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Home2026Associations & OrganizationsROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Associations & Organizations

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Associations & Organizations

Considered the backbone of the business community and trusted stewards of the state’s economic health.

This list highlights top leaders from chambers of commerce, industry groups, and essential nonprofits.

ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Mike Affuso

Mike AffusoCEONew Jersey Bankers AssociationCommitted to expanding leads statewide financial industry advocacy overseeing regulatory strategy government affairs and member collaboration within the banking sector.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Cathleen Bennett

Cathleen Bennett CEO New Jersey Hospital Association Advancing efforts in leads advocacy population‑health and workforce initiatives served as New Jersey Health Commissioner.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Dave Brogan

Dave Brogan Executive director New Jersey Apartment Association Advocates for the multifamily housing industry—shaping policy lobbying officials coordinating member services and advancing affordable housing regulatory reform best practices and stakeholder partnerships.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Jackie Burke

Jackie Burke Executive director New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools Advances efforts and advocates for career and technical education in New Jersey's public schools. Jackie leads initiatives to improve vocational learning opportunities.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Chrissy Buteas

Chrissy Buteas CEO HealthCare Institute of New Jersey Leads advocacy efforts on behalf of the state's biopharmaceutical industry. Chrissy's leadership focuses on advancing policies that support innovation.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Patricia Campos-Medina

Patricia Campos-MedinaPresidentLatina Civic ActionDirects civic engagement and voter mobilization leads policy advocacy and oversees leadership-development programs that elevate Latina voices strengthen community power increase participation across local state and national levels. Jeff Cantor Founder and CEO New Jersey State Veterans Chamber...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Jeff Cantor

Jeff Cantor Founder and CEO New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce Jeff Cantor Founder and CEO New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce Heads a statewide veterans business advocacy organization championing policy reforms supplier diversity and expanded contracting opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Bill Caruso

Bill Caruso President New Jersey CannaBusiness Association Focused on advancing policy and industry coordination efforts within the regulated cannabis sector leading legislative engagement and stakeholder education initiatives.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Mike Cerra

Mike Cerra Executive director New Jersey League of Municipalities Provides leadership that directs municipal policy strategy guiding shared services innovation legislative advocacy and operational support for local governments statewide.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Elisa Charters

Elisa Charters Co-founder and president Latina Surge Dedicated to empowering Latina women in business and leadership roles. Elisa’s work focuses on increasing access to professional opportunities and supporting Latina entrepreneurs.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Anthony Cicatiello

Anthony Cicatiello President Research and Development Council of New Jersey Helping lead initiatives that promote innovation research and technological advancement in the state. His leadership fosters collaboration between all business sectors.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Peter Connolly

Peter Connolly CEO New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program Drives progress and oversees advanced manufacturing strategy leading operational improvement programs innovation consulting and workforce competitiveness initiatives.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Linda Czipo

Linda Czipo CEO Center for Nonprofits Drives progress and oversees advanced manufacturing strategy leading operational improvement programs innovation consulting and workforce competitiveness initiatives.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Alfa Demmellash

Alfa Demmellash Co-founder and CEO Rising Tide Capital Strengthens operations and strategy to empower entrepreneurs in underserved communities delivering business education mentorship access to capital incubator programs and partnerships that drive local economic resilience and growth.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Linda Doherty

Linda Doherty President New Jersey Food Council Known for leading industry advocacy regulatory engagement coalition building and legislative negotiations across food and retail sectors. Retirement is slated for January 2027.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — John Donnadio

John Donnadio Executive director New Jersey Association of Counties Oversees statewide county government advocacy coordinating legislative strategy and providing operational leadership support to all 21 county governments.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Howard Dorman

Howard Dorman President Board of directors CHHANGE Provides strategic leadership chairing the board guiding priorities cultivating donors and partners and leading fundraising and curriculum support. Organized survivor-speaker series to deepen local community engagement.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Craig Drinkard

Craig Drinkard Executive officer Victoria Foundation Leads and oversees initiatives focused on improving the lives of residents in Newark New Jersey. His leadership directs the foundation’s philanthropic work.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Susan Dromsky-Reed

Susan Dromsky-Reed President Executive Women of New Jersey Leads executive leadership programming, overseeing networking platforms and professional advancement initiatives for senior women leaders.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Karin Elkis; Mark Levenson Elkis

Karin Elkis; Mark Levenson Elkis Co-chairs New Jersey-Israel Commission Co-lead international collaboration initiatives, strengthening trade, innovation, and diplomatic ties through cross-border business and policy engagement. Mark Levenson co-chairs strategic partnerships that connect business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to expand economic and cultural.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Danielle Gletow

