ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — Dianna Houenou
Dianna Houenou
Chair
Cannabis Regulatory Commission
The governor has said the state will be patient when it comes to building its cannabis industry, especially when it comes to recreational use. The goal is to get it right,...
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — Sen. Paul Sarlo
Sen. Paul Sarlo
D-Wood-Ridge
State Legislature
He’s chair of Senate Budget and Appropriations, on the joint budget oversight committee, a mayor (Wood-Ridge) and a chief operating officer (Sanzari). That’s influence.
Sen. Teresa RuizAndre Sayegh
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross
D-1st Dist.
House of Representatives
Understands the need and function of job training for middle-class workers (a desperate need in N.J.) better than anyone.
Tammy Murphy Sheila Oliver
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — Adrian Mapp
Adrian Mapp
Mayor
Plainfield
Strong leader is providing example of how a city can transform itself through aggressive (and friendly) redevelopment measures.
Dianna Houenou Sen. Bob Menendez/Sen. Cory Booker
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — Parimal Garg and Matt Platkin
Parimal Garg and Matt Platkin
Chief counsel attorney general nominee
State of New Jersey
The well-regarded Garg has stepped out of the shadow of his former boss, Matt Platkin (who is now the nominee for attorney general),...
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — Craig Coughlin
Craig Coughlin
Assembly speaker
State Legislature
He has been long viewed as the middleman between the governor and the state Senate president. But Steve Sweeney’s shocking defeat has elevated his stature in Trenton. How much he wields...
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — Phil Murphy
Phil Murphy
Governor
State of New Jersey
No debate here. He not only is the most influential person in the state, but one could argue that he has been the most powerful and influential person in the...
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — Sheila Oliver
Sheila Oliver
Lieutenant governor
State of New Jersey
The title of LG does not necessarily bring power and influence in the state. The fact that she is a well-respected legislator who is now helping to oversee huge...
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — Sen. Teresa Ruiz
Sen. Teresa Ruiz
D-Newark
State Legislature
State Senate President got attention for being first woman/Latina in that role – but she prefers to be known for her efforts around education.
Asw. Eliana Pintor MarinSen. Paul Sarlo
ROI Influencers: Elected and Appointed Officials 2022 — George Helmy
George Helmy
Chief of staff
Governor’s Office
Perhaps the most influential of those in the governor’s not-overly-large inner circle. Helmy, who brought guidance and stability to the administration before the pandemic, has played a key role in...
