NJBIA will honor seven business leaders, including three pro-business legislators, at its 2026 Public Policy Forum on Jan. 30.
The event, which annually provides insights from policymakers and top business executives to help shape the economic landscape in New Jersey, will be held at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal in Princeton starting at 8:30 a.m.
Awardees for the event are:
Candy Straight Woman Trailblazer Award
Awarded to trailblazing advocates for women in politics and the business world
- Barbara DeMarco, vice president, Porzio Governmental Affairs
- Lynn Nowak, executive vice president, Porzio Governmental Affairs
Paul L. Troast Award
Awarded to a legislator for public service to the business community and commitment to improving the state’s economy. It acknowledges efforts to improve New Jersey’s economic vitality, encourage job growth, streamline government and make businesses feel welcome again in New Jersey.
- Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-13)
- Assemblyman William Spearman (D-5)
- Senator Latham Tiver (R-8)
Leonard C. Johnson Award
Awarded for dedicated service as an advocate and leader for New Jersey employers, acknowledging efforts to improve the state’s economic vitality, encourage job growth, streamline government and make businesses feel welcome again in New Jersey.
- Denise Beckson, vice president/chief administrative & external affairs officer, Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
- Ward Sanders, president, New Jersey Association of Health Plans
“We’re thrilled to honor these outstanding business leaders,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “While they all come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, they share unique leadership qualities that are absolutely essential to New Jersey’s business community and to our business climate.
“This will be an outstanding forum, with important content as the state transitions to new leadership. We look forward to presenting these awards to these individuals as part of an informative event with tremendous subject matter experts.”
