Highly regarded government affairs expert Sean Kennedy will serve as chief of staff and chief external affairs officer at the N.J. Economic Development Authority, the organization announced Tuesday.
Kennedy will oversee the communications, events and marketing, government affairs and policy and international innovation teams, helping ensure the NJEDA’s brand, messaging, and external presence are aligned with the EDA’s strategic priorities.
In his role, Kennedy will serve as the EDA’s primary point of contact with the governor’s office, the legislature, local governments and other key stakeholders.
EDA CEO Evan Weiss applauded the announcement.
“Sean brings deep experience in public-sector leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organizational strategy, and I’m excited for the perspective he will bring to the NJEDA,” he said.
“Sean will play a critical role at the Authority as we work to support Governor Sherrill’s mission to grow our economy, bolster innovation, cut red tape and bring down costs for families across the state.”
Kennedy comes to the EDA from Connell Foley, where he served as a government affairs advisor.
Prior to that, he was director of CGI’s New Jersey State and Local business. He has also held leadership roles in higher education, including VP of government affairs and external partnerships at Rowan University and director of government and external relations at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as several positions in state government, ranging from campaign leadership to associate executive director overseeing communications for the New Jersey Senate Majority Office.
He said he’s eager to take on the new role.
“I’m thrilled to join the NJEDA, which has been at the forefront of driving meaningful economic growth by investing in residents, businesses and key strategic sectors throughout New Jersey,” he said. “I look forward to working with the entire NJEDA team, as well as our partners across the public and private sectors, to advance the Authority’s mission and expand its impact across the state”
Kennedy succeeds Emma Corrado, who recently left the EDA to join the governor’s office as deputy chief operating officer.