Danielle Gletow Founder One Simple Wish Is at the forefront of this non-profit organization that helps children in foster care and at-risk youth. Her leadership empowers the community to provide gifts resources and emotional support.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Jarrod Grasso

Jarrod Grasso Senior VP of Industry Relations NAR Led New Jersey REALTORS® as CEO for 17 years, then joined NAR as Senior Vice President of Industry Relations; a decorated association executive and community leader, he advances policies supporting members and families.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Debbie Hart

Debbie Hart CEO BioNJ A nonprofit trade organization that represents the life sciences industry in New Jersey. Under her leadership, BioNJ advocates for policies that support research and development in New Jersey’s life-sciences sector. She champions policies that accelerate biotech research, foster public-private partnerships, attract investment,...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Ryan Haygood

Ryan Haygood CEO New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Advances efforts in civil rights and social justice strategy overseeing litigation policy reform campaigns and public advocacy initiatives addressing systemic inequities.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Duvi Honig

Duvi Honig Founder and CEO Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Played a pivotal role in founding New Jersey’s JBiz Economic Forum championed Economic Development Day legislation helped broker an MBDA–Commerce MOU and organized a federal Lyme recognition initiative effort while building relations across all...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — James Horne

James Horne CEO Junior Achievement of New Jersey Works to strengthen initiatives that prepare students for financial independence and career success overseeing partnerships with educators and business leaders to expand access to real-world learning experiences.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Dianna Houenou

Dianna HouenouChairCannabis Regulatory CommissionOversees the development of policies and regulations that ensure a fair equitable and transparent cannabis industry.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Meghan Hunscher

Meghan HunscherCEOMorris County Chamber of CommerceHeads regional business advocacy efforts leading membership growth policy engagement and workforce development initiatives that support local employers.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Dena Mottola Jaborska

Dena Mottola JaborskaExecutive directorGuides development and advocates for economic and social justice across the state. Dena leads efforts to fight for affordable healthcare housing and economic opportunity.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Todd Johnson

Todd JohnsonExecutive directorInstrumental in overseeing cannabis industry advocacy strategy leading regulatory engagement and coalition building among operators and policymakers.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Lisa Kaplowitz

Lisa KaplowitzExecutive directorGuides and directs leadership development and governance programs, overseeing research, executive education, and board placement initiatives that advance women in business.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Rippi Karda

Rippi Karda Chair Asian American Pacific Islander Commission Helping shape the future, chairs statewide advisory initiatives, overseeing outreach, public policy engagement, and representation efforts for the AAPI community.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Peter Kasabach

Peter KasabachExecutive directorNew Jersey FutureDirects smart-growth policy leadership guiding research land-use reform advocacy and sustainable community development initiatives.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Eileen Kean

Eileen KeanNew Jersey state directorLeads NFIB’s New Jersey office representing and advocating for small businesses; lobbies state policymakers shapes pro-business legislation coordinates member services and resources conducts outreach and education organizes events and provides year-round support.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Dan Kennedy

Dan Kennedy CEO NAIOP New Jersey Instrumental in leading the commercial real estate development association advancing industry interests through advocacy public-policy engagement member education networking events research and partnerships that support responsible development and growth statewide.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Jim Kirkos

Jim KirkosCEOMeadowlands ChamberDrives regional economic development cultivates corporate partnerships champions transportation and infrastructure spearheads major event initiatives—including facilitating Meadowlands venue coordination for FIFA-related events and always promotes business growth across the region.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Jeff Kolakowski

Jeff Kolakowski CEO New Jersey Builders Association Focuses on overseeing legislative strategy and industry coordination for New Jersey’s building sector leading advocacy efforts on housing policy land use reform and economic development.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Audrey Lane

Audrey Lane President Garden State Initiative A strategic leader advancing pro-growth policy economic development tax reform and business competitiveness in New Jersey through pragmatic advocacy coalition-building data-driven solutions and community engagement efforts.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Calvin Ledford

Calvin LedfordJr. PresidentPSEG FoundationOversees charitable giving and community outreach initiatives that focus on energy sustainability economic development and education. Calvin’s leadership ensures that the foundation’s efforts come to fruition.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Rhonda McFarlane Richard, Esq.

