TRENTON, N.J. (February 11, 2026) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that Sean Kennedy has been hired as the Authority’s new Chief of Staff and Chief External Affairs Officer. Kennedy’s first day at the NJEDA was Monday.

“Sean brings deep experience in public-sector leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organizational strategy, and I’m excited for the perspective he will bring to the NJEDA,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “Sean will play a critical role at the Authority as we work to support Governor Sherrill’s mission to grow our economy, bolster innovation, cut red tape, and bring down costs for families across the state.”

Kennedy will oversee the Communications, Events & Marketing, Government Affairs & Policy, and International Innovation teams, helping ensure the NJEDA’s brand, messaging, and external presence are aligned with the Authority’s strategic priorities. In his role, Kennedy will serve as the NJEDA’s primary point of contact with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, local governments, and other key stakeholders.

“I’m thrilled to join the NJEDA, which has been at the forefront of driving meaningful economic growth by investing in residents, businesses, and key strategic sectors throughout New Jersey,” said Kennedy. “I look forward to working with the entire NJEDA team, as well as our partners across the public and private sectors, to advance the Authority’s mission and expand its impact across the state.”

Most recently, Kennedy served as a Government Affairs Advisor at Connell Foley. Prior to that, he was Director of CGI’s New Jersey State and Local business. Sean has also held leadership roles in higher education, including Vice President of Government Affairs and External Partnerships at Rowan University and Director of Government and External Relations at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as several positions in state government, ranging from campaign leadership to Associate Executive Director overseeing communications for the New Jersey Senate Majority Office.

Kennedy succeeds Emma Corrado, who recently left the NJEDA to join the Governor’s Office as Deputy Chief Operating Officer.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (January 28, 2026) – Earlier this month, Governor Mikie Sherrill recommended Evan Weiss to lead the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and today its Board voted to approve him as the Authority’s next Chief Executive Officer. Weiss will assume the role on January 29^th.

“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,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “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.” 

Weiss previously served as President and CEO of the Newark Alliance, a private sector–led, inclusive economic development organization that drives transformational growth and collaboration among business, community, and civic partners to strengthen Newark’s economy and position it as a national model for inclusive economic growth. Prior to that, Weiss served as a Senior Advisor for Finance and Major Projects to Governor Phil Murphy. In that role, he managed more than $10 billion in federal stimulus and helped deploy capital to advance key statewide priorities, including renewable energy, transit, affordable housing, and major infrastructure initiatives such as the Gateway Project.

“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 NJEDA Chairman Terry O’Toole. “Evan brings with him an extraordinary amount of experience and insight and he will help bring the Authority to new heights.”

“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,” said incoming NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “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.”

Weiss previously served as Director at the Pennsylvania Economy League and was a Senior Analyst at HJA Strategies. Weiss has also served as a member of the Board of New Jersey Transit, New Jersey City University, and New Jersey Community Capital. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 am.

The following Microsoft Teams link and conference number are provided:

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 226 318 320 673 5

Passcode: X4bg6rW2

Dial in by phone

Dial-in number: +1 551-220-2262

Phone conference ID: 671 296 807#

A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at https://www.njcsit.gov/.

A Special Meeting of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is scheduled for 09:30 am, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The Members will convene via conference call and Microsoft Teams only, to discuss and vote on the following matter:

AUTHORITY MATTERS

ITEM: Approval of new CEO

Members of the public may participate in the meeting by calling in on the conference line or joining via Microsoft Teams. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting.

The following conference number is provided:

CONFERENCE NAME:                    NJEDA BOARD MEETING

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:       1-888-790-3708

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:              7825427

The agenda and Microsoft Teams link can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting at our website: www.njeda.gov/

Center will offer key services to small business owners to help grow their business and close wealth disparity gap

TRENTON, N.J. (January 14, 2026) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Rowan University have partnered together to support the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Transformation Center. The Center, which has been designated by the NJEDA as a statewide Economic Empowerment Center, is a first-of-its kind, main street-focused business incubator designed to strengthen small businesses and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs across New Jersey.

At its December board meeting, the NJEDA Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rowan University, which will serve as the academic and research partner of the Center. The NJEDA will allocate $1.5 million to Rowan University to support the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Center, including technical assistance, training, mentorship, workforce development programming, and outreach to small business owners.

