The New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce‘s board of directors on Monday announced the appointment of Noah Michael O’Hare, vice president of retail operations for Spencer Savings Bank, as its new board president, effective immediately.
At Spencer, O’Hare is responsible for supporting the advancement of the bank’s community reinvestment initiatives and philanthropic activities. He is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and is an enthusiastic business leader, with over 10 years of banking experience.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to support the chamber’s incredible work in a greater capacity,” O’Hare said. “It is truly inspiring to reflect on the accomplishments and growth the chamber has seen over the last two years. I am thrilled to be a part of its continued success in the years to come; together, we are the key to a better tomorrow for New Jersey’s pride community.”
O’Hare is a strong advocate and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He has helped the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce with his role as a Diverse Business Certification site visitor. He has also been an ambassador for the NJPCC since 2022, that same year he received the NJPCC Ambassador of the Year Award.
Prior to joining the Pride Chamber, O’Hare supported the launch and initiative of many employee resource groups and diversity, equity & inclusion councils at his financial institutions. This includes those dedicated to advancing the LGBTQ+ community.
O’Hare’s appointment is another significant step forward for the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise and is an instrumental asset to the board. He is an enthusiastic advocate for diversity and an avid traveler, with a “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained” mentality. He believes that travel provides a broader perspective on life and better equips him to use his platform to build a more inclusive and equitable business community within New Jersey.
“Noah will add a different level of experience to the role of board president, and his knowledge of corporate networks and technology will enhance the Pride Chamber’s efficiency and data collection, which is lacking in the state, specific to the LGBTQ+ community,” Gus Penaranda, executive director of NJPCC, said.
The current NJPCC board members include Jacob Meola, Kathleen Waters, Terez Thorpe, Debbie Millar, Dr. Richard Helldobler, Raul Alarcon, Namibia Mu’id, Victor Peter Rodriguez and John Traier.
