A keynote address from Gov. Mikie Sherrill may draw the biggest crowd at the 2026 ReNew Jersey Summit, but there will be dozens of other marquee names speaking at the event, March 31-April 1 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City.
The list of panelists, released this week, is a ‘Who’s Who’ of the New Jersey business community — all of which will provide their take on the biggest business issues in the state, many of which were among the Top 30 honored as BINJE’s BEST: Power Players.
There will be an additional keynote from John Gallucci of JAG Physical Therapy and a fireside chat with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby.
Here’s a look at the agenda for the event, which is being co-hosted by Control Point Associates. (Click here to register)
March 31
8:30 a.m: Business Expo opens
11:15 a.m.: Welcome
Chamber CEO Tom Bracken is joined by Control Point Associates CEO Rich Butkus for a conversation on why his company is deeply committed to New Jersey and the reasons behind its decision to co-host the summit, highlighting the importance of partnership and investment in the state’s future.
- Tom Bracken, CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
- Richard Butkus, Managing Partner, Control Point Associates, Inc.
11:30 a.m.: A New Jersey Success Story
From a single clinic to one of the region’s fastest-growing rehabilitation providers, John Gallucci will tell the story behind JAG Physical Therapy.
- John Gallucci Jr.,CEO, JAG Physical Therapy
11:45 a.m.: Ranking New Jersey’s Economic Competitiveness
Neil Bradley of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Senator Andy Kim will engage in a timely discussion on current economic conditions and the national competitive landscape. Drawing on perspectives from Washington and across the states, they examine what leading states are doing to drive economic growth and explore what New Jersey can change to strengthen its reputation as a business-friendly state and a place where companies can invest and create jobs.
- Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Hon. Andy Kim, U.S. Senator, State of New Jersey
12:15 p.m.: Powering the Garden State: New Jersey Energy Leadership Panel
This panel will bring together leading New Jersey energy executives to examine how businesses and consumers can be reliably served in 2026 through a diversified energy portfolio. As demand increases and policy targets evolve, the state faces pressure to balance affordability, reliability, and sustainability.
- Erick Ford, VP, Stevens & Lee Public Affairs (moderator)
- Kim Hanemann, President & COO, PSE&G
- Richard Henning, CEO, New Jersey Utilities Association
- Mike Renna, CEO, South Jersey Industries
1 p.m.: Adapting to Change: The Future of Higher Education in New Jersey
As New Jersey’s higher education landscape evolves, leaders from public and private colleges, community colleges, and trade schools will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in 2026. Panelists will address declining enrollments, funding constraints, and increasing pressure to align academic programs with the rapidly changing needs of today’s employers.
- Aaron Fichtner, President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges (moderator)
- Joe Bertolino, President, Stockton University
- Ali Houshmand, President, Rowan University
- Jonathan Koppell, President, Montclair State University
- Teik Lim, President, New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Michael Zwick, SVP for Research, Rutgers University
1:45 p.m.: Keynote from Gov. Mikie Sherrill
Gov. Sherrill’s remarks will outline her administration’s efforts and programs on her Save You Time and Money agenda and Day One Executive Orders to make it easier to start and grow a business in New Jersey, streamline government, and reduce permitting barriers and red tape.
- Vanessa Broadhurst, EVP, Global Corporate Affairs, Johnson & Johnson (Introduction)
- Hon. Mikie Sherill, Governor, State of New Jersey
2:15 p.m.: New Jersey’s Innovation Economy: Opportunities Ahead
Executives from fast-growing industries — including logistics, entertainment, artificial intelligence, and innovation — come together for a forward-looking panel discussion on opportunities in 2026 and beyond. Panelists share insights on emerging trends, investment potential, and workforce needs, and discuss how New Jersey can position itself as a national leader by fostering innovation, supporting growth, and creating an environment where these industries can thrive.
- Lisa Chowansky, President, HC Constructors Inc. & 1st Vice Chair, NJ Chamber Board (moderator)
- Jaci Kator, Regional VP, External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T
- Liat Krawczyk, Executive Director, NJ AI Hub
- Anthony Lewis, Region VP of State Public Policy and Government Affairs, Verizon
3 p.m.: Hospital Leadership Forum: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
New Jersey’s hospitals are entering 2026 facing pivotal financial, operational and workforce pressures. This discussion brings together leading hospital CEOs to explore emerging opportunities and pressing challenges shaping the year ahead — from navigating state and federal funding uncertainties and consolidation trends, to confronting persistent workforce shortages and rising costs.
- Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health (moderator)
- George Helmy, EVP, Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer, RWJBarnabas Health
- Leslie Hirsch, President & CEO, St. Peter’s Health System
- Amy Mansue, President & CEO, Inspira Health Network
- Thomas W. Scott, President & CEO, CentraState Healthcare System
- Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
3:45 p.m.: Economic Development Leadership Discussion: Positioning New Jersey for Investment
New Jersey economic development executives come together for a panel discussion focused on the strategies and policies needed to grow the state’s economy and attract increased business investment. The conversation explores how New Jersey can support existing companies, compete for new investment, and strengthen its appeal as a place to do business.
- Gil Medina, EVP, CBRE & Chair, NJ Chamber Board (moderator)
- Bill Hagaman, CEO Emeritus, Withum
- Dan Kennedy, CEO, New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP
- Mark Lenhard, CEO, UMC
- Evan Weiss, CEO, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
- Ted Zangari, Chair, Redevelopment Law & Public Policy Practice Group, Sills Cummis & Gross, PC & Secretary, NJ Chamber Board
4:30 p.m.: Taking Flight in New Jersey: Scott Kirby on Jobs, Investment and Growth
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby sits down for a one-on-one interview to discuss the state of the economy and the outlook for the aviation industry. Kirby also highlights United’s long-term commitment to New Jersey, including investment, job creation, and the company’s role in supporting the state’s business community.
- Tom Bergeron, Founder & Editor, BINJE (interviewer)
- Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines
5-7 p.m.: Networking reception
9 p.m.: ReNew Jersey Summit After Party by Control Point Associates (at The Pool at Harrah’s)
April 1
8:15 a.m.: Breakfast
9 a.m.: Welcome to Atlantic City
- Hon. Donald A. Guardian, Assemblyman, New Jersey General Assembly (R-2)
9:15 a.m.: The New Jersey Growth Agenda: Insights from State and Business Leaders
State business and government leaders will discuss the administration’s early strategies for driving economic growth in New Jersey. They will also share real-time reactions to key conference takeaways, offering insights into how the state plans to support business development, attract investment, and create jobs in response to the ideas and priorities highlighted throughout the event.
- Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce (moderator)
- Anthony R. Coscia, Partner, WindelsMarx & Chairman, Board of Directors, Amtrak
- Ralph LaRossa, Chair, President & CEO, Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.
10:15 a.m.: Closing remarks & recommendations
- Tom Bracken, CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
10:30 a.m.: Adjournment