“Since taking office, Governor Murphy has prioritized expanding opportunity and advancing equitable economic growth across New Jersey,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The NJEDA looks forward to working with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and Rowan University to ensure small business owners have access to the tools and resources they need to grow and thrive.”

Rowan University was selected as a partner based on its expertise in applied research, innovation, regional collaboration, and workforce development, including its long-standing work through the Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Rowan will work to ensure Center programming is responsive to local business needs and aligned with the State’s wealth disparity reduction goals.

“This partnership with AACCNJ’s Transformation Center will amplify the power of individuals and organizations to build and sustain businesses and communities together,” said Ali A. Houshmand, president, Rowan University. “Our strengths in education, research and economic development will empower more of our New Jersey neighbors in ways we can only imagine.” 

The Center will leverage AACCNJ’s direct ties to local businesses and industry networks to deliver practical, community-based support in the areas most affected by wealth disparities.

“We are extremely proud of our relationship with the Murphy Administration and our collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Rowan University. These collective efforts are essential in bringing the vision of our Transformation Center to reality,” said Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr., President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ). “This partnership serves as an excellent example of the public sector engaging strategically with the AACCNJ to mitigate socioeconomic disparities in New Jersey, resulting in a definitive win for everyone – including community stakeholders and small business owners.”

In 2021, Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 262, establishing the Wealth Disparity Task Force to examine the causes of longstanding wealth disparities affecting Black and Hispanic New Jerseyans. Building on the Task Force’s findings, NJEDA has advanced targeted strategies to strengthen local capacity, expand access to resources, and foster collaboration to ensure minority- and women-owned businesses can fully participate in the state’s economy.

“The mission of the Wealth Disparity Task Force to close opportunity gaps and support wealth building will be advanced through the AACCNJ’s Transformation Center,” said Jayné Johnson, Director of the Governor’s Office of Equity, and Convenor of the Wealth Disparity Task Force.“The Center, like the employee stock ownership pilot, pipeline initiatives, and numerous other NJEDA programs, brings to fruition the recommendations of the Wealth Disparity Task Force and increases the bottom line for minority- and women-owned businesses. Thank you to the NJEDA, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, and Rowan University for ensuring that the task force’s work is more than words on a page but instead meaningful action that improves the lives of people.”

“The Transformation Center represents a long-term investment in the people and places that power New Jersey’s local economies,” said NJEDA Chief Equity and Inclusive Culture Officer Michelle Bodden. “By expanding access to opportunity and investing in community-based entrepreneurship, we are building a more inclusive economy for all New Jerseyans.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s next public Board Meeting will be held in person, via conference call, and via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Members of the public may participate in the meeting attending in person, by calling in on the conference line, or joining via Microsoft Teams link.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting. The following conference number and Microsoft Teams link are being provided:  

MEETING NAME: NJEDA BOARD MEETING (JANUARY 15, 2026)

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton NJ

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:       1-888-790-3708

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:             7825427

MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING ACCESS LINK

Members of the public are encouraged to call in prior to the time the meeting is scheduled to begin to avoid any delays.

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on our website: https://www.njeda.gov. The meeting will also be recorded and posted to the NJEDA website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting.

Please be advised that the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:30 am. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

One Gateway Center

11-43 Raymond Plaza West, 14^th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102

The agenda and teleconference number can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting here.

Investment in Strategic Innovation Centers will bolster entrepreneurship and catalyze economic growth

TRENTON, N.J. (January 7, 2026) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board recently approved a $12.55 million commitment into two Strategic Innovation Centers (SICs) focused on medical technology and maternal health, facilitating startup creation and bolstering New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem. The New Jersey Accelerator for Innovation in Medtech (NJ AIM), a multi-location SIC in Camden and Mullica Hill, will support the research, development, and commercialization of novel medical technologies and devices. The New Baby New Jersey SIC, which will be located in Trenton’s Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC), will assist early-stage companies advance groundbreaking maternal and infant health solutions. 

“Throughout the Murphy administration, New Jersey has invested heavily in creating environments where entrepreneurs can thrive, opening pathways to capital, encouraging collaboration, and leveraging the strength of the state’s academic institutions and private sector partners,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The NJEDA’s latest investments into NJ AIM and the New Baby New Jersey SIC further establish the state’s leadership in the medtech and maternal health sectors, advancing scientific breakthroughs, creating jobs, and bolstering the regional economy.”

