New Jersey’s economic development agency has a new leader. The board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved Evan Weiss as the Authority’s next chief executive officer, following a recommendation earlier in January from Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Weiss most recently served as president and CEO of the Newark Alliance, a private-sector-led economic development organization focused on inclusive growth and collaboration among business, community, and civic stakeholders. Before that, he served as a senior advisor for finance and major projects to then-Governor Phil Murphy, where he managed more than $10 billion in federal stimulus and helped deploy capital across statewide priorities, including renewable energy, transit, affordable housing, and major infrastructure initiatives such as the Gateway Project.
Earlier in his career, Weiss was director at the Pennsylvania Economy League and a senior analyst at HJA Strategies. He has also served on the boards of New Jersey Transit, New Jersey City University, and New Jersey Community Capital. Weiss is a graduate of the University of Chicago.
The NJEDA is New Jersey’s principal agency for driving economic growth and is focused on inclusive and sustainable development through initiatives intended to strengthen communities, support job creation, and improve the state’s long-term competitiveness.
KEY QUOTES
“New Jersey has everything it takes to lead. 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.”
Governor Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
“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. Evan brings with him an extraordinary amount of experience and insight and he will help bring the Authority to new heights.”
Terry O’Toole, Chairman, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
“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. 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.”
Evan Weiss, Incoming Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
