There is a temptation when reading through lists of dissimilar things to draw conclusions about what it all means. Or to provide a synthesis to help others make sense of the list and the placement of the items that comprise it. Or to reveal hidden patterns that expose otherwise obscure truths.

Sometimes, one or more of those approaches actually work, especially when the context in which the list was compiled offers a ready framework. During the pandemic, for example, some of the NJBIZ power lists were populated by individuals who worked tirelessly and courageously to protect public health – often in roles that seemed peripheral to the cause of the crisis.

But this year’s Power 100 list does not lend itself to broad conclusions, valid synthesis or revelatory patterns. Yes, the top 10 includes two individuals directly involved with the Gateway project – widely regarded as the most important infrastructure work in the country. And others listed elsewhere play critical roles in Gateway’s progress – all of whom will be counted upon to make the undertaking a success.

Nonetheless, it may be helpful to explain the thinking that went into the compilation of the list. Yes, infrastructure and the influx of federal funds was an overarching consideration. But there are others.

For example, regular readers of this feature may recall the effort NJBIZ editorial staff members made to begin limiting the number of government bureaucrats and elected officials to focus more intently on business leaders. This publication, after all, is focused on New Jersey’s business community, so the list should recognize the most important leaders in that space.

That goal has largely been met, with two notable exceptions. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka retained his place and, in fact, made the top 10. The reason: the state’s largest city is making great strides in attracting and retaining new businesses. Newark still has a long way to go, but business owners and executives who have worked with the mayor and his staff unanimously praise Baraka’s leadership. He seems to be striking a critical balance between being “business friendly” and providing for the well-being of residents. The inaugural Newark Summit supplied ample evidence of the mayor’s approach and its likelihood of success.

The other exception is the combination of Dianna Houenou and Jeff Brown of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. The cannabis industry remains in a nascent stage here and the CRC’s actions and regulations will determine how quickly it grows and how large it becomes. Now that some of the early legal issues that bedeviled the industry have been mitigated – at least at the state level – operators have a right to expect that Houenou and Brown will take leading roles helping them grow and prosper within the parameters set by the voters and the Legislature.

Finally, and fittingly, health care professionals also appear frequently and prominently, even post-pandemic. The industry is crucial to the state’s economy and its work is obviously vital to all New Jerseyans. A strong economy and business community require a healthy workforce and populace. Hospitals, drugmakers and academic institutions are at the forefront of the effort to ensure continued growth.

So, take a look at the profiles in these pages and let us know what you think of the choices reflected therein. As always, the top 10 honorees are listed numerically; the others are presented in alphabetical order.

Methodology

The power lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers. The staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service.