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Nicholas Papanier Jr.
PrimoHoagies

As owner, president and CEO of PrimoHoagies, Papanier has helped make the sandwich joint a recognizable name in a crowding field. Primo ranked as America’s No. 1 shop for the category in USA Today’s readers’ choice awards for the third consecutive year in 2025, besting other local – and national – favorite, Jersey Mike’s Subs.

Since celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, Papanier has expanded the PrimoHoagies brand to 126 stores across the U.S. and nearly doubled sales to $90 million (2023). His vision has also brought Primo to states outside the East Coast, extending its footprint to Texas, the Carolinas, Colorado and upstate New York. It currently has 30-plus stores in New Jersey.

Born in Philly, PrimoHoagies is based in Westville now. However, Papanier and Primo continue to be active in the region. Papanier has earned recognition for his achievements at the family-owned and operated franchise business, as well as for achieving them at this earlier point in his career. He received back-to-back 40 Under 40 awards, from NJBIZ in 2024 and the Philadelphia Business Journal in 2025.

Steve Pozycki
SJP Properties

Pozycki is founder and CEO of Parsippany-based SJP Properties. Established in 1981, the firm has built a name for itself as a premier developer for the range of office, mixed-use, industrial and luxury residential properties it’s delivered. Pozycki has led the development of more than 30 million square feet, including notable projects such as the Morris Corporate Center, Somerset Corporate Center, Waterfront Corporate Center and 11 Times Square in New York City. An innovative leader, Pozycki and SJP’s work reflects a vision to incorporate regional transportation infrastructure with its urban properties, for example. It also played a role in pushing the expansion of luxury residential offerings, particularly across the Hudson River in New York.

Currently backed by a team of more than 90 employees, SJP has 20 buildings under management and more than $5 billion in invested equity. According to the company, it boasts development projects representing $1.3 billion. Pozycki was on hand in September for a ceremony to celebrate the start of work on H-2 at the HELIX in New Brunswick, which SJP is working with DEVCO on. The forthcoming 10-story, 370,000-square-foot home for Nokia Bells Labs is just the latest in a string of high-profile headquarters SJP has handled in New Jersey, following spots for Deloitte, Sanofi and Valley Bank in Morristown, and others.

Dennis Pullin
Virtua Health

The Virtua Health president and CEO has led the system since 2017, consistently earning recognition for his work. In 2024, he appeared on Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in the industry nationwide. His extensive background includes many executive leadership positions in hospitals, academic medical centers, physician group practices and private industry. Pullin is also an Amazon best-selling author, penning a book for ascending leaders, and host of the Here for Good podcast.

That “good” work was on display in August, when Virtua and The Michaels Organization debuted the transformative Oliver Station in Camden. The $24 million housing-health model is the first of its kind to launch in South Jersey; and just the third across the state, so far. Tying up some more summer news, Virtua and its potential partner, Delaware-based ChristianaCare, mutually announced in December calling off plans to explore a merger. The deal would have established a four-state health care system.

A fellow and past regent of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Pullin was elected to the board of directors of Hillenbrand Inc. in 2021 and DaVita Inc. in 2024.

Christina Renna
Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey

Renna is marking her sixth year at the helm of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, where she leads initiatives in public policy, workforce development and business advocacy. As president and CEO, Renna oversees a 10-person team that advocates for its 1,200-plus members and the larger business community through a range of efforts and programs.

In August 2025, the organization notched a major victory for South Jersey residents and businesses when then-Gov. Phil Murphy announced that $5 million in one-time federal funding would be used to expand and support micro-transit services in the region.

Advocating for and receiving this funding was a direct follow up to CCSNJ’s public policy report co-authored by Renna that argued the lack of mass transportation options was an impediment to future economic development and job growth in South Jersey. CCSNJ also had reason to celebrate last fall when Renna was recognized by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University for excellence in her field and by Scouting America’s Garden State Council for outstanding contributions to business growth.

