William C. Hanson, president of NAI James E. Hanson — Courtesy: NAI James E. Hanson
By Joshua Burd
NAI James E. Hanson President William C. Hanson has taken over as board chair of one of northern New Jersey’s top business advocacy networks.
The organization, the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, joined the Teterboro-based firm on Thursday in announcing the new role for Hanson, a longtime member who has spent the past two years as vice chairman. In his expanded leadership role, he will work closely with his fellow board members and CIANJ President Anthony Russo to chart and execute a strategic vision for the organization.
Hanson also will help guide the organization as it navigates the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and an uncertain economic recovery.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new chairman, William Hanson, who has served on CIANJ’s Executive Committee and board for many years,” Russo said. “Bill takes the helm at a time when CIANJ faces many challenges as a result of the pandemic and we are fortunate to have his leadership as we move into 2021 and beyond.”
Hanson, a CIANJ member for more than 25 years, will help lead an organization that provides education, legislative advocacy and membership interaction. He has led NAI Hanson since 1993, overseeing substantial growth at a firm that now has 73 employees.
Over the last 10 years, NAI Hanson has completed nearly 3,000 transactions worth more than $3.2 billion in value and covering over 42 million square feet.
“I am honored and humbled by this tremendous opportunity to help lead an organization that has not only had a substantial impact on my professional growth but has helped countless businesses, large and small, find success in our state,” Hanson said. “I look forward to working with Anthony Russo and his team to continue to support and advocate on behalf of New Jersey’s business community as we navigate the significant challenges on the horizon.”
Hanson has held a host of leadership roles with other real estate and business organizations, including the NAI Global Leadership Board, the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors New Jersey chapter, the Foundation for Free Enterprise and the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, among others. He is also an active volunteer and board member with community-based groups such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation and others.