Harmon, Montecalvo & Rusckowski inducted into New Jersey Business Hall of Fame

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Three business leaders will be inducted into the New Jersey Business Hall of Fame on Dec. 9, Junior Achievement of New Jersey announced July 20.

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey President and Chief Executive Officer John Harmon, Bayshore Recycling President and CEO Valerie Montecalvo, and Quest Diagnostics President and CEO Steve Rusckowski were nominated and chosen by their peers for their impact in positively shaping their business and communities and their high standards as role models for New Jersey youth.

“Throughout their impressive careers, they have consistently demonstrated high ethical standards, mentorship, community involvement, and innovative leadership,” said JANJ President Catherine Milone. “It is these very same characteristics that JA hopes to instill in New Jersey’s students as our future leaders. This year’s virtual ceremony will be a memorable evening celebrating their remarkable achievements.”

Harmon founded AACCNJ 14 years ago and has served as its president and CEO for 14 years. Prior to spearheading AACCNJ, Harmon was president and CEO of the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce, which under his leadership generated meaningful partnerships in a wide range of sectors and significantly increased membership.

Montecalvo has been at the helm of Bayshore Recycling for 26 years. She herself is a Junior Achievement alum, and JANJ calls her “a full-circle example of what the JA experience represents” JANJ calls her “committed to her passion of carrying out Bayshore’s core vision of operating 100% green businesses powered 100% by renewable energy.”

Quest Diagnostics President and CEO Rusckowski exemplifies “exceptional leadership through his commitment to the betterment of his community, as well as his innovative approach to expanding Quest Diagnostics capabilities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the JANJ announcement said. Quest has performed more than 50 million COVID-19 molecular and serology tests to date and was one of the leading labs nationally to create and secure Emergency Use Authorization from the Food & Drug Administration for its COVID-19 test.