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The basics:

• Willoughby retires Aug. 1 after nearly 48-year career
• Led NJBAC since 2018, supporting businesses statewide
• Helped launch business.nj.gov, NJ Manufacturing Network
• Guided businesses through COVID-19 and economic challenges

After nearly five decades of service to New Jersey’s business community and public sector, Melanie Willoughby will retire as executive director of the New Jersey Business Action Center, effective Aug. 1. Her planned exit will conclude a distinguished career in economic development, business advocacy and public service.

Willoughby announced her retirement in a June 16 note to colleagues, describing her work in both government and the private sector as “fulfilling” and calling her leadership of the Business Action Center “one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Since joining NJBAC in 2018, Willoughby has led the organization with a mission of helping businesses and entrepreneurs navigate the resources and opportunities needed to succeed in New Jersey. Under her leadership, the center expanded its role as a key support for companies across the state, providing guidance to help businesses grow and thrive.

Over the past eight years, Willoughby and her team guided businesses through unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

During her tenure, NJBAC:

• Supported thousands of companies and entrepreneurs
• Oversaw the first update to the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan in decades
• Launched business.nj.gov as a virtual business hub
• Helped businesses access export markets
• Established the New Jersey Manufacturing Network

A respected leader

“For the past eight years, I have led a team that celebrated triumphs and navigated challenges,” Willoughby wrote.

Reflecting on her tenure, she added, “Leading the BAC and serving my fellow New Jerseyans has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Willoughby emphasized the importance of the organization’s mission. She wrote that the Business Action Center helps businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs identify “the resources, rules, and relationships they need to understand in order to succeed in New Jersey.”

Before joining NJBAC in 2018, Willoughby served as chief government affairs officer for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. At NJBIA, she represented businesses before state government. Earlier in her career, she served as president and CEO of the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association. At NJRMA, she became a leading advocate for the retail industry. Willoughby began her public service career during the administration of Gov. Brendan Byrne. She started as director of state and federal government relations at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Across every role, she earned a reputation as a trusted advisor, skilled advocate and dedicated public servant committed to strengthening New Jersey’s economy and communities.

Willoughby reflected on the many colleagues and partners she has collaborated with. “It has been a personal blessing to have worked alongside incredibly dedicated colleagues throughout my career as a public servant and advocate for the business community,” she wrote.

The leader also expressed gratitude for the relationships that defined her career. “I am grateful for the friendships, the lessons, and the shared commitment toward making New Jersey a great place to live, work, and to do business,” said Willoughby, a NJBIZ 2024 Leading Women in Business honoree.

Leading the BAC and serving my fellow New Jerseyans has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
– Melanie Willoughby, executive director, NJBAC

A ‘champion for business’

Looking ahead, Willoughby expressed confidence in the future of the organization she helped shape.

“While my chapter at the BAC is coming to a close, I retire knowing that the people and businesses of New Jersey are in great hands with the Business Action Center,” she wrote.

NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka praised Willoughby’s contributions to the state’s business community.

“Melanie has been a champion for business for decades, and her leadership at NJBAC has helped New Jersey employers of all sizes,” said Siekerka. She added that Willoughby focused significant attention on workforce development, innovation and manufacturing in the state. “We wish Melanie well in her well-earned retirement and thank her for her constant support of New Jersey’s business community,” said Siekerka.

With her retirement, Willoughby closes a career that leaves a lasting imprint on New Jersey’s business community and economic development efforts.