The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) announced the promotion of Kirsten Giardi to senior vice president, Strategic Growth & Member Experience. The move comes on the heels of a successful year of expansion for the organization, marked by high-impact programming and strengthened regional ties.
In her elevated role, Giardi becomes the lead architect of the NRBP’s member value proposition. Her responsibilities now include overseeing the design of all major summits, councils, and signature events, as well as managing corporate sponsorships and deepening partnerships with Newark’s influential anchor institutions.
The promotion follows Giardi’s successful execution of two landmark events that have redefined the NRBP’s regional influence:
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Inaugural Leadership Summit (January 2026): Giardi led this full-day event which drew over 150 leaders from the business and nonprofit sectors. The summit provided specialized tracks for the NRBP’s Nonprofit, Women’s, and Entrepreneurs councils, featuring speakers from major organizations such as PSEG, Prudential, and Panasonic.
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Transportation Symposium (November 2025): After a multi-year hiatus, Giardi revived this critical industry forum. The event brought together executives from Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the Port Authority to coordinate infrastructure preparedness ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President & CEO of NRBP, praised Giardi’s ability to “blend strategic vision with member-focused execution,” noting that her leadership has set a new standard for how the organization serves its community. Giardi expressed her honor in stepping into the expanded role during a “new chapter” for the partnership, emphasizing her commitment to creating inclusive opportunities that drive shared economic growth across the region’s 30-mile catchment area.
The appointment is part of a broader organizational realignment aimed at ensuring a “world-class member experience” for the diverse businesses and nonprofits within the Greater Newark ecosystem. As the premier chamber of commerce for the region, the NRBP continues to focus on connectivity and economic vitality as it prepares for the global spotlight of the 2026 World Cup.
