On Wednesday afternoon, the state announced Jon Crowley as the new executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.

According to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which oversees the NJMPTVC, Crowley will serve as senior leader of all of the Garden State’s film initiatives. The two-time Emmy Award winner will lead both the NJEDA’s film sector development work as well as manage the NJMPTVC.

Crowley brings more than two decades of television industry experience to the new role. His work includes producing and directing several well-known television series, such as “Impractical Jokers,” “Big Brother,” “Love After Lock-Up” and others.

Since 2017, Crowley has served on the Atlantic Highlands Borough Council. The position saw him work closely with NJMPTVC staff to certify the municipality as “Film Ready.”

He succeeds longtime NJMPTVC Executive Director Steve Gorelick. The outgoing leader announced his impending spring retirement late last year. Gorelick has served the organization for several decades.

“The growth of our film industry has been incredible over the past six years under Gov. [Phil] Murphy’s leadership, and we have welcomed productions to our state, many of which have been smash-hits and award winners,” said Gorelick. “I know with Jon at the helm, the Film Commission will continue its successful track record of attracting major productions and expanding the film industry’s presence in New Jersey.”

“I am thrilled to take on this new challenge and am ready to ensure New Jersey’s momentum in the film industry continues to skyrocket,” said Crowley. “I am grateful to the NJMPTVC Board and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan for entrusting me with this responsibility.”

A ‘booming’ industry

“As the film industry continues to expand across the state, I am excited to welcome Jon Crowley to the NJEDA where he will use his skills and experience to lead the Film Commission’s efforts to attract top-tier film and television productions to the Garden State,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan noted Crowley will help boost the administration’s mission of strengthening the state’s leadership role in the film sector to fuel the economy and create good-paying jobs for residents.

NJMPTVC chairman Michael Uslan said that Crowley’s experience will be a tremendous asset to the Film Commission in its efforts to promote the Garden State.

“I’m thrilled to have Jon Crowley join the Film Commission as Executive Director and I am confident New Jersey’s film industry will continue to grow and succeed under his leadership,” said Uslan.

NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello pointed to the exponential growth of the film and television industry over the last few years, which has led to job creation and increased investment.

“I am certain this booming industry will continue to reach new heights in New Jersey under the leadership of Jon Crowley and I am excited to see what future productions and studios decide to call the Garden State home,” said Coviello.

“I look forward to working alongside the entire NJEDA staff in our shared mission of creating a stronger New Jersey economy,” Crowley added.