Rhonda McFarlane Richard, Esq. President Women@NJPAC An altruistic arts advocate and lifelong supporter, she brings deep commitment to NJPAC's mission and a collaborative leadership style to guide and strengthen the network in the year ahead.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Brandon McKoy

Brandon McKoy President Fund for New Jersey Oversees philanthropic efforts to improve state economic outcomes focusing on education funding reform workforce development property tax and fiscal policy civic engagement justice reform and environmental resilience.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Tennelle McKoy

Tennelle McKoy Taraun Tice McKnight McKoy Co-chairs New Jersey Black Women's Collective Co-chairs statewide empowerment initiatives leading strategy and partnerships focused on expanding economic access and leadership opportunities for Black women. Co-leads programming and advocacy campaigns designed to elevate Black women’s voices.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Ferlanda Nixon

Ferlanda Nixon CEO Newark Regional Business Partnership She leads initiatives that drive business growth and community development in Newark and the surrounding region. Ferlanda works to foster collaboration between stakeholders to build consensus and advance pro-growth policy solutions.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Danielle Norcross

Danielle Norcross President Greater Atlantic City Chamber Oversees strategic partnerships and tourism-driven economic initiatives, working closely with public and private stakeholders to expand regional investment.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Eric Orlando

Eric Orlando Director of Government Affairs Brewers Guild of New Jersey Advocates for the state’s craft brewing industry. Eric works to promote policies that support local brewers and facilitates networking.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Drew Peloso

Drew Peloso Founder CEO NeuroX Network Dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments and technology for neurological conditions. Drew’s leadership focuses on advancing medical innovation in the neurotechnology space.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Satish Poondi

Satish PoondiLegal adviserWorks to provide legal counsel and strategic advisory support guiding regulatory compliance and advocacy efforts for business stakeholders.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Anjuli Ramos-Busot

Anjuli Ramos-BusotDirector Sierra ClubNew Jersey ChapterProviding leadership direction for efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable policies across the state. Anjuli oversees campaigns that address climate change.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Lata Reddy

Lata ReddyChairThe Prudential FoundationOversees initiatives and chairs major philanthropic investment strategies overseeing funding initiatives focused on equity workforce development and community resilience while shaping long-term impact goals.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Dave Rible

Dave RibleChief Executive Officer Utility and Transportation Contractors AssociationLeads efforts to advocate for contractors in the utility and transportation sectors ensuring that legislative and regulatory policies support safe efficient infrastructure delivery fair contracting practices workforce development adequate funding and industry competitiveness.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — David Rosenberg

David RosenbergExecutive directorFosters collaboration and networking while leading efforts to support and promote Jewish business leaders in northern New Jersey.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Anthony Russo

Anthony Russo President Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey Advocates for New Jersey's business community promoting pro-growth policies regulatory reform and workforce development. He champions the vitality of small businesses and economic opportunity.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Elizabeth Schedl

Elizabeth Schedl Executive director Hudson Pride Center Plays a key role in programs supporting Hudson County's LGBTQ community; Elizabeth transformed a small community space into a welcoming hub where neighbors find counseling youth programs and advocacy—building trust through empathy

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Doug Tomson

Doug Tomson CEO New Jersey Realtors Association Leads the state's largest real estate trade association directing growth strategy and advocacy to protect private property rights and homeownership; oversees government affairs policy member services and stakeholder engagement. One year in he leverages two decades of...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Varsha Waishampayan

Varsha WaishampayanFounder and CEOWings for GrowthAt the forefront of a global executive advisory network Varsha guides peer mentorship leadership development and strategic growth for women entrepreneurs.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Jennifer Dubrow Weiss

Jennifer Dubrow WeissCEOJewish Federation of Southern NJInstrumental in directing strategic planning philanthropic growth and community engagement initiatives guiding collaborative efforts that strengthen regional impact and long-term sustainability.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Carolyn Welsh

Carolyn Welsh President and CEO NJ Sharing Network Helping shape the future of the Network and has led record growth in organ donors and transplants since joining in 1999.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Associations & Organizations — Brielle Winslow-Majette

Brielle Winslow-Majette acting executive director Garden State Equality Focused on advancing New Jersey's largest LGBTQ advocacy organization. Leads efforts to promote equality civil rights and protections for LGBTQ individuals in New Jersey. Their leadership.

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Accounting

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Banking

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Consultants

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Economic Development

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Energy & Environment

Often overlooked until disaster strikes, these sectors quietly keep...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Executives – National

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Executives – N.J.

True leadership sets the tone—company outcomes hinge on the...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Government & Public Affairs

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Health Care

Our healthcare system matters to everyone. This feature profiles...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Higher Education

New Jersey’s reputation for grit belies a strong academic...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Law

Every company needs top-tier legal counsel. Trusted by business...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Public Relations, Marketing & Communications

Visibility drives success. These communications professionals craft strategic narratives...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Sports & Entertainment

From big games to bold performances, these leaders fill...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Unions

Union membership isn’t universal, but its impact is undeniable. This...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Real Estate

Location and space shape a company’s future—right site selection...