Ira Robbins
Valley National Bank

Since being tapped as Valley National Bank’s CEO and president, Robbins has kept the Morristown-based financial institution focused on growth, digital innovation and keeping customers first. After joining Valley in 1996, Robbins went on to hold several key positions where he helped shape the firm’s expansion and success. A perennial on NJBIZ Power lists, Robbins was named executive of the year during the NJBIZ Business of the Year awards program in 2023.

Under his leadership, Valley has strengthened its balance sheet, grown deposits, expanded commercial lending and improved profitability, helping the bank deliver record earnings and become a more efficient, well-managed operation.

Now as Valley approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, it has more than 200 branches across New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California and Illinois; nearly $62 billion in assets; and employs over 3,800 workers. Ahead of the milestone, Valley kicked off a new marketing campaign emphasizing its legacy as a relationship-focused community bank. Centered on answering everyday financial questions people face – like how to buy a home or grow a business – the effort seeks to highlight Valley’s role as a trusted partner with the insight and human understanding to help customers move forward. Robbins said, “In a world shaped by volatility, digitization, and trust fatigue, relationship-led, anticipatory service is not a differentiator, it’s the standard people deserve.”

Nicole Rodriguez
New Jersey Policy Perspective

Since June 2022, Rodriguez has been president of New Jersey Policy Perspective, a Trenton-based think tank that drives policy change to advance economic, social and racial justice. Under her leadership, NJPP aims to provide rigorous, actionable research alongside strategic guidance to coalitions and campaigns, with the goal of moving the state toward an economy where everyone can prosper.

Central to Rodriguez’s approach is a deeper, more intentional partnership with structurally underserved communities, including comprehensive collaboration with Black and Latinx leaders and organizations to advance racial, social and economic justice. As a result, NJPP has sharpened its focus on equity-driven reforms, weighing in on a range of issues, such as immigration enforcement, access to justice, paid leave and utility affordability, as lawmakers in Trenton debate the state’s next policy moves.

Rodriguez joined NJPP in 2019 as research director after serving as a senior researcher at Community Labor United in Boston, where she helped lead campaigns for low-income families and communities of color. In taking the helm of NJPP from Brandon McKoy, Rodriguez said, “With democratic institutions and basic freedoms under attack in our nation’s halls of power, the need for community-driven policy has never been greater. We have a lot of work to do in building a state and economy that works for everyone, and I know that with this team we can get it done.”

Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich
Zago Manufacturing Co.

As CEO of Zago Manufacturing Co., Rottenstrich leads an award-winning company with a client roster that includes Apple, Lockheed Martin, Ferrari, Google and the U.S. military. Operating from a century-old, refurbished factory in Newark, Zago manufactures high-tech sealing fasteners and switch boots for a range of industries, from aerospace to medical to clean energy to electronics to transportation.

Since Rottenstrich and her husband started the company more than 30 years ago at the New Jersey Institute of Technology Enterprise Development Center small business incubator, they’ve focused on producing high-tech and sustainable solutions.

Beyond clean manufacturing, the company invests in its community through the Zago Sustainability 360° program – offering scholarships, internships, apprenticeships and full‑tuition support for employees – while actively promoting STEM education in underserved communities.

Formerly a corporate attorney and now a CEO – as well as a longtime Fair Lawn borough councilwoman and deputy mayor – Rottenstrich’s manufacturing leadership has earned her numerous accolades.  Last fall, she was among the honorees recognized during the Junior Achievement of New Jersey’s annual New Jersey Business Hall of Fame.

Ed Russo
Russo Development

Since 2001, Russo has served as CEO of one of the most active, privately held developers in North Jersey. Now in its second generation of leadership, Carlstadt-based Russo Development has become one of the most successful niche development companies in the marketplace. It’s also one of the largest owners of data center space in the New York City metropolitan area.

Since its founding in 1969 by Lawrence Russo Jr., the firm has developed more than 7 million square feet of premier commercial space, delivered 6,000-plus luxury apartment units and completed more than 60 industrial projects. Within the next three years, it anticipates completion of an additional 3,500-plus residential units.

