Friedman leads one of the state’s largest community colleges with a clear focus on student success, equity and workforce relevance. Supported by strong county partnerships and one of the most diverse student populations in the region, Bergen County Community College remains a state-wide leader in health-care training, cybersecurity and transfer preparation. Under Friedman’s leadership, the college has expanded employer engagement, modernized facilities and strengthened academic pathways.
McCormick’s focus on capital investment and county collaboration has positioned Middlesex College as one of the state’s most ambitious workforce-oriented campuses. That momentum is driven by the sweeping Community, Innovation & Opportunity redevelopment plan, transforming the Edison campus into a regional talent hub. Middlesex College has become a statewide leader in health care, advanced manufacturing and logistics training, while serving as a central convening site for NJ Pathways employer partnerships.
McDonough leads Raritan Valley Community College, a quiet powerhouse in STEM and the life sciences. RVCC delivers strong academic outcomes through programs in environmental science, sustainability and a nationally recognized honors program that drives top transfer results. Its NJBio Futures initiative — launched with Johnson & Johnson support — expands biotechnology training, while the $9.8 million Workforce Training Center supports hands-on education in high-demand technical fields.
Reber announced this week that he is leaving the school at the end of June to become president of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He leaves behind a significant legacy. At HCCC, Reber emphasized equity and access while positioning Hudson County Community College as a model urban institution and a cultural and workforce anchor in Jersey City.
After nearly two decades in key supporting roles at Rowan College of South Jersey, Rickards was selected to guide the institution into its next phase as South Jersey’s workforce anchor. Supported by strong partnerships with Rowan University and regional employers, RCSJ continues to be a leader in mechatronics, health care, aviation and applied technology. Rickards is expanding short term credentials, modernizing academic programs and strengthening transfer pathways.
Stout leads one of New Jersey’s most respected and stable community colleges, long recognized for its strong liberal-arts foundation and deep county support. Brookdale Community College remains a top regional producer of transfer students, supported by well-established pathways to Rutgers, Monmouth and other four-year institutions. Under Stout’s leadership, the college has strengthened health care, public service and workforce programs while maintaining one of the state’s most consistent enrollment profiles.