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More ROI Influencers

ROI-NJ presents the 2026 ROI Influencers: Power List

Allow me to pull back the curtain on how...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Super 75 — No. 1 Mikie Sherrill

Mikie Sherrill Governor State of New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill doesn’t shy...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Super 75

Are you someone a gubernatorial candidate will call to...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Accounting

Money moves the economy; accountants make sense of it....

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — AI & Technology

Tomorrow’s innovations aren’t in the skies — they’re being...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Banking

Cash moves markets and shapes the fate of companies...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Consultants

Success is a team effort. Consultants and communications pros are...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Economic Development

Business development drives growth for companies and municipalities alike. This...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Energy & Environment

Often overlooked until disaster strikes, these sectors quietly keep...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Executives – National

Countless New Jersey businesses operate far beyond state borders. This...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Executives – N.J.

True leadership sets the tone—company outcomes hinge on the...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Government & Public Affairs

No one operates in a vacuum—business depends on the...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Health Care

Our healthcare system matters to everyone. This feature profiles...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Higher Education

New Jersey’s reputation for grit belies a strong academic...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Law

Every company needs top-tier legal counsel. Trusted by business...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Public Relations, Marketing & Communications

Visibility drives success. These communications professionals craft strategic narratives...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Sports & Entertainment

From big games to bold performances, these leaders fill...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Unions

Union membership isn’t universal, but its impact is undeniable. This...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Real Estate

Location and space shape a company’s future—right site selection...

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ROI-NJ presents the 2026 ROI Influencers: Power List

Allow me to pull back the curtain on how we choose who makes the cut — because there’s real care and purpose behind it. New...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Super 75 — No. 1 Mikie Sherrill

Mikie Sherrill Governor State of New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill doesn’t shy away from mentioning her time as a Navy helicopter pilot. The experience, she often says, taught...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Super 75

Are you someone a gubernatorial candidate will call to get a better understanding of the business world and the economics of the state? These leaders...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Accounting

Money moves the economy; accountants make sense of it. These leaders power New Jersey business, influence the state’s economic direction, and contribute crucially to...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — AI & Technology

Tomorrow’s innovations aren’t in the skies — they’re being built in labs, data centers, and startups. This roster highlights the visionaries turning bold ideas into...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Banking

Cash moves markets and shapes the fate of companies across the state today and tomorrow. Meet the financial leaders whose influence matches the capital they...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Consultants

Success is a team effort. Consultants and communications pros are tasked with shaping reputation, clarifying purpose, and connecting clients with the public and influencers.  All...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Economic Development

Business development drives growth for companies and municipalities alike. This list spotlights the top professionals serving government agencies, local towns, and businesses.

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Energy & Environment

Often overlooked until disaster strikes, these sectors quietly keep businesses running. This list profiles the top leaders and organizations focused on energy solutions and environmental...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Executives – National

Countless New Jersey businesses operate far beyond state borders. This roundup honors executives whose companies have major national and international footprints.

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Executives – N.J.

True leadership sets the tone—company outcomes hinge on the person at the helm. Here are New Jersey’s standout executives leading businesses that operate primarily within...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Government & Public Affairs

No one operates in a vacuum—business depends on the political and public landscape. This list spotlights the public affairs pros who navigate the system and...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Health Care

Our healthcare system matters to everyone. This feature profiles the leaders who are visible and behind the scenes and who keep New Jerseyans healthy...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Higher Education

New Jersey’s reputation for grit belies a strong academic pedigree. Our higher-education institutions rank among the nation’s finest.  Here we profile the distinguished leaders...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Law

Every company needs top-tier legal counsel. Trusted by business leaders across the state, these standout attorneys deliver results.  If you need a lawyer, start...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Public Relations, Marketing & Communications

Visibility drives success. These communications professionals craft strategic narratives deliver compelling content and secure media exposure to ensure your message resonates.

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Sports & Entertainment

From big games to bold performances, these leaders fill venues and spark conversation. This category honors the executives, producers, promoters, and creatives who keep...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Unions

Union membership isn’t universal, but its impact is undeniable. This roster spotlights the seasoned labor leaders and organizers who negotiate protections, elevate workplace safety, and...

ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Real Estate

Location and space shape a company’s future—right site selection fuels growth and talent retention. This list spotlights the brokers and developers who find the perfect...

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