Just a few of Russo Developments projects include transforming the former site of The Record newspaper in Hackensack into The Print House, a 271-unit luxury housing development, and developing a warehouse in Moonachie for Macy’s to build Thanksgiving Day Parade floats. Its signature Vermella brand – a lifestyle property featuring apartments, modern amenities and social spaces – can be found across New Jersey, in cities like Newark, Harrison, Union, Orange and Kearny.

Dr. Ryan Saadi
Tevogen Bio

Along with founding Tevogen Bio, Saadi serves as CEO for the six-year-old clinical-stage specialty immunotherapy biotech. Based in Warren, Tevogen is focused on developing affordable, safe and easy-to-administer T cell therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases, cancers and neurological disorders.

Saadi, an infectious disease expert and public health advocate, received a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2023 for his efforts to address the significant unmet needs of large patient populations through Tevogen.  Along with securing three U.S. patents, Tevogen bio has nine additional patents pending. As of August 2025, the company’s estimated asset value has grown to over $10 billion based on its intellectual property, product pipeline and clinical progress.

The company last summer signed a lease that more than doubled the size of its headquarters to centralize R&D, strategy, regulatory, AI-related initiatives and future biosimilars work. Saadi recently described 2025 as “a defining execution year for Tevogen.” He went on to say, “We have built a scalable CTL platform, expanded into multiple high-value indications, and laid the manufacturing foundation required to translate our science into clinical and commercial outcomes.”

Richard Saker
Saker ShopRites

Leading one of the largest supermarket operators in New Jersey is Saker, a fourth-generation grocer and former chair of the New Jersey Food Council. With a footprint that includes 40 grocery stores across Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer and Somerset counties, the family-owned business is the biggest stakeholder in Keasbey-based Wakefern Food Corp. And its workforce of 10,255 strong just placed the Holmdel-headquartered company at the top of NJBIZ’s ranking of family-owned businesses by number of workers.

Earlier this month, Saker ShopRites unveiled a new, 110,000-square-foot supermarket in Manahawkin Commons. Located in a former Kmart store, the site replaced an existing ShopRite less than a mile away. The grand opening comes about two years after Saker ShopRites purchased the shopping plaza for a reported $36.5 million from Baltimore-based privately held commercial real estate investment firm MCB Real Estate LLC.

Commenting on the launch, Saker said, “We’re proud to offer a fresh, modern store filled with amenities that make shopping easier and more enjoyable. From locally sourced products and prepared foods to world-class services, this store reflects our promise to deliver quality and care to every customer who walks through our doors.”

John Saraceno and Jonathan Schultz
Onyx Equities LLC

Since Saraceno and Schultz founded Onyx Equities LLC in 2004, the two managing partners have expanded the full-service real estate investment and development firm into one of the most active in the New York metropolitan market.

Over the years, Woodbridge-based Onyx has amassed more than $4.5 billion in property acquisitions and holdings spanning New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. It has also executive over $1.1 billion in asset repositioning projects across all property types.

As chief investment strategist, Saraceno directs investment strategy and oversees portfolio management across commercial and mixed-use property types. In addition, he oversees Onyx’s investment fund arm. Schultz helms investor capital raising initiatives, strategic planning and real estate technology development. He also oversees fundraising efforts for the firm’s real estate fund. Onyx has earned recognition for high-profile development projects and investments, like the 2 million-square-foot Northeast Science & Technology Center at the former Merck campus in Kenilworth and the 2.3 million square-foot Gateway office complex in Newark. It was also the first official supporter of the FIFA World Cup.

John Schreiber
New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Since becoming the second president and CEO of New Jersey Performing Arts Center in 2011, Schreiber has turned the Newark-based venue into one of the most diverse performing arts centers in the country. He has also played a key role in the massive redevelopment going on around NJPAC that is a major part of the city’s renaissance.

