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Gov. Mikie Sherrill will deliver the keynote address at NJBIA’s 2026 Public Policy Forum Jan. 30, at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal.

The annual event brings together policymakers and top business leaders to discuss economic priorities and policy direction in New Jersey.

It will mark the newly sworn-in governor’s first address to the business community. And comes on the heels of several early executive orders that the audience has applauded.

“We are delighted that Gov. Sherrill will be joining us for her first speech to the business community since her inauguration last week,” said NJBIZ President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “We look forward to hearing more about the executive orders signed last week to reduce red tape for business and bring more accountability to permit processes, as well as her other plans for New Jersey’s economy this year.”

Panel discussions

In addition to the keynote, the forum will feature a Legislative Leaders panel moderated by NJ Spotlight News anchor and Emmy Award–winning journalist Briana Vannozzi with:

• Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District
• Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon, R-13th District
• Minority Conference Leader Christopher DePhillips, R-40th District

An All-Star C-Suite panel moderated by Bill Caruso, partner, Archer & Greiner PC will include:

• Robert Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health
• Liat Krawczyk, executive director, New Jersey AI Hub
• Steve Sweeney, former New Jersey Senate president and Gloucester County administrator
• Bruce Van Saun, chairman and CEO, Citizens Financial Group
• William Tate IV, president, Rutgers University

During the forum, NJBIA will honor seven business and policy leaders for their contributions to New Jersey’s economy.

Candy Straight Woman Trailblazer Award

• Barbara DeMarco, vice president, Porzio Governmental Affairs
• Lynn Nowak, executive vice president, Porzio Governmental Affairs

Paul L. Troast Award

• Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, R-13th District
• Assemblyman William Spearman, D-5th District
• Senator Latham Tiver, R-8th District

Leonard C. Johnson Award

• Denise Beckson, vice president/chief administrative & external affairs officer, Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
• Ward Sanders, president, New Jersey Association of Health Plans

“We’re thrilled to honor these outstanding business leaders,” said Siekerka. “While they all come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, they share unique leadership qualities that are absolutely essential to New Jersey’s business community and to our business climate.

“This will be an outstanding forum, with important content as the state transitions to new leadership. We look forward to presenting these awards to these individuals as part of an informative event with tremendous subject matter experts.”

More information on the event can be found here. Please stay with NJBIZ for full coverage from the forum.