Home2026UnionsROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Unions
Home2026UnionsROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Unions

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 secure equitable compensation across the state.

ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Steve Beatty

Steve Beatty President N.J. Education Association Elected to first two-year term in 2025. Continues to be active in championing member engagement while advancing the organization's priorities. Led a successful campaign to eliminate EdTPA.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Laurel Brennan

Laurel BrennanSecretary-treasurerN.J. State AFL-CIOServing her seventh term and played a leading role in a decision by New Jersey to raise the minimum wage.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Kevin Brown

Kevin BrownExecutive VP; NJ State Director32BJ SEIUContinues to lead the commercial, residential, security, public school cleaners, airport workers, and school food service workers throughout New Jersey.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — John Capo

John CapoDirectorBricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union of N.J.Continues to foster and support workforce development through the BACNJ apprenticeship program.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Patrick Delle Cava

Patrick Delle Cava Business manager IBEW Local 102 Continues to strengthen IBEW Local 102's 5-year apprenticeship and training programs and workforce partnerships, marked by the union's 125th anniversary celebration in 2025 and ongoing commitment to preparing highly skilled electricians for New Jersey.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Veronica Cobb

Veronica Cobb President & business agent Amalgamated Transit Union Local 819 The union has been instrumental in training, recruiting and helping advance careers within the transit workforce.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Daniel Cosner

Daniel Cosner President Building Trades Council of Southern N.J. A second- generation IBEW member, he has also been appointed as IEC's First District representative.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Donna DeCaprio

Donna DeCaprioPresidentUnite Here! Local 54Continues to lead UNITE HERE Local 54 in advocating for Atlantic City casino and hospitality workers, including contract negotiations and workplace safety protections.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Fran Ehret

Fran EhretN.J. state directorCommunications Workers of AmericaA leader in advocating for communications workers, including efforts to protect healthcare benefits and control rising costs.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Hugh Giordano

Hugh Giordano Director of organizing United Food & Commercial Workers Local 360 Continues to grow union representation in New Jersey's cannabis and retail sectors through organizing efforts at United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Mike Hellstrom

Mike Hellstrom VP and Eastern Regional manager Laborers' International Union of North America Leads LIUNA Eastern Region in advocating for union construction workers, including organizing rallies for federal infrastructure funding and supporting workforce training and job creation.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Mike Laughlin

Mike Laughlin President South Jersey Building Trades Continues to lead the South Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council AFL-CI in strengthening union membership and workforce training as part of broader building trades advocacy across South Jersey in 2025.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Bill Mullen

Bill MullenPresidentN.J. Building & Construction Trades CouncilContinues to lead the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council in advocating for union construction jobs and workforce development across New Jersey

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — John Niccollai

John NiccollaiPresidentUnited Food & Commercial Workers Union, Local 464AContinues to secure strong labor agreements at ACME Markets with improved wages and benefits for members of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 464A.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — William Sproule

William SprouleExecutive secretary-treasurerEastern Atlantic States Regional Council of CarpentersLeads the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in workforce development and union advocacy.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Mike Tranberg

Mike TranbergBusiness managerPlumbers and Pipefitters, Local 9Leads workforce development and apprenticeship expansion at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9, including recent agreements that strengthen wages and benefits for members.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Harvey Whille

Harvey WhillePresidentUnited Food & Commercial Workers Local 1262Leads strong contract extensions with wage increases, continued health and pension benefits for maintenance and retail workers at United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1262, including agreements at Stop & Shop effective into 2031.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Debbie White

Debbie WhitePresidentHealth Professionals and Allied EmployeesGuides membership growth and union representation at Health Professionals and Allied Employees, including support for a 2026 NLRB election to organize additional healthcare professionals and strengthen workplace protections.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Cyndie Williams

Cyndie WilliamsExecutive directorCarpenter Contractor TrustGuides workforce development and union advocacy at the Carpenter Contractor Trust, building on experience as a union apprentice and educator who supports career pathways and fair labor opportunities. She is the co-host of Labor Lounge podcast.

ROI Influencers Power List 2026: Unions — Charles Wowkanech

Charles Wowkanech President New Jersey State AFL-CIO Advocates for working families statewide as president of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, including championing pro-worker policies, collective bargaining rights and economic equity.

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

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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...

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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

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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

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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.

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ROI Influencers: Power List 2026 — Government & Public Affairs

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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.

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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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