To read about this year’s No. 1, Gov. Phil Murphy, click here.
To read about Nos. 2-10, click here.
11. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone
D-6th Dist.
House of Representatives
He is the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has one of the broadest jurisdictions of any congressional committee. That’s a huge plus for the state.
12. Parimal Garg
Chief counsel
State of New Jersey
Importance of role has only grown during the pandemic and its numerous executive orders. Garg, new to the top job, has proven to be more than up to the task.
13. Bob Garrett; Brian Gragnolati; Barry Ostrowsky
CEO; CEO; CEO
Hackensack Meridian Health; Atlantic Health; RWJBarnabas Health
Two things are clear: The fact that so many hospitals are a part of these three systems helped streamline the response; the fact all three are led by uber-talented executives made that response as smooth as possible.
14. Shereef Elnahal; Amy Mansue; Kevin O’Dowd
CEO; CEO; co-CEO
University Hospital; Inspira Health; Cooper University Health Care
The three took the lead overseeing the health system needs for three regions of the state during the early peak of the pandemic — and each runs an important hospital or health system today.
15. Gary St. Hilaire
CEO
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
He started about the time the pandemic took hold, and quickly assumed the leadership role — not only in the insurer’s logistical response to the pandemic, but its move to change its corporate structure.
The 2019 Top 10:
- Phil Murphy
- George Norcross
- Steve Sweeney
- Craig Coughlin
- Tammy Murphy
- Jeff Bezos
- Don Ghermezian
- Ras Baraka
- Tony Coscia
- Sheila Oliver
16. Charles Lowrey
Chair & CEO
Prudential Financial
Another member of the inner circle of business leaders the governor relies on for insights and advice.
17. Ralph Izzo
Chair & CEO
Public Service Enterprise Group
PSEG always has been a model corporate citizen; it only has strengthened its role as a leader in energy efficiency and all things related to climate change.
18. Tony Coscia
Partner
Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf
His role on the Gateway Tunnel (as chairman of Amtrak) and his influence on state leaders (everyone seeks his advice and insights) cannot be overstated.
19. Chris Paladino
President
DEVCO
He has transformative projects up and down the state (the Hub in New Brunswick could be a game-changer) and is another person that all leaders seek out for insights.
20. Tim Sullivan; Jose Lozano; Joe Kelley
CEO; CEO; Deputy chief of staff for economic growth
Economic Development Authority;
Choose New Jersey; Governor’s Office
They are Murphy’s top leaders for attracting and retaining companies — as well as creating, implementing and using the economic incentives needed to do so.
To read about Nos. 21-30, click here.
