James Brown, founder, CEO and managing partner of James D. Brown, CPA, has been
named chairman of the board of the Meadowlands Chamber, the chamber annoounced
last week.
Brown succeeds Arthur “Scott” Porter, managing partner at Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll.
Michael Turner, president of Burton Trent Public Affairs LLC, will become vice
chairman.
The Meadowlands Chamber & Convention & Visitors Bureau represents more than 1,100 member companies and advocates for economic development and destination
growth throughout the region.
Meadowlands Chamber CEO Jim Kirkos thanked Porter for his efforts while welcoming
Brown and Turner to their new roles.
“With Scott’s leadership, the Chamber has been able to elevate the region and its
assets as a host for another internationally renowned sporting event,” he said. “We are
confident that under James, Michael and Bob’s leadership, we will continue this
momentum and leverage the World Cup matches as a catalyst for expanded
programming and economic activity throughout the region.”
Brown brings extensive business and civic leadership experience, including deep
involvement in the Teaneck community and longstanding service within the African
American business community.
He served for 11 years on the board of directors of the National Association of Black
Accountants, including roles as national parliamentarian, president of NABA’s New York
Chapter, and president of its Eastern Region.
A lifetime member of NABA, Brown is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs,
the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Tax
Professionals, and the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce.
Brown is the first African American business executive to serve in this role.
Turner has been a Trenton lobbyist for more than 30 years and is a leader in cannabis
business development and regulatory policy. He has advised the chamber on numerous key issues over the years, including the referendum to build a casino at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
Under Porter’s lead, the Meadowlands Chamber achieved two long-standing regional
objectives: securing $2 million in funding for a feasibility study to build a convention
center at the Meadowlands Sports Complex and hosting eight FIFA World Cup 26
matches at MetLife Stadium, including the final.
