Althea Ford has been selected to lead the Focus NJ Center for Economic Research & Workforce Solutions, the group announced Tuesday.
Focus NJ is an independent nonprofit that conducts timely nonpartisan research on economic and workforce issues.
In addition to in-depth research projects, Focus NJ regularly tracks how the Garden State’s GDP, unemployment, income, and other indicators are affecting the state’s economy through its Economic Tracker dashboard, which is accessible to all. The tracker compares current and historical economic data through interactive maps, charts and tables updated as data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis are released.
Ford was formally appointed by the Focus NJ Board of Trustees this week, effective Oct. 1.
NJBIA President Michele Siekerka praised her experience.
“Althea is one of the true rising stars in Trenton and we are so fortunate that she has accepted this leadership role with Focus NJ,” she said. “Althea is a skilled researcher, policy analyst and public speaker, who garners great respect in the business community. With some great research projects in the queue, we look forward to her taking Focus NJ to the next level.”
Ford joined NJBIA in January 2023, with specialty advocacy roles in education, healthcare and childcare.
