Evan Weiss Named New NJEDA CEO

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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