The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced today that its board of directors has elected two high-profile business leaders to help steer the state’s economic advocacy efforts: George Helmy of RWJBarnabas Health and Nick Maniatis of Netflix.
The appointments, confirmed during a board meeting on Dec. 17, bring specialized expertise in healthcare policy and the burgeoning entertainment production sector to the Chamber’s leadership.
Helmy currently serves as the executive vice president and chief external affairs and Policy Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, one of the state’s largest healthcare systems. Meanwhile, Maniatis joins the board as the director of Studio & Production Affairs for North America at Netflix, a company that has significantly expanded its footprint in New Jersey with major production hub investments.
“George and Nick are outstanding leaders who will provide valuable counsel and expertise as we work together to ensure the state reaches its full economic potential,” Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce said. “They will be joining a Board with an already impressive group of New Jersey business leaders who contribute to the Chamber’s mission of fostering a dynamic and thriving business environment.”
The Chamber Board is responsible for guiding staff on legislative and policy issues that impact New Jersey’s business climate. With these new appointments, the board will continue to prioritize six critical pillars of economic growth:
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Economic Development: Attracting new industries and supporting existing business expansion.
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Health Care: Addressing costs and accessibility for employers and workers.
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Education & Workforce Development: Aligning academic programs with the needs of the modern job market.
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Transportation & Infrastructure: Ensuring the efficient movement of goods and commuters.
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Environment & Energy: Navigating the transition to sustainable energy while maintaining competitiveness.
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State Budget & Fiscal Issues: Advocating for responsible spending and tax policies.
The addition of Helmy and Maniatis comes at a pivotal time as New Jersey continues to position itself as a hub for both traditional industries like healthcare and emerging sectors like film and digital media.
To see the list of board members click here.
