2021

Taneshia Nash Laird CEO Newark Symphony Hall She is using her position as head of the historic performing arts center to be a social change agent and community developer by expanding programming to respond to community needs...

Shawn Abner-Purnell Vice president, diversity, inclusion & engagement South Jersey Industries Through career development programs, diversity & inclusion efforts and employee engagement, Abner-Purnell creates a culture of inclusion for all — one where every employee can feel...

John Harmon Founder, CEO and president African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J We don’t necessarily aim to give the No. 1 honor on our ROI Influencers lists to the same person in consecutive years. With so...

21 Ken Frazier Executive chairman Merck Frazier retired as CEO on June 30 and it’s unclear how much impact he will have as executive chairman during a transition period, but his impact and influence in New Jersey figures...

Ken Tanji Chief financial officer Prudential Financial Tanji oversees Prudential’s global financial management matters, including financial reporting, investor relations, treasury, tax and corporate development. In addition to his role at Prudential, Tanji serves as trustee and treasurer...

11 Mo Butler Partner Mercury He’s a partner at one of the most influential public affairs firms in the state, represents and advises some of the state’s biggest politicians (Booker and Baraka), biggest companies and biggest developers while...

Armond Kinsey VP, chief diversity officer Atlantic Health System Takes the lead on diversity & inclusion strategy, the diversity council, supplier diversity, corporate social responsibility and other initiatives — with a special emphasis on diversity recruitment and...

Rudy Garcia President MBI-GluckShaw Few in the state understand the intersection of business and politics as well as Garcia, a longtime go-to leader for many. At MBI, he manages issues covering roadway improvement, environment, commercial development and...

Michellene Davis Thought leader, speaker, board member Various organizations She left a top position at RWJBarnabas Health to become CEO at New York-based National Medical Fellowships, but she maintains a strong presence in the state, where she...