DEVCO President Chris Paladino and Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Bob Garrett — two seemingly sure-fire selections from the business world — are among 60 nominees for the N.J. Hall of Fame for the Class of 2026.
Paladino and Garrett are part of the 10-member “enterprise” group that also includes the late Marc Berson, Peter Kellogg and David Tepper.
The late Michael Aron is among those in the Arts & Letters category.
The nominees span six categories: Arts & Letters; Education, Research, Engineering & Science; Enterprise; Performing Arts & Entertainment; Public Service; and Sports.
The public is invited to vote through May 5 here.
“We are honored to present a slate of nominees who reflect the ingenuity and grit of the Garden State,” Hall of Fame Chairman (and inductee) Jon Hanson said. “As we open public voting for the Class of 2026, we invite all New Jerseyans to join us in celebrating these extraordinary individuals, whose achievements continue to inspire the world.”
The final inductees will be announced in June, and the 18th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in the fall. Details will be released at a later date.
Here is the complete list of nominees:
ARTS & LETTERS
- Steve Adubato, Jr.
- Mitch Albom
- Michael Aron
- Janet Evanovich
- Elizabeth Gilbert
- Big Joe Henry
- Jennifer Jones
- Peter King
- “Produce Pete” Napolitano
- Marvin Scott
EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENGINEERING & SCIENCE
- John Bardeen
- William C. Campbell
- Dr. Lewis L. Coriell
- Tom Eastwick
- Val Fitch
- Alfred Kinsey
- Dr. Gregory Olsen
- Emily Roebling
- Colonel John Stevens
- James West
ENTERPRISE
- Marc E. Berson
- James E. Burke
- William L. Clayton
- Barbara Corcoran
- Robert C. Garrett
- Peter Kellogg
- Chris Malachowsky
- Chris Paladino
- John Scher
- David Tepper
PERFORMING ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
- James L. Brooks
- Bobby Cannavale
- Tom Cantone
- Michael B. Jordan
- Marilyn McCoo
- Melba Moore
- Phoebe Snow
- SZA
- The Rascals
- Florio “Uncle Floyd” Vivino
PUBLIC SERVICE
- Nicholas F. Brady
- Michael Chertoff
- Geraldine Dodge
- Bruce Gordon
- Gov. William Livingston
- Gail McGovern
- Congressman Bill Pascrell
- Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr.
- Lucy Stone
- Gov. Christine Todd-Whitman
SPORTS
- Al Attles
- Wayne Chrebet
- Hazel Clark
- Victor Cruz
- Jack Hughes
- John McMullen
- Jim Nantz
- Don Newcombe
- Drew Pearson
- Sonny Werblin
