The New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA) board voted on March 16 to appoint Rose Farias as NJRA executive director and chief executive officer, effective immediately. She will succeed Leslie A. Anderson, who will remain at the NJRA as deputy chief executive officer before she retires on April 1.
NJRA is a financing authority created to strengthen urban communities through direct investment in redevelopment projects and technical resources such as customized training and consultations for eligible municipalities. It is an independent authority affiliated with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
“Rose Farias brings deep experience in redevelopment and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing New Jersey’s urban neighborhoods. Her work in Atlantic City reflects a commitment to thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and responsible redevelopment,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “I look forward to working with her in this new role as she leads the NJRA and continues the important work of supporting community revitalization and economic growth across the state.”
Farias brings considerable experience to the NJRA executive post in public administration, redevelopment finance, legislative operations, and public-sector management, including holding senior leadership roles within state government and redevelopment authorities. Prior to joining the NJRA, she served as the deputy executive director of the New Jersey Senate Majority Office, becoming the first Latina to hold the position. She was the deputy executive director of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority before joining the Senate staff.
“It is an honor to serve as executive director and chief executive officer of the NJRA at a pivotal moment for our state. I am grateful to Gov. Sherrill and Commissioner Suárez for their trust and leadership, and proud to carry forward a mission aligned with their commitment to improving the lives of all New Jersey residents,” said Farias. “As New Jersey faces a critical need for affordable housing, I am committed to advancing solutions that expand access and strengthen communities. Guided by NJRA’s focus on creating value in urban communities through strategic, neighborhood-based investment, I will work to position NJRA as a driving force for sustainable redevelopment across the state.”
Earlier in her career, Farias was a policy director at DCA where she focused on implementing community policing, youth, and career pathways initiatives in Atlantic City. She also served as the Senate’s director of urban policy and a research analyst.
The Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey congratulated Farias on her appointment.
“Rose Farias has been a strong and effective partner in advancing policies that expand opportunity and strengthen communities across New Jersey,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Network. “During her time in the Legislature, we were proud to work alongside her to enact critical initiatives, including foreclosure prevention efforts, equitable Superstorm Sandy recovery, and securing essential resources for lead poisoning prevention. Her leadership and commitment to equity and community-centered solutions will serve NJRA and the state well.”
