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Evan Weiss has been approved as the next CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

The NJEDA board voted Jan. 28 to confirm Weiss, who will officially assume the role Jan. 29. He succeeds longtime CEO Tim Sullivan and interim Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced her appointment of Weiss to lead the agency Jan. 16.

Weiss most recently served as president and CEO of the Newark Alliance. The private sector-led economic development organization focuses on inclusive growth and collaboration among business, civic and community partners. Under his leadership, the organization worked to position Newark as a national model for equitable economic development.

Prior to that role, Weiss served in the Murphy administration as senior advisor for finance and major projects. In that capacity, he managed more than $10 billion in federal stimulus funding; oversaw capital deployment for major statewide priorities, including renewable energy, transit, affordable housing and large-scale infrastructure efforts, such as the Gateway Project.

Hitting the ground running

Sherrill touted Weiss’s ability to bring key public, private and community stakeholders together.

The governor stressed that New Jersey has everything it takes to lead – a talented workforce, world-class innovation and vibrant communities. However, it must confront rising costs and affordability. Sherrill says these factor make it harder for families and businesses to get and stay ahead.

“Evan Weiss understands how to bring government, industry, and local communities together to expand opportunity and deliver real solutions that lower costs and drive economic development,” said Sherrill. “I am confident that Evan’s leadership will strengthen the NJEDA’s role as a catalyst for growth, so that we can build a more affordable, competitive economy that creates opportunity across every corner of our state.”

Evan Weiss understands how to bring government, industry, and local communities together to expand opportunity and deliver real solutions that lower costs and drive economic development.
– Gov. Mikie Sherrill

NJEDA Chairman Terry O’Toole said the agency is thrilled to welcome Weiss as well as work with him to support Sherrill’s mission to grow the economy.

“Evan brings with him an extraordinary amount of experience and insight and he will help bring the Authority to new heights,” said O’Toole.

Weiss said it is an honor to return to public service and lead the NJEDA in its next chapter.

“I’m excited to hit the ground running and work to create new jobs by expanding opportunity, supporting businesses of all sizes, building up strategic innovation industries, and strengthening communities across the state,” said Weiss. “I’m grateful to Gov. Sherrill, Chairman O’Toole, and the NJEDA Board for entrusting me with this great responsibility, and I look forward to working with our staff and partners in the public and private sectors to build an economy that works for everyone.”