The basics:

• Steplight begins as Newark Alliance CEO Sept. 8
• Former East Orange city administrator managed $2.5B development pipeline
• Brings experience across government, technology, nonprofits
• Newark growth projects include airport, port, film studio investments

Newark Alliance has tapped Solomon Steplight as its new CEO.

A Brick City native, Steplight has experience spanning city government, technology, nonprofits and economic development. According to Newark Alliance, he’ll begin Sept. 8. His predecessor Evan Weiss departed earlier this year to become CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Most recently, Steplight spent eight years as city administrator in East Orange. As part of that role, he oversaw 1,100 employees, a $180 million operating budget and a $2.5 billion development pipeline, Newark Alliance said.

His background also includes senior positions with the City of Newark. Steplight is credited with advancing strategic initiatives, expanding broadband infrastructure and contributing to municipal budget development, according to Newark Alliance.

Steplight previously served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Girls Who Code. While there, he helped transform the New York City-based nonprofit into a nationally recognized organization. Besides expanding its reach, Newark Alliance said he helped build “the operational and financial infrastructure needed to support rapid growth.”

‘Deeply personal’

Steplight remarked, “Taking on this role is deeply personal for me. Growing up, Newark was where I first connected with diverse cultures and robotics – experiences that shaped my interest in building and improving complex systems.”

“Newark has never lacked talent, creativity or ambition. The opportunity before us now is to connect those assets – to bring together technology, business, government, universities, culture and community – to capture more of the value being created in Newark and turn it into more jobs, businesses, investment and opportunity.

“That is the work I’m excited to lead with the Newark Alliance,” he said.

According to the group, Steplight’s arrival comes as major investments in the city’s infrastructure, technology and logistics economy create new opportunities for growth, the group said.

Growing up, Newark was where I first connected with diverse cultures and robotics – experiences that shaped my interest in building and improving complex systems.
—Solomon Steplight, CEO, Newark Alliance

At Newark Liberty International Airport, the Port Authority is advancing plans as part of its 2026-2035 capital plan. The work includes a new Terminal B, expanding Terminal A and building a new $3.5 billion AirTrain Newark. There’s also more than $1.2 billion in private investment to modernize and expand container-terminal operations at Port Newark, according to the Port Authority.

Additionally, Newark is positioning itself as a growing center for film and television production.

Construction is underway on the Lionsgate Newark Studios in the South Ward. Slated to open in 2027, the production complex will include six soundstages, production support facilities and career training for Newark high school students. A $101 million financing package announced this month will support energy and infrastructure improvements at the studio.

As a private sector-led economic development organization focused on inclusive growth and collaboration among businesses, civic and community partners, Newark Alliance believes it’s in a place” to “ensure Newark captures more of that value and translates it into broader opportunity for its residents.”

A proven leader

Newark Alliance governing board Chair Lata Reddy shared, “The Newark Alliance has long been a catalyst for bringing together leaders across business, government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector to advance economic growth and expand opportunity throughout Newark.”

The Prudential Financial senior vice president of inclusive solutions went on, “As we build on that strong foundation, Solomon’s deep understanding of the city, proven leadership and ability to forge meaningful partnerships position him exceptionally well to lead the Alliance’s next chapter and accelerate our shared vision of a stronger, more vibrant and more inclusive Newark.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka praised Steplight. “He understands the opportunities before our city and the importance of building strong partnerships across the public, private and nonprofit sectors, which is essential to advance Newark’s economic revitalization,” the mayor said.

Since Weiss’ departure from the Newark Alliance, Chief Operating Officer Alexandra Snape-Rogers and Strategic Advisor De’Shawn Wright have served as co-leads of the organization. Snape-Rogers led internal operations and Wright managed external affairs.