Gross to head New Jersey Israel Commission

Andrew Gross will serve as executive director of the New Jersey Israel Commission.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Secretary of State Tahesha Way announced Gross’ hiring on Tuesday, he will begin in the position in August.

As executive director, Gross will provide oversight for New Jersey-Israel relations to advance objectives including promoting trade, culture and educational exchanges; to encourage joint business ventures and the development of capital; and to foster “a spirit of cooperation” between residents here with those of the State of Israel.

Gross previously served as director of political affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in New York. Prior to his time there, Gross was a Fellow at Burson-Marstellar, a public relations firm, working in the Issues and Crisis Group and the U.S. Digital Practice.

In a statement, Mark Levenson, chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, commended Gross’ appointment, pointing to a working relationship that extends almost seven years.

“While Israel remains on the cutting edge of the global economy, New Jersey also offers so many world-class opportunities and is a hub for industry leaders,” Gross said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to deepening this cooperation broadly and doing everything possible to encourage Israeli businesses to consider New Jersey as their top U.S. destination and trading partner.

“This is a key relationship that will benefit countless New Jerseyans,” he added.

On Oct. 21, during a trip to Israel, the Murphy administration and the Israel Innovation Authority signed an agreement with the aim of strengthening industrial research and development, and an innovation economy.

“As global innovation leaders, New Jersey and Israel have enjoyed a special relationship for decades, a relationship which I have continued to highlight and build upon since my visit to Israel last year,” Murphy said in a prepared statement. “I’m thrilled to bring Andrew onto our team so he, alongside the board, can focus every day on enhancing that relationship to build on our cultural and economic ties, so that both New Jersey and Israel can benefit from continued economic growth, shared expertise in cutting-edge technology, and an expanded friendship.”