Saying he brings an extraordinary amount of experience and insight that will help take the N.J. Economic Development Authority to new heights, Evan Weiss this morning was approved by the board of the EDA to be its next CEO.
Weiss will begin the role Thursday.
The appointment was expected, but it came with encouragement and accolades from those close to the process.
“On behalf of the board and our staff, we are thrilled to welcome Evan Weiss to the NJEDA and work with him to support Gov. (Mikie) Sherrill’s mission to grow our economy,” Chairman Terry O’Toole said.
Sherrill summed up why Weiss was her selection to lead the agency.
“Evan Weiss understands how to bring government, industry, and local communities together to expand opportunity and deliver real solutions that lower costs and drive economic development,” she said.
“I am confident that Evan’s leadership will strengthen the NJEDA’s role as a catalyst for growth, so that we can build a more affordable, competitive economy that creates opportunity across every corner of our state.”
Weiss comes to the EDA after previously serving as CEO of the Newark Alliance, a private sector–led, inclusive economic development organization that drives transformational growth and collaboration among business, community and civic partners to strengthen Newark’s economy and position it as a national model for inclusive economic growth.
The organization grew tremendously under his leadership.
He’s no stranger to Trenton, either.
Prior to his role at the Newark Alliance, Weiss served former Gov. Phil Murphy as a senior advisor for finance and major projects. In that role, he managed more than $10 billion in federal stimulus and helped deploy capital to advance key statewide priorities, including renewable energy, transit, affordable housing, and major infrastructure initiatives such as the Gateway Project.
Weiss said he’s ready to go – and help the state grow.
“I’m excited to hit the ground running and work to create new jobs by expanding opportunity, supporting businesses of all sizes, building up strategic innovation industries, and strengthening communities across the state,” he said. “It’s an honor to return to public service and lead the NJEDA in its next chapter.
‘I’m grateful to Gov. Sherrill, Chairman O’Toole, and the NJEDA Board for entrusting me with this great responsibility, and I look forward to working with our staff and partners in the public and private sectors to build an economy that works for everyone.”
Sherrill said everything is in place for Weiss, the EDA and the state to succeed.
“New Jersey has everything it takes to lead,” she said. “We have a talented workforce, world-class innovation, and vibrant communities; but we must confront the rising costs that are making it harder for families and businesses to get and stay ahead.”
Former EDA CEO Tim Sullivan, who helped broaden the organization’s goals during the Murphy administration, gave Weiss high marks.
“Evan is an incredible leader,” he told BINJE. “He’s been a thought partner to me and to lots of us throughout the Murphy administration. He’s driven a ton of key initiatives, and I think he brings a really unique mix of intellect and big ideas and experience and leadership to the table.”