In September 2024, NJPAC broke ground on a $336 million redevelopment of its 12-acre campus that will bring 350 mixed-income residential units, retail, restaurants, outdoor space, rehearsal facilities and a new home for jazz station WBGO. The project is slated for completion by fall 2027. Elsewhere in the Brick City, NJPAC is partnering with the Newark Housing Authority and Great Point Studios to bring a Lionsgate TV and film studio in the city’s South Ward.  Construction on the $125 million facility began in December 2025 and is expected to wrap up next year.

NJPAC also continues to present and produce more than 650 events annually, reaching 100,000 children and families. The venue recently announced it will once again produce the North 2 Shore Festival highlighting homegrown talent and innovation. Now in its fourth year, the event will bring two weeks of performances, exhibitions, and community programs to Asbury Park and Newark. And, last month Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell decided to break a 235-year-old tradition by moving their oath of office ceremonies from Trenton to NJPAC. Schreiber called it “a great honor for NJPAC and the city of Newark” to host the inauguration.

Michele Siekerka
New Jersey Business & Industry Association

As president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Siekerka leads one of the nation’s most influential statewide employer organizations. Since her tenure began in October 2014, NJBIA has expanded its voice on critical policy issues affecting New Jersey businesses while enhancing member services and resources.

Along with being widely recognized for her ability to navigate political and economic landscapes, Siekerka is known for offering strategic insights to advance policies that make New Jersey more affordable and regionally competitive. Known for her collaborative approach, she leads the New Jersey Business Coalition, a network of more than 100 business and nonprofit associations formed during the pandemic, as well as chairs the Conference of State Manufacturers to coordinate policy priorities nationally.

Ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election, Siekerka reinforced her role as a go-to authority on business, tax, labor and regulatory issues when she presented NJBIA’s “Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey,” a 28-page policy document that seeks to offer a roadmap to drive innovation and grow the state’s economy.

NJBIA also debuted refreshed branding and a new tagline (“Business at the Center”) last year. Siekerka said, “This change is not just cosmetic. It represents both our sharpened focus on advocating for policies that help business leaders advance a modern economy and our mission to ensure that business is not just part of the conversation – but central to it.”

Bob Sommer
Awsom Associates LLC

As chief executive officer of Ridgewood-based Awsom Associates LLC, Sommer leads one of the top communications, government relations and public affairs firms in New Jersey. He’s also a lecturer at Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University.

Known for his expertise in communications, marketing and brand building, Sommer has connections to top business leaders and elected officials across the state. He can also be counted upon to help guide media to important context for stories on a variety of political and policy issues.

Before founding his own firm in 2015, Sommer served as a key advisor in then-Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s administration. In naming him to the position, the Democrat said, “Anyone involved in government within New Jersey knows that Bob Sommer is an all-star.”

His resume also includes a post as president of Rock Entertainment Management, where he led public relations and advertising for the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center. Sommer is also a former president of Observer Media Group and partner and executive vice president of national public relations firm MWW (now MikeWorldWide).

Sommer also held speechwriter roles for the late Jim Florio during his time in Congress and as New Jersey’s governor. He was elected as a delegate for Bill Clinton as the 1992 Democratic National Convention.

Andrew Sullivan
Prudential Financial Inc.

The chief executive officer of Newark-headquartered Prudential Financial Inc., Sullivan assumed the role in March 2025 as Charles Lowrey’s successor. Since joining the firm in 2011, Sullivan has held several leadership positions including heading all U.S.-based businesses, before overseeing International Insurance and PGIM, Prudential’s $1.4 trillion global investment management business.

Now as CEO, Sullivan has spearheaded a restructuring effort aimed at sharpening focus on growth areas, streamlining execution, and strengthening Prudential’s position as a leader in investing, insurance and retirement security. As part of that strategy, Prudential realigned its senior leadership structure to place the heads of U.S. operations, emerging markets, Japan and asset management arm under Sullivan’s direct supervision.

Sullivan has said the leadership changes seek to advance Prudential’s goal of building a “more agile” and “more focused” business. He also believes it will position the company “to deliver stronger and more consistent performance over time.”

