As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 class of inductees. The 13 honorees, selected from a pool of 60 nominees through a public vote, represent the pinnacle of achievement across a diverse range of fields.
While the class features cultural and sports icons such as Grammy Award-winner SZA, New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor, and former Governor Christine Todd Whitman, the 2026 induction also places a significant spotlight on the Garden State’s enterprise leaders who have fundamentally shaped the state’s growth.
Among the honorees are two pivotal figures in New Jersey’s corporate and developmental landscape:
-
Robert Garrett: As the CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network, Garrett is being honored for his transformative leadership in the health care sector. Under his guidance, the network has expanded its reach and commitment to high-quality care, significantly impacting the health and well-being of residents across the state.
-
Chris Paladino: As the President of the New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO), Paladino is recognized for his instrumental role in urban revitalization. His work has been a driving force behind major redevelopment projects that have reshaped New Brunswick and other municipalities, serving as a model for public-private partnership and economic growth in the region.
The Class of 2026 will be officially enshrined during the 18th Annual NJHOF Induction Ceremony, set for Sept. 24, 2026, at the newly completed Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream. The ceremony will be hosted by actor and New Jersey native Danny DeVito.
“The Class of 2026 showcases the diverse talent, resilience, and spirit of achievement that define the great state of New Jersey,” NJHOF Chairman Jon Hanson, said. “Whether through public service, the arts, or the vital economic engine of our state’s enterprise leaders, each inductee has made impactful contributions that continue to inspire future generations.”
The Full 2026 Inductee Class
- Arts & Letters: Big Joe Henry
- Education, Research, Engineering & Science: Geraldine Dodge* and Thomas Eastwick
- Enterprise: James Burke*, Robert Garrett, and Christopher Paladino
- Performing Arts & Entertainment: The Rascals and SZA
- Public Service: Donald Milford Payne Sr.* and Governor Christine Todd Whitman
- Sports: Dr. John McMullen* and Lawrence Taylor
- Unsung Hero: Tom Weatherall
*Inducted posthumously
