Evan Weiss will begin his tenure as New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO on Jan. 29.
By Joshua Burd
Evan Weiss is set to officially take the helm of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, following a board vote Wednesday to approve him as its next chief executive.
According to the EDA, Weiss will assume the role on Thursday after being recommended earlier this month by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. He returns to Trenton with decades of experience in economic development, including his most recent job as leader of the nonprofit Newark Alliance, with a focus on promoting growth while improving affordability across the state.
“New Jersey has everything it takes to lead,” Sherrill. “We have a talented workforce, world-class innovation and vibrant communities, but we must confront the rising costs that are making it harder for families and businesses to get and stay ahead.
“Evan Weiss understands how to bring government, industry and local communities together to expand opportunity and deliver real solutions that lower costs and drive economic development. I am confident that Evan’s leadership will strengthen the NJEDA’s role as a catalyst for growth, so that we can build a more affordable, competitive economy that creates opportunity across every corner of our state.”
As CEO and president of the Newark Alliance, a private sector-led, inclusive economic development organization, Weiss helped convene business, community and civic partners to strengthen Newark’s economy and position it as a national model for inclusive economic growth, according to his bio. He previously served under former Gov. Phil Murphy as a senior adviser for finance and major projects, managing more than $10 billion in federal stimulus and helping deploy capital to advance key statewide priorities such as renewable energy, transit, affordable housing and major infrastructure initiatives like the Gateway Project.
Commercial real estate leaders and others in the business community have largely praised Sherrill’s decision to pick Weiss for the EDA post — where he’ll manage high-profile incentive programs and other means of supporting businesses — citing both his resume and his relationships in both the public and private sectors. He succeeds former longtime CEO Tim Sullivan and Mary Maples, who served in the role on an interim basis.
“On behalf of the board and our staff, we are thrilled to welcome Evan Weiss to the NJEDA and work with him to support Governor Sherrill’s mission to grow our economy,” said Terry O’Toole, the authority’s board chair. “Evan brings with him an extraordinary amount of experience and insight and he will help bring the authority to new heights.”
Weiss, a University of Chicago graduate, is also a former director at the Pennsylvania Economy League and senior analyst at HJA Strategies. Additionally, he has served on the boards of NJ Transit, New Jersey City University and New Jersey Community Capital.
“I’m excited to hit the ground running and work to create new jobs by expanding opportunity, supporting businesses of all sizes, building up strategic innovation industries and strengthening communities across the state,” Weiss said. “It’s an honor to return to public service and lead the NJEDA in its next chapter. I’m grateful to Governor Sherrill, Chairman O’Toole, and the NJEDA Board for entrusting me with this great responsibility, and I look forward to working with our staff and partners in the public and private sectors to build an economy that works for everyone.”
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