As the state, national and global economy becomes more complex, more competitive and more reliant on increasingly sophisticated processes, systems and technology, New Jersey residents and businesses risk falling behind. The key to maintaining an edge in this interconnected world is a workforce that continually adds knowledge and expertise.

The importance of expanding educational opportunities and preparing for new challenges is evident when a commercial real estate firm starts its own “university” to prepare new associates for what they will face in the market. Jessica Perry describes JLL’s efforts here. The new hires have skills, JLLU provides the specialized knowledge they’ll need to succeed.

State officials also recognize the importance of post-secondary education, as Matthew Fazelpoor reports. Higher Education Secretary Brian Bridges tells him about efforts to re-connect New Jerseyans who interrupted their education with colleges and universities where they can finish what they started. Bridges notes that the state’s goal is for 65% of adults to get a degree by 2025. The Some College, No Degree initiative is the centerpiece of the work toward attaining that goal.

And colleges and universities themselves are making concerted efforts to reverse the enrollment declines that started during the pandemic, as Kimberly Redmond explains here. Since COVID-19 faded, new obstacles have arisen that dissuade young people from continuing their education beyond high school.

Fixing that problem, and generally keeping New Jersey’s workforce on the cutting edge of achievement, will be the job of the individuals profiled below. All have demonstrated their commitment to the critical task of ensuring that New Jerseyans are prepared for the future.

So, take a look at the profiles and let us know what you think of the leaders honored here. As always, the top 10 are ranked in numerical order; the rest are listed alphabetically.

Methodology

The power lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers. The staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service.