George Norcross III

None of these lists are complete without perhaps the most influential man in New Jersey business and politics, George Norcross III.

Between his roles as executive chairman of Connor Strong & Buckelew, chairman of the board of trustees of Cooper University Health Care, and as a Democratic powerbroker, Norcross is a busy man who continues to move full steam ahead.

Cooper capped off a big 2022, which was headlined by a $2 billion expansion project in Norcross’s native Camden that was announced in September, the largest capital investment in the history of the region.

“Not only does this announcement represent the culmination of Cooper’s amazing turnaround since it faced bankruptcy at the turn of the century, but it is also a sign of our commitment to and faith in Camden, its residents and our shared future,” said Norcross during the September announcement, which included the attendance of Govs. Murphy and Christie, and a video message from TV personality Kelly Ripa. “Cooper’s commitment to its home community is a model of how corporate leadership can spark imagination and new opportunities that benefit local residents,” Norcross said.

Norcross has also made headlines over the last year as he leads an activist investor group, along with his brother, Philip, and former TD Bank CEO Greg Braca, amid a proxy fight at Republic First Bank.