Hanemann runs one of the largest (and most decorated) combined electric and gas companies in the United States. In addition to serving on a number of key boards, including the state chamber, the New Jersey Utilities Association and Middlesex Water, she has been a strong supporter of programs that mentor women in the utilities workspace — and encourage the next generation to join them.
Hanson oversees the operation and investment activities of Hampshire and its funds and direct investment vehicles. Hanson, who has more than 40 years of real estate investment management and operational experience, is the chair of the firm’s executive committee and investment management committee. He previously served as co-chair of the Rutgers Center for Real Estate.
A powerful figure in the state and around the nation, Harmon leads the AACCNJ with a real-time, no-holds-barred attitude when it comes to ensuring his members — and the greater Black community in the state — are not overlooked. He serves on the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Hackensack Meridian Health and on the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Economic Community Advisory Council.
Hart is the founder of BioNJ, a life sciences trade association organized in 1994 that has grown into one of the most impactful in the sector around the globe. BioNJ supports the state’s robust life sciences ecosystem, fostering innovation, supporting companies from startups to large biopharma and advocating for patient access. Its BioPartnering Conference is a can’t-miss event in the industry.
Hellstrom leads a region that represents more than 45,000 unionized workers in New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Delaware and Puerto Rico and is known for its vibrant organizing and political action programs as well as its innovative labor-management funds and skilled and productive workforce. A second-generation laborer, Hellstrom has been a member of LiUNA since 1984.
Helmy brings a wealth of incredibly high-level government experience to the role, having served as the longtime chief of staff to Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker — as well as serving as a U.S. senator himself, temporarily filling a vacant seat. But, no matter what role he is in, one thing is consistent: Helmy acts with the utmost integrity while building consensus to solve key issues.
No association in the state was more important last year — and will be again this year — than the N.J. Utilities Association. Henning, a former energy executive, does a masterful job of bringing fact-based discussion and advocacy to the issues of the day. As the state and the new gubernatorial administration search for solutions to creation and distribution issues, Henning and NJUA will be there as a thoughtful guide.
One of the true good guys — and gentlemen — in the state, Hirsch deftly leads one of New Jersey’s few remaining standalone hospitals, one that is noted for its maternity and safety-net care. Saint Peter’s, one of the few remaining Catholic hospitals in the state, has been attempting to merge, but has not been able to seal the deal on any potential partners. Because of this, Hirsch’s leadership will continue to be essential in the year ahead.
Intrator, of course, is noteworthy because he runs one of the most important artificial intelligence companies in the country — and has made a commitment to do so in the state of New Jersey. His bigger impact may be in how he helps all things AI grow in the state. CoreWeave is a founding partner (along with heavyweights Princeton University and Microsoft) in the NJ AI Hub.
Jingoli has more than four decades of expertise in construction, project and energy management. His unique ability to think outside the box and create strategies is his calling card. His legacy, however, will be the numerous innovative mentoring and workforce development programs he has developed with his brother, Michael Jingoli.
No one works the circuit harder than Johnson, who seemingly is everywhere pitching the benefits of her members to the greater business community. Broadly honored (she frequently is named among the Top 100 most influential people in accounting), Johnson is known for leading transformative strategies and delivering measurable results through ethical, inclusive leadership.
Kator is a longtime company employee, known for government and community relations, who moved into a regional VP role in the fall of 2023. Skilled in stakeholder outreach, government negotiations, strategic planning, event planning and cross-departmental collaboration, she has proven experience in problem-solving, developing and executing strategy, leading teams and managing a budget.
Keegan launched Solar Landscape along with co-founder Corey Gross in 2012, when both personally installed many of the company’s first commercial rooftop solar projects. The company has developed more than 800 megawatts of renewable energy projects — totaling over $1.5 billion in capital investment — and leased 150 million square feet of commercial rooftops. It now employs more than 300 in 20 states.
Kempner, who founded MWW in 1986, has grown it into one of the largest independent public relations firms in the world. He is a recognized authority on reputation and crisis management, public affairs, business-to-business and consumer marketing and corporate social responsibility. The secret to success? Kempner says MWW is driven by purpose, powered by people and dedicated to helping organizations earn trust, shape culture and lead with integrity.
Kennedy, who oversees all operations and programs of the real estate development association, brings an incredible résumé to the role. He served as senior director at the Utility & Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey, assistant commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and deputy director of the New Jersey Office for Planning Advocacy. He also serves as executive director of the New Jersey Developers’ Political Action Committee.
With more than 40 years in the industry, Kennedy is a passionate, highly competitive, creative and versatile financial services leader dedicated to the communities where his company’s employees live and work. He has made it his mission to transform Peapack Private Bank & Trust into a financial services powerhouse. For eight consecutive years, the bank has been recognized by American Banker as a “Best Bank to Work For.”
Kessler is the region’s most sought-after crisis and reputation management consultant, having counseled corporations, public institutions and high-profile individuals facing allegations of legal, business and personnel misconduct, political corruption, professional integrity issues, social media fallout, large-scale public investigations and other sensitive matters.
“Mr. Meadowlands.” Kirkos has dedicated himself to the region for more than two decades as the leader of its chamber of commerce — and the region is better off because of it. His advocacy for big business is well known (see MetLife Stadium and American Dream) but he prides himself on doing more for small business (see the Flag Cities fan festival idea for the 2026 World Cup). One more thing: His panel events are the best around.
Klein leads the greatest center of innovation the state, country and perhaps the world has ever known. And he was part of the team that decided Nokia Bell Labs will remain in New Jersey. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art headquarters was topped by only one thing: Klein’s sincere insistence that Nokia Bell Labs is eager to work with all founders (big and small) to help facilitate the next great breakthrough.
Koppell would be a uniquely creative leader in any sector. That he chooses to do so in higher education — a sector in desperate need of a transformation and reinvigoration — is a plus for the state. Under his leadership, Montclair State has further cemented its role as a leader in innovation and inclusion, educating more first-generation students than any other institution in the state.
From the landmark Journal Squared project in Jersey City to a luxury multifamily project in East Hanover to industrial projects in Florida, Kushner and KRE Group are seemingly involved in every asset class in every key geography. It’s the result of decades of expertise — built on the foundation of a family-owned business. KRE takes a long-term approach to real estate, and it shows.
