Home2026Sports & EntertainmentROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Sports & Entertainment
Home2026Sports & EntertainmentROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Sports & Entertainment

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 New Jersey entertained.

ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Yael Averbuch

Yael Averbuch General manager NJ/NY Gotham FC Among a long list of talented soccer stars from the state, she now runs the state's professional team (owned by the Murphys), helping it win the NWSL title in 2023.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Merissa Buczny

Merissa Buczny Vice President DEVCO Her leadership has directly contributed to the near completion of the HELIX in New Brunswick and will be crucial for business operations in the state's future.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Eileen Chapman

Eileen ChapmanDirectorBruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American MusicShe has the dream job of every Bruce fan, overseeing a center at Monmouth University that currently holds over 40,000 items relating to the career and legacy of the Boss.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Marc de Grandpré

Marc de Grandpré General manager Red Bulls New York or New York Red Bulls He is the longtime leader of an MLS team that calls Harrison home – and was runner-up in the MLS Cup in 2024.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Steve Edwards

Steve EdwardsPresidentN.J. Hall of FameUnder his leadership, the N.J. Hall has a permanent home (at American Dream) and a growing presence in the state.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Tom Fitzgerald

Tom FitzgeraldGeneral managerNew Jersey DevilsHis leadership has placed the Devils on the map, topped off with a recent shoutout in the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Mark Giannantonio

Mark GiannantonioPresidentThe Casino Association of New JerseyThe CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City also is the leader of the top trade association for the industry in a state where gambling is an important and impactful sector.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Adam Greenblatt

Adam Greenblatt CEO BetMGM Greenblatt's leadership allows the company to pursue innovative projects, like working with NJ TRANSIT to provide rail service during key events.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Carly Gruenberg

Carly GruenbergChief of staffNY/NJ Host Committee for FIFA 2026 World CupHer role increasing in impact and importance by the minute as the area prepares to host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Brady O’Connor

Brady O'Connor Chief of external affairs & deputy chief commercial officer NY/NJ Host Committee for FIFA 2026 World Cup One of the key leaders helping the host committee prepare for the biggest sporting event on the planet.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Adam Phillipson

Adam PhillipsonPresident and CEOCount Basie Center for the ArtsHe has helped make Count Basie in Red Bank become one of the top grossing nonprofit arts centers in the country.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Caila Roberts

Caila Roberts Tournament director LPGA's Mizuho Americas Open She is a rising star in the LPGA and golf, which is why she is in charge of one of the tour's biggest events, played at Liberty National in Jersey City.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez EVP & Executive producer New Jersey Performing Arts Center He not only helps run the state's biggest arts center, he also oversees the state's largest arts festival: North to Shore.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Sean Saadeh

Sean Saadeh Chief programming officer and head of entertainment Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment He's best known for overseeing the acts at the Prudential Center, but his duties extend to Jersey City, where he oversees White Eagle Hall and (soon) the refurbished Loew's Jersey...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Michael Uslan; Tom Bernard

Michael Uslan; Tom Bernard Chairman; Commissioner N.J. Motion Picture and TV Commission Two industry giants are playing big roles in helping the state attract and expand its industry presence.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Ron VanDeVeen

Ron VanDeVeen CEO MetLife Stadium Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his leadership and organization will be key in this event's successful execution.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Dylan Wanagiel

Dylan Wanagiel VP, sports properties and special events Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment Well known for bringing combat sports to the Pru Center (think MMA, college and Olympic wrestling, boxing, etc.) and other unique events (think darts or sumo wrestling) to all of the...

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Sports & Entertainment — Talia Young

Talia YoungAssistant VPCity National Bank of NJShe is a distinguished community leader and influencer known for driving financial inclusion, leading impactful economic and social initiatives, and amplifying equity through her leadership in banking, public policy, and community development.

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

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Accounting

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — AI & Technology

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Associations & Organizations

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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

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Executives – National

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

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Government & Public Affairs

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Health Care

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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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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

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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...

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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

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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 — 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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