to H

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — I to L

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — M to P

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — Q to T

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — U to Z

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint...

More ROI Influencers

Sound the alarms, cue the confetti — ROI-NJ’s Influencers: Women in Business list is here.

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint of heart. But neither is doing business in Jersey — and these women own it. They’re visionaries....

Deborah Visconi: Transforming health care with compassion for the whole person

Deborah Visconi President & CEO Bergen New Bridge Medical Center As president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Deborah Visconi is redefining what it means...

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — A to C

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint of heart. But neither is doing business in Jersey — and these women own it. They’re visionaries....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — D to H

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint of heart. But neither is doing business in Jersey — and these women own it. They’re visionaries....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — I to L

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint of heart. But neither is doing business in Jersey — and these women own it. They’re visionaries....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — M to P

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint of heart. But neither is doing business in Jersey — and these women own it. They’re visionaries....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — Q to T

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint of heart. But neither is doing business in Jersey — and these women own it. They’re visionaries....

ROI Influencers: Women in Business 2025 — U to Z

Compiling this list? Brutal. Intense. Not for the faint of heart. But neither is doing business in Jersey — and these women own it. They’re visionaries....

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