Top 20

Luis De La Hoz; Carlos Medina Chairman; CEO Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of N.J. We often debate if this dynamic duo should be presented individually or separately. One thing is certain: Their efforts to help the...

Ali Houshmand President Rowan University Houshmand, No. 1 on the recent ROI Influencers: Higher Education list, has lifted Rowan to extraordinary heights — and brought along so much of South Jersey on the journey. He’s not just...

Jonathan Holloway President Rutgers University The Garden State Guarantee, which greatly increases aid to families making less than $100,000 (including full tuition for many) is a game-changer. And the Summer Service Internship initiative is a difference-maker. There...

George Helmy Chief of staff Governor’s Office Some feel he will soon leave the governor for a still-to-be-determined position. If he does, he should have his pick of posts. It’s hard to overstate Helmy’s influence on all...

John Harmon Founder, CEO and president African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J. He was the No. 1 selection on this last the past two years — and deservedly so. When so many in the state suddenly realized...

Bob Menendez; Cory Booker D-N.J. U.S. Senators New Jersey is fortunate to not only have two senators who have substantial influence in Washington (Menendez is chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee) and bring programs (and...

Eliana Pintor Marin; Teresa Ruiz D-Newark; D-Newark N.J. Assembly; N.J. Senate It’s easy to pair them together, as they are colleagues and friends. But it’s far more than that. They are role models — and two of...

Ras Baraka Mayor Newark Newark’s favorite son is proving to be the city’s favorite (and most effective) mayor. Reducing crime, improving schools and helping to spur development (including affordable housing) are all important — and would be...