Before arriving at Prudential, Sullivan held senior roles at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Cigna. He began his career as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy.

William Tate IV
Rutgers University

After starting in July 2025 as the 22nd president of Rutgers University, Tate is settling into the role leading one of the nation’s largest public universities. A nationally recognized social scientist and experienced higher education leader, the Rutgers’ Board of Governors selected Tate following a nationwide search to find Jonathan Holloway’s successor.

Tate previously served as president of Louisiana State University. During his four-year tenure there, he guided record-setting achievements in research, enrollment, philanthropy, athletics and legislative support.

In overseeing strategic direction at Rutgers, Tate has said his focus is on student success, clinical advances, and innovation that sparks basic discovery, applied research, creative arts and economic growth. By connecting higher education with business and nonprofit sectors, Tate aims to advance workforce development, human health, and community partnerships across New Jersey and beyond.

During his formal inauguration in November 2025, Tate announced a new scholarship program to support students who excel in arts, science, sports and technology, saying, “These are the future inductees to the New Jersey Hall of Fame … the scholarships are for people who see possibility where others see limit.”

Darren Tipton
Paris Baguette North America

The CEO of Paris Baguette North America, Tipton is overseeing an ambitious push to open 1,000 cafés across North America by 2030. To scale in a smart way, the French-inspired bakery café concept says it is focused on quality, connection and customer experience by perfecting store designs, streamlining operations and building a supply chain that supports future growth goals.

Known for a wide variety of freshly baked pastries, cakes and breads, Paris Baguette has grown to 4,000 units worldwide since its founding four decades ago in South Korea.

After debuting in the U.S. 21 years ago, the brand rolled out franchising 10 years later. The Moonachie-headquartered banner now has over 250 outposts nationwide — and expects to hit 400 units in 2026.

Construction is also underway on Paris Baguette’s first North American bakery plant. The $200 million plant outside of Fort Worth is being designed to support long-term scalability and growth. It is expected to be fully operational by mid-2027.

Tipton, who was promoted in January 2020 from chief operating officer to CEO of the SPC Group-owned subsidiary’s U.S. operations, recently shared, “We’re heading into 2026 from a position of incredible strength, supported by an enhanced infrastructure and a pipeline that shows no signs of slowing down.”

Peter Torcicollo
FBT Gibbons LLP

As of Jan. 1, Torcicollo is co-managing partner of the newly formed firm created by a merger Newark-headquartered Gibbons PC with Frost Brown Todd LLC. After uniting as FBT Gibbons LLP, the firm is a mid-market legal powerhouse with roughly 800 attorneys across 25 offices nationwide serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth and mid-market businesses.

Previously, Torcicollo had been Gibbons’ managing director since 2022. During his tenure, he worked to expand the firm’s services in key growth areas with strategic hires, including in the standalone White Collar & Investigations group, the standalone Alternative Dispute Resolution group and the Financial Restructuring & Creditors’ Rights group.

Commenting on the merger, Torcicollo said, “Combining these firms supercharges our strategic ambitions and amplifies our impact from coast to coast. Clients will gain access to a more robust bench of industry-savvy attorneys and a nationwide presence that positions us as a formidable force in the legal landscape.”

Established in 1926 by Andrew Crummy, the firm gained a strong reputation in litigation areas such as trial, commercial, white collar, investigations, class action, product liability, labor and employment, environmental and life sciences.

Gibbons also recently marked its 20th consecutive appearance on the NJBIZ Best Places to Work in New Jersey list.

Carol Voorhees
NJM Insurance

Ahead of longtime chief executive officer Mitch Livingston’s retirement last year, NJM Insurance veteran Voorhees was tapped as his successor. She officially took the reins in August 2025, becoming the first woman and 10th chief executive officer in NJM’s 112-year history. At West Trenton-based NJM, Voorhees helms commercial and personal lines of business for one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s leading property and casualty insurers. She also oversees the marketing department and its work to strategically promote NJM’s nationally recognized customer and claims service.

