Home2026Economic DevelopmentROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Economic Development
Home2026Economic DevelopmentROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Economic Development

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

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Leslie Anderson

Leslie AndersonPresident and CEON.J. Redevelopment AuthorityHeads statewide redevelopment financing and investment strategy overseeing capital deployment community revitalization programs and equitable development initiatives.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Sandy Castor

Sandy CastorDepartment Head of Economic DevelopmentMiddlesex County Division of Economic DevelopmentHeads county economic development strategy overseeing business recruitment retention initiatives and regional growth planning.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Joanne Cimiluca

Joanne Cimiluca Director of Economic Development Bergen County Oversees county-level strategic initiatives guiding economic development priorities interagency coordination and regional planning efforts.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Tara Colton

Tara ColtonExecutive Vice President & Chief Economic Security OfficerN.J. Economic Development AuthorityAdvancing efforts in leads economic security and workforce advancement strategy overseeing programs focused on childcare paid leave and income stability initiatives.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Tai Cooper

Tai CooperChief community development officerN.J. Economic Development AuthorityDirects community development and equitable investment strategy overseeing housing initiatives small business programs and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Tim Crouch

Tim CrouchExecutive directorNJ West Coast centerChooseNJ Heads West Coast engagement strategy leading business attraction investor outreach and strategic partnerships to drive inbound investment to New Jersey.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Aisha Glover

Aisha Glover Global Head of Urban Innovation Audible Leads place-based programs in Newark and beyond—supporting entrepreneurs artists workforce development business attraction and neighborhood revitalization like Newark Working Kitchens.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Andrew Gross

Andrew GrossDirector of international innovation and partnershipsN.J. Economic Development AuthoritySupports and directs international innovation and partnership strategy cultivating global relationships and advancing cross-border investment and economic collaboration initiatives.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Sean Kennedy

Sean Kennedy Chief of Staff and Chief External Affairs Officer N.J. Economic Development Authority Oversees executive strategy and external affairs leading stakeholder engagement communications and intergovernmental coordination efforts.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Kara Kopach

Kara KopachExecutive directorFort Monmouth Economic Revitalization AuthorityBuilding momentum in directs long-term redevelopment and land-use strategy overseeing infrastructure planning public-private partnerships and economic revitalization efforts.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Jose Lozano

Jose LozanoExecutive Vice President, Chief Growth Officer (CGO)Hackensack Meridian Health Leads enterprise growth strategy and system-wide expansion initiatives overseeing business development partnerships and long-term strategic planning in healthcare.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Mary Maples

Mary MaplesDeputy CEON.J. Economic Development AuthorityKnown for overseeing operational strategy and program implementation guiding economic incentive deployment interdepartmental coordination and strategic execution.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Lauren Moore

Lauren MoorePresidentAtlantic County Economic AllianceLeads regional business attraction and retention initiatives guiding investor relations workforce alignment and economic competitiveness strategies.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Marcus Randolph

Marcus RandolphPresident and CEOInvest NewarkFocused on advancing economic revitalization and inclusive growth strategies overseeing real estate development small business support and neighborhood investment initiatives.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Evan Weiss

Evan Weiss CEO NJ Economic Development Authority The incoming NJEDA CEO is an economic development leader who led the Newark Alliance, advised Governor Murphy on finance and infrastructure projects, and managed billions in stimulus funding. He will drive inclusive growth, job creation, innovation, and...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Economic Development — Melanie Willoughby

Melanie WilloughbyExecutive directorBusiness Action CenterDirects business advocacy and regulatory assistance initiatives overseeing outreach efforts that help companies navigate government processes and accelerate growth.

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ROI-NJ presents the 2026 ROI Influencers: Power List

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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

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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 — Associations & Organizations

Considered the backbone of the business community and trusted...

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 — 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...

More ROI Influencers

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 — Associations & Organizations

Considered the backbone of the business community and trusted...

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 — 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...

More ROI Influencers

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 — 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...

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 — 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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