The NJ AIM and New Baby New Jersey SIC programs, managed by Plug and Play, will include a combination of services, including workshops, mentorship sessions, business development services, education opportunities, access to unique equipment and industry partners, and investment opportunities. The programs will accelerate two cohorts of startups per year comprised of no less than 20 independent companies per cohort in both Camden and Trenton. 20 percent of participating companies must be from New Jersey, and the remaining participants will include companies from out of state that may relocate to New Jersey with support from resources that support early-stage startups, such as NJ Accelerate.  

The NJEDA will commit up to $5.5 million to invest in NJ AIM and New Baby New Jersey SIC companies and $2.25 million, matched by SIC partner Rowan University, to support the accelerator programs. Additionally, the NJEDA will invest $1.5 million in a new venture studio operated by NLC Ventures, a leading global venture builder in health technology, which will support the development of new medtech and maternal health companies in the state. The NJEDA will reserve $3 million for an early-phase maternal and infant health pre-venture development and early-stage initiative located in Trenton to include programmatic and technical support administered by a third-party. 

“New Jersey is making a clear statement about its commitment to building the next generation of medical technology companies,” said NLC Ventures USA Director Jaap Haemers. “Through this venture studio, we will work hands-on with founders to translate breakthrough science into scalable companies, while embedding them in a world-class ecosystem of clinical partners, universities, and investors. We’re proud to partner with NJEDA to help position New Jersey as a global launchpad for health innovation.”

The NJ AIM SIC will encompass 8,500 square feet of space within two locations in Camden: the Joint Health Sciences Center and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. It will also have space on Rowan University’s West Campus in Mullica Hill, alongside the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine when open. The SIC will include comprehensive laboratory, diagnostic, and testing spaces for research and development of new technologies in a collaborative environment. Cooper University Health Care will serve as the anchor commercial affiliate and the Rowan Foundation will invest in select participating accelerator companies. 

“Innovation begins with bold investment,” said Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand. “The future of New Jersey is built on collaboration and partnerships that make a difference. Backed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and strengthened by private industry, early-stage investors, and public entities like ours, together we will shape a stronger, more vibrant New Jersey.”

The New Baby New Jersey SIC will include 5,000 square feet of space within the MIHIC. In collaboration with public and private stakeholders, the location will provide first-in-class research and development focused on maternal health care, driving breakthrough solutions in maternal care equity, digital health, doula support, perinatal mental health, and public benefits access. The SIC will further the state’s national leadership in maternal and infant health innovation, leveraging startups, academic institutions, public agencies, and community voices to advance maternal health equity and inventive medical technologies.

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this pivotal moment in New Jersey’s innovation journey. The accelerator is more than a program — it’s a launchpad for bold ideas that have the power to reshape maternal health across our state,” said Lisa Asare, CEO of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA). “Our vision is a world where every mother and baby flourish. NJEDA’s investments to scale maternal health companies and support entrepreneurs is critical — not only to uplift NJ’s mothers and babies, but also strengthening the infrastructures that deliver on the highest level of care.” 

With over 60 offices globally and partnerships with more than 550 corporations, Plug and Play runs more than 100 accelerator programs annually across sectors like AI, fintech, health, and energy. The NJEDA previously partnered with Plug and Play on the Fintech Accelerator at Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ FAST), a financial technology and insurance technology SIC.

“New Jersey is doubling down on startup innovation where it matters most: helping breakthrough medical technologies reach patients and accelerating solutions that improve health outcomes,” said Plug and Play Partner and Chief Revenue Officer Michael Olmstead. “Plug and Play is proud to partner with NJEDA, Rowan University, and Cooper University Health Care to give founders what they need to scale: deep clinical and academic collaboration, hands-on commercialization support, and direct pathways to customers and capital.”

SICs are facilities that support research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship through mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, and education opportunities. SICs can be accelerators, incubators, or research centers. Having a physical location where entrepreneurs can collaborate will help support new, diverse innovators and help drive long-term economic growth.

The NJEDA has announced investments into 12 SICs in New Jersey, focused on industries such as artificial intelligence, fintech, aerospace, life sciences, and biotech. To learn more about the NJEDA’s SIC initiative, visit https://www.njeda.gov/strategic-innovation-centers/. 

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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