After joining NJM’s information technology department in 1996, Voorhees steadily assumed roles of increasing responsibility. She is credited with creating a project management process and managing several strategic technology upgrades at the company.

Voorhees was appointed chief information officer and senior vice president in 2018. Six years later, she became executive vice president and chief operating officer.

In taking on her new role, Voorhees said she was “truly honored.”  She also said, “After 29 years of service, I understand NJM’s value proposition and what makes us special — providing outstanding service to our policyholders. As we begin this new chapter, I look forward to continuing NJM’s mission of serving the needs of our customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.” Along with continuing to earn high customer satisfaction accolades, including top rankings by JD Power, NJM was recently named as one of the best employers in New Jersey by Forbes.

Francis Walsh
NRS Inc.

As chief executive officer and chairman of NRS Inc., Walsh helms one of the largest privately held logistics and supply chain companies in the U.S. Founded in 1952, the Lyndhurst -based second generation-owned company operates a national network of distribution centers, terminals and transportation assets focused on freight, warehousing and delivery services for major retailers and brands. Its operations span several trucking divisions – Keystone Freight Corp., National Retail Transportation and World Logistics – that each handle different types of hauls.

After growing up in the family-founded business, Walsh joined the company officially in 1994. Thanks to a deep operational understanding gained by working across various parts of the company, he rose to executive leadership.

During his tenure, Walsh has overseen expansion efforts, operational improvements, cargo security and risk management, helping to sustain long-term client relationships and service consistency in a demanding industry. Besides receiving a Cargo Security Award from CargoNet in 2024, NRS was a finalist that year in the NJBIZ Business of the Year Awards in the family-owned businesses with more than 100 employees category.

Tatsuyuki Yasuno
Eisai Inc.

As chairman and CEO of Eisai Inc. and president of the Americas Region of Japanese pharmaceutical giant Eisai, Yasuno is based in the company’s U.S. headquarters on the ON3 Campus in Nutley. Yasuno has held numerous executive roles in Japan, Europe and the U.S. during his 35-year tenure with Eisai. He was tapped in 2023 to take over for outgoing CEO Ivan Chueng.

Now, he oversees strategic direction in North America – the company’s largest commercial region worldwide. His responsibility includes management of Eisai’s operating companies and sites in the United States and Canada, including its fully integrated commercial and medical organizations specializing in oncology and neurology, multiple research and development facilities, and the supply chain organization.

As a research-based firm dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, Eisai’s business is split into two groups – oncology and neurology. A leader in Alzheimer’s research for decades, Eisai is among one of the few pharmaceutical companies with a drug (Leqembi) to treat the root causes of a condition that affects more than 55 million people worldwide. Within the past year, Eisai celebrated the grand opening of a state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Baltimore, as well as expanded its Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.

Ralph Zucker
Inspired by Somerset Development

As the founder and CEO of Holmdel-based Inspired by Somerset Development, Zucker has spent the past three decades building a reputation for transforming overlooked or complex properties into high-impact, mixed-used destinations. Over the years, he has overseen the development, rehabilitation and management of more than 10 million square feet of commercial, residential and mixed-use space, with an active pipeline exceeding 5 million square feet and valued at more than $1 billion.

Inspired is best known for Bell Works Holmdel, where it led the adaptive reuse of the former 2-million-square-foot Bell Labs campus into a thriving “metroburb” that has maintained roughly 98% occupancy and now houses more than 100 companies, along with dining, entertainment, coworking and community amenities. Apple TV+ also chose the location to film much of its hit show Severance. Inspired has since expanded the Bell Works model to the Chicago area and Fort Monmouth in Tinton Falls.

The firm also just broke ground on LIDO Asbury Park, a 112-unit ultra-luxury condominium project on Ocean Avenue, and developed The Inkwell Lofts in Long Branch. With strong leasing activity across its portfolio and multiple projects underway, Zucker continues to shape New Jersey’s real estate landscape through bold, design-driven redevelopment.

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