New Jersey City University recently launched the NJCU President’s Community Advisory Council.

Announced Aug. 22, the Council aims to forge stronger ties between NJCU and the surrounding community. It includes community leaders, anchor organizations, elected officials, local business owners and more.

NJCU says the effort seeks to formalize and strengthen the stakeholder collaborations that have been built over the last 18 months, which NJBIZ has reported on.

“We will continue to tether together the university and the local community by fostering collaboration and shared responsibility to build out the reach of our revitalized mission in its second century with meaningful and deliberate agreement,” said NJCU interim President Andres Acebo in a press release.

The following leaders have accepted positions on the Council:

• Silvia Abbato – superintendent, Union City Public Schools
• Annette Chapparo – former assemblywoman
• Joseph Cossolini – president, Jersey City PBA
• Luis de la Hoz – chairman of the board, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
• Emory Edwards – president and CEO, Hudson County Chamber of Commerce
• Norma Fernandez – superintendent, Jersey City Public Schools
• Gary Greenberg – Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County
• Suraj Kaufman – CEO/founder, Sneaker Room Jersey City
• Patrick Kelleher – Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council
• Amy Lin-Rodriguez – superintendent, Hudson County Schools of Technology
• Tanya Marione – director of city planning, Jersey City
• Barbara Martinez – executive director, New Jersey Children’s Foundation
• Tiffany McQueary – development officer, Jersey City Free Public Library
• Carlos Medina – president and CEO, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
• John Niesz – superintendent, City of Bayonne Public Schools
• Michael Prilustsky – president and CEO, Jersey City Medical Center
• Mira Prinz-Arey – Jersey City councilwoman
• Chris Reber – president, Hudson County Community College
• Gabriel Rodriguez – assemblyman, D-33rd District
• Christine Stoll – Legislative District 32 aide

“Through this initiative, NJCU is committed to working closely with community members to contribute to the growth and well-being of both the university mission and the region it serves with values-centered pillars worthy of the remarkable individuals our work touches and is privileged,” said Acebo.