The Newark Alliance has announced a significant expansion to its team, welcoming Jerrah Crowder as the new deputy director for Real Estate and Investments. Crowder steps into the role to support strategic real estate development and investment initiatives aimed at fostering equitable growth across the city.
In his new capacity, Crowder will work closely with the chief real estate investment officer and other divisions within the Alliance, as well as partner organizations. His primary focus will be on providing essential resources to bolster the small business landscape and the broader economic development ecosystem, concentrating on place-based solutions tailored specifically for Newark.
Crowder is a seasoned leader with a deep history in Newark’s development. He most recently served as assistant director of the City of Newark’s Department of Economic and Housing Development (EHD). While at EHD, he was instrumental in executing Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s equitable growth strategy, a major effort that successfully leveraged billions of dollars in new investments to generate opportunities for local residents and businesses.
Bringing nearly three decades of leadership experience to the Alliance, Crowder’s background spans both the public and private sectors. His prior roles include serving as an investment advisor for a global firm, a New Jersey Planning Official, and Chairman of both Newark’s Central Planning Board and the Equitable Growth Advisory Commission.
A native of Newark, Crowder’s professional commitment to his city is also personal. He is a graduate of Howard University and has pursued advanced studies in strategic management, real estate, and community and economic development finance at Harvard University’s Extension School. He currently raises his own family in the city, underscoring his continued dedication to Newark’s advancement.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move by the Newark Alliance to double down on its mission of promoting inclusive economic growth and enhancing the city’s built environment.
