Carlos Medina, the longtime CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey — and one of the leaders credited with guiding the organization from financial struggle to statewide influence — is leaving the chamber, effective immediately, to focus on his health and well‑being.
Medina, who has held leadership roles at the chamber since 2012, either as chairman or CEO, said the time has come to step back.
“Leading the Statewide Hispanic Chamber has been the privilege of a lifetime,” he told BINJE. “Helping the Hispanic business community gain a stronger footing in the state’s economic ecosystem — fighting for more access to capital and greater recognition — has been the ultimate passion project for me.”
But the nonstop pace, he said, has taken a toll.
“I need to step back and prioritize my health,” he said.
Members of the Chamber’s executive board said they accepted his resignation with deep respect and gratitude for the extraordinary chapter he authored in the organization’s history.
“Carlos’ tenure was defined by vision, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to New Jersey’s Hispanic business community,” they said in a statement. “Under his stewardship, SHCCNJ became one of the largest and most respected chambers in the country, representing Hispanic‑owned enterprises — built through tireless advocacy, strategic acumen and coalitions forged across industries, institutions and communities.”
Luis De La Hoz, chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber, said the organization will immediately begin a search for Medina’s successor. He thanked Medina for his exceptional leadership and noted how difficult the search will be.
“His impact on New Jersey’s economic growth and the inclusion of our multicultural businesses in the state’s economy has been extraordinary,” De La Hoz said.
Medina’s influence on the Chamber and the Hispanic business ecosystem in New Jersey cannot be overstated.
He took an organization once $300,000 in the red and built it into a multimillion‑dollar economic engine, growing membership to more than 7,000 and establishing programs — including ETP and LETS — that have delivered free business education and mentorship to hundreds of small‑business owners across the state.
Medina also guided the chamber through some of its most challenging periods, channeling critical relief resources to minority‑owned businesses when they needed it most.
Today, New Jersey’s 150,000‑plus Hispanic‑owned businesses contribute more than $100 billion annually to the state’s economy. The Statewide Hispanic Chamber has been a cornerstone in advancing that force, earning national recognition along the way.
Moving forward, Medina said he is also in the process of selling Robinson Aerial Surveys, the Hackettstown‑based aerial mapping, surveying, engineering and construction‑management firm he has led since 2009.
Still, he said he plans to remain active in New Jersey’s business and civic communities. He said he will continue serving on the boards of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and NJ Transit – and that he will keep hosting his self‑produced community‑affairs show, Que Pasa.
More immediately, Medina will focus on La Plaza de Futbol, the 39‑day small‑business marketplace to be held at American Dream this summer during the World Cup.
Medina was one of the leaders behind the project. The Modesto Educational Foundation, the 501(c)(3) he oversees, will manage contracting, operations and financial administration for the activation, working closely with the chamber and its partners.
“La Plaza de Futbol is an opportunity for New Jersey’s small‑business community to earn recognition and revenue during the biggest sporting event in the world,” he said. “I feel it will be a legacy moment.”
The latest legacy moment.
Last fall, the chamber led a high‑profile delegation with Choose New Jersey and Gov. Phil Murphy to Mexico City — a defining moment that showcased the chamber’s growing stature.
The Hispanic Chamber also co‑hosted the first statewide celebration of top Hispanic business leaders with BINJE.
Medina has appeared on every major power list in New Jersey for years, including BINJE’s Best: Power Players (this January) and Hispanic Business Leaders (last fall).
Now, he said, it’s time to refocus his attention on himself and his family.
“Leading the Statewide Hispanic Chamber has been a dream,” he said. “I know it will continue to represent the Hispanic business community for many years to come.”
The Board thanked Medina as it prepares for the next phase.
“Our experienced Board — representing corporate, government and community organizations across the state — remains committed, as a familia, to the programs and partnerships that drive economic growth for our members, stakeholders and the broader small‑business community,” they said.
“The programs Carlos championed, the relationships he forged and the doors he opened will endure long beyond his tenure. He transformed SHCCNJ from a regional voice into a statewide force, and the Latino business community is stronger today because of the foundation he built.
“As he moves on to his next chapter, the Board expresses full confidence that his leadership and dedication to the community will continue. The Board extends its deepest gratitude for his service.”
