Christopher J. Paladino
By Joshua Burd
One of the driving forces behind the transformation of New Brunswick and several other cities in the state is joining the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
Christopher J. Paladino, president of the New Brunswick Development Corp. or Devco, will be among 13 inductees in this year’s class, taking his place alongside some of the most influential and impactful figures in culture, business, public service and other sectors. That’s according to an announcement Thursday by the East Rutherford-based organization, which will host the 18th annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sept. 24 at American Dream.
Paldino has led Devco since 1994 and has spearheaded billions of dollars of redevelopment in New Brunswick, much of it serving public interests such as education, health care and county government and with a complex medley private capital and government funding sources. The organization’s most recent projects include the newly opened Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, the state’s first standalone cancer hospital, and the Health + Life Science Exchange or HELIX campus that will serve as a three-building, 1.5 million-square-foot hub of innovation and business.
The full 2026 New Jersey Hall of Fame class includes:
Arts and Letters
- Big Joe Henry, “Livin’ Large and Lovin’ Life” New Jersey radio personality and philanthropist
Education, Research, Engineering and Science
- Geraldine R. Dodge*, author, philanthropist and benefactor of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
- Thomas M. Eastwick, founder and president of Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
Enterprise
- James E. Burke*, former CEO of Johnson & Johnson
- Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network
- Christopher J. Paladino, president of New Brunswick Development Corp. (Devco)
Performing Arts and Entertainment
- The Rascals, American rock band known for top-chart hits including “Groovin”
- SZA, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Academy Award nominee
Public Service
- Donald Milford Payne Sr.*, New Jersey’s first African American elected to Congress
- Christine Todd Whitman, writer, former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and New Jersey’s 50th governor
Sports
- John J. McMullen*, former owner of the New Jersey Devils and Houston Astros
- Lawrence Taylor, former New York Giants linebacker for 13 seasons
Unsung Hero
- Tom Weatherall, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish® New Jersey
*Being honored posthumously.
“The Class of 2026 showcases the diverse talent, resilience and spirit of achievement that define the great state of New Jersey,” said Jon F. Hanson, chair of the New Jersey Hall of Fame and chair of The Hampshire Cos. “Each inductee, through their creativity, leadership and pursuit of excellence, has made impactful contributions that continue to inspire future generations.”
Hosted by Danny DeVito at the recently completed Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream, the induction ceremony will highlight the Hall of Fame’s newest luminaries as well as the others that have made a lasting impact on New Jersey. General admission ticket sales for the event will be announced at a later date.
“As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, New Jersey is proud to honor a remarkable group of individuals whose achievements reflect the talent, innovation and determination that define the Garden State,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill said. “The New Jersey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 has made a lasting impact in their fields and serves as an inspiration to future generations. I congratulate this outstanding class of inductees and thank them for their contributions to New Jersey and beyond.”
Steve Edwards, New Jersey Hall of Fame president, added: “Our mission is to provide everyone with a hero to look up to, both in times of struggle and achievement. Each of this year’s 13 inductees exemplifies the concept of Areté, or striving for your highest potential in the face of adversity, offering boundless inspiration to those pursuing their own aspirations.”
How Devco does it: Inside $1.5 billion pipeline — and decades of high-profile New Jersey projects
