Focus NJ Center for Economic Research & Workforce Solutions has appointed Althea Ford as leader.

The independent nonprofit provides nonpartisan research on economic and workforce issues.

Ford will take on the Focus NJ role in addition to her current role as New Jersey Business & Industry Association vice president of government affairs.

The Focus NJ Board of Trustees appointed Ford this week. She succeeds former Focus NJ Executive Director Elissa Frank, effective Oct. 1.

NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka chairs the Focus NJ Board of Trustees. She describes Ford as one of the “true rising stars” in Trenton.

“And we are so fortunate that she has accepted this leadership role with Focus NJ, which has its own great momentum going,” said Siekerka. “Althea is a skilled researchers, policy analyst and public speaker, who garners great respect in the business community. With some great research projects in the queue, we look forward to Althea taking Focus NJ to the next level.”

“I look forward leading this incredible organization to meet its moment and mission of producing research that informs sound policy for the benefit of all New Jerseyans,” said Ford, who joined NJBIA in January 2023.

Key things to know about Focus NJ:

• In addition to in-depth research projects, Focus NJ tracks how New Jersey’s gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment, income and other indicators affect the state’s economy through its Economic Tracker dashboard (accessible to all)
• Tracker compares current and historical economic data through interactive maps, charts and tables (updated as federal labor and economic statistics are released)
• Provides an online Workforce Development Map. The interactive tool catalogs more than 400 workforce development training programs throughout the state – connecting workers, employers and training providers. It is continually updated to provide information for members of academia, business and government, as well as current and future workers
• 1,600 people have looked for training through the map – meanwhile, nearly 500 of them go directly to program partners’ websites

Siekerka added, “We are also excited that Jack Ramirez, NJBIA’s Director of Research, will continue to support the research needs of Althea and Focus NJ along with our cadre of impressive interns.”