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The basics:

• Johnson & Johnson underscores deep New Jersey roots with 13,000 employees statewide
• Company highlights investments in life sciences, AI, workforce initiatives like NJ BioFutures
• Remarks delivered at ReNew Jersey Summit ahead of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s appearance
• J&J positions itself as a key driver of innovation, long-term economic growth in NJ

Vanessa Broadhurst, executive vice president of global corporate affairs at Johnson & Johnson, introduced Gov. Mikie Sherrill at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s ReNew Jersey Business Summit March 31.

Broadhurst highlighted her company’s deep roots in the state, as well as its continued focus on innovation and growth.

“It’s wonderful to be here at the ReNew Summit — a gathering that continues to bring together the very best of New Jersey’s business, academic, nonprofit and government leadership,” she said. “I want to thank the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce for creating a forum where we can engage in honest, forward-looking conversations about competitiveness, innovation, and the long-term vitality of our state.”

Broadhurst pointed to Johnson & Johnson’s longstanding presence in New Jersey. Since its founding here nearly 140 years ago, the company has continued to play a central role in the state’s economy and innovation ecosystem.

“At Johnson & Johnson, New Jersey isn’t just where we’re headquartered — it has been our forever home,” she said. “Today, we have 13,000 employees across the state contributing to New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem, economic strength, and community wellbeing.”

Helping to share NJ’s future

That presence spans corporate operations, research and development, and advanced manufacturing across multiple sites statewide. J&J also continues to invest in initiatives such as NJ BioFutures and the HELIX innovation hub in New Brunswick as part of a broader push to strengthen the state’s life sciences ecosystem and talent pipeline.

“J&J is proud to play a role in shaping New Jersey’s future,” said Broadhurst. “Today’s conversations – from economic growth and workforce development to business attraction and regulatory modernization – are essential to ensuring that New Jersey remains a place where companies can grow, where talent wants to stay, and where innovation thrives.”

Beyond its footprint, J&J continues to invest in high-growth areas, such as oncology, immunology and neuroscience. Meanwhile it is also working to advance next-generation therapies and expand the use of artificial intelligence across research, development and business operations.

Workforce development remains a key priority, too. Initiatives like the aforementioned NJ BioFutures, which NJBIZ has previously reported on. These partnerships help to build the local talent bank in collaboration with higher education institutions and community colleges. The outreach supports both specialized roles as well as broader opportunities in advanced manufacturing and the life sciences sector.

Leading together

Broadhurst pointed to Sherrill as a leader who understands both the challenges and the possibilities ahead. She lauded her fresh energy and focus on affordability, government accountability, business competitiveness, and streamlining the systems that affect how residents and employers interact with state government.

“In her first weeks in office, she has demonstrated a commitment to working collaboratively with the business community. Listening to concerns, identifying shared priorities and taking meaningful steps to strengthen New Jersey’s economic foundation,” said Broadhurst. “Her leadership reflects a deep belief that when government, industry, education, and communities work together, New Jersey can lead the nation in innovation, opportunity, and quality of life.”

“It is my honor to introduce the leader guiding New Jersey through this next chapter of growth and transformation,” Broadhurst closed, welcoming Sherrill to the stage.

With deep roots and continued workforce and innovation ecosystem investments, Johnson & Johnson continues to build on its legacy while also helping shape the state’s next phase of economic growth.