Business Leaders Congratulate Sherrill, Comment on Inaugural Speech

On Jan 21, 2026

Gov. Mikie Sherrill hit the ground running on inauguration day yesterday, signing executive orders dealing with controlling the rising cost of energy and spurring the creation of new energy generation, to establishing ethical standards and creating a culture of trust, accountability, and transparency in government.

Immediately after her inaugural address at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, business leaders were commenting on what they thought of Sherrill’s 30-minute speech, while sharing their messages of hope and wishing Sherrill much success as the state’s 57th governor.

Here are their thoughts:

Michele Siekerka, president and CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association: “Throughout her campaign, and even preceding it during her time in Congress, Governor Sherrill has shown a much-needed willingness to work with the business community and to give our job creators a more even playing field from which to compete.

“We have been heartened by her transition team’s engagement with NJBIA and the business community since the election in November. While we know we will not always agree on every issue, having an open dialogue with this administration and a mutual understanding of the importance of business to New Jersey’s economy is a great foundation from which to build on. It also makes for better governance.

“We stand at the ready to work with the Sherrill administration and look forward to helping in any way possible. Best of luck to all!”

Andrew Hendry, region president, Atlantic City Electric: “We share the governor’s concerns around the rising cost of electric bills. Our company doesn’t own generation. The vast majority of increases that customers have been facing is the result of increasing generation costs. [Utilities] are in a position where we have to pass those costs through to our customers. Our company shares that concern.

“This is a supply and demand issue. Increasing the supply of generation to meet the increase in demand is going to be key. We want to be partners with the governor on that. She recognizes that there is a supply crunch and that the utilities will be helpful to addressing this … we are looking forward to working with her.”

Jim Kirkos, CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber & Meadowlands Live! Convention & Visitors Bureau: “I was pleased by Gov. Sherrill’s focus on prosperity and affordability because New Jersey needs that. I also have a great degree of confidence in Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell. I think he is going to be a very different type of Lt. Gov who will be active in the business community. That is needed.

“I like the fact that Gov. Sherrill wants to do things a little differently. I like the idea of holding government agencies and entities accountable and eliminating roadblocks and bureaucracy to advance business projects.”

Chrissy Buteas, president and CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ): “HINJ and New Jersey’s life sciences congratulate Gov. Mikie Sherrill on her inauguration, and we look forward to working with her on making New Jersey more affordable, lowering healthcare costs for patients, and strengthening our state’s innovation economy.  New Jersey has been known as the ‘Medicine Chest of the World’ for well over a century, and we were gratified to hear the governor celebrate New Jersey’s global leadership in innovation during her remarks this morning. Our research-based biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies will continue working with her administration and the State Legislature to protect our innovation ecosystem that saves so many lives around the world while driving New Jersey jobs and our state’s economy.”

Debbie Hart, president and CEO of BioNJ: “BioNJ congratulates Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Gov. Dr. Dale Caldwell and their administration and celebrates this exciting new chapter for the State of New Jersey. We are confident that this administration will be fueled by integrity, passion, and grit — values that reflect the very best of our great state.

“As New Jersey continues to lead in innovation, life sciences, and economic growth, BioNJ looks forward to working collaboratively with the Sherrill administration to advance policies that strengthen our innovation ecosystem, support patients, and enhance the quality of life for all New Jerseyans. Together, we can build an even stronger and more vibrant future for the people, patients and businesses that call New Jersey home.”

Daniel Kim, president and CEO, New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association: “We are encouraged and look forward to working with Governor Sherrill, especially here in 2026 with the World Cup and nation’s 250th anniversary when we are going to have so many visitors who will be patronizing our restaurants and hotels and utilizing our hospitality groups.

“We want to make sure we are putting on a worldclass experience for visitors coming in. We want to make sure we have safety and security … that we have a workforce to handle the influx. We are certainly willing to be a partner in all these issues.”

Lori Roth, CEO of Prager Metis CPAs: “Gov. Sherrill’s speech was unifying. It was used to bring everybody together, which is important. It was very impactful from that standpoint. I feel optimism for New Jersey.”

Denise Beckson, vice president, chief administrative and external affairs officer at Morey’s Piers & Resorts: “Gov. Sherrill’s speech was inspiring. She brings a lot of fresh exuberance to the job. She wants to roll up her sleeves and get stuff done. She signed executive orders, not wasting a second. What stood out to me was the comfort level that she had [while giving her speech]. She seemed to be in her own skin and ready to rock and roll. She seems extremely motivated to succeed for New Jersey.”

Christopher Emigholz, chief government affairs officer, New Jersey Business & Industry Association: “It’s hard not to be optimistic on a day like today. It is good to hear Gov. Mikie Sherrill talk about making government work better because we hear from our NJBIA members that, oftentimes for example, they may have a construction project ready to go, but they can’t get a permit … that government is not working for them.”

David Greek, chair of Circulate NJ: “We congratulate Gov. Mikie Sherrill on her inauguration and look forward to working with her in the years ahead. The logistics industry remains the main driving force behind New Jersey’s economy. A recent study by Rutgers found that warehouses and distribution centers alone support over 1.35 million jobs and more than $33.8 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue for New Jersey. Given this impact, we aim to be partners with the new administration as it tackles revenue shortfalls and strives to mitigate increasing energy costs, all while ensuring that New Jersey remains a business-friendly logistics hub for the country.

“We hope the Sherrill administration will continue keeping an open mind around the critical importance that the transportation, logistics and distribution industries bring to New Jersey. Our members are always ready to discuss how, together, we can make jobs and economic development flourish in New Jersey.”

David Rible, CEO of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA): “UTCA looks forward to working with Governor Sherrill as her administration tackles the issues facing New Jersey. Our transportation and energy infrastructure are in serious need of upgrades. This will require a mix of simple and bold solutions to solve. We hope the administration is laser-focused on creating reliable and affordable roads, bridges, rails, and energy resources that New Jerseyans need and deserve. Our members, as always, are standing by, ready, willing, and able to do what needs to be done.”

Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., president and CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.: NJAMHAA congratulates Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell and all individuals appointed to the governor’s cabinet. We look forward to working with our new administration to continually increase access to services that meet all needs related to mental health, substance use treatment, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and social determinants of health for all New Jersey residents, especially vulnerable populations.

“While it has been clear from Gov. Sherrill’s previous work in Congress and her campaign that behavioral health is a priority, we are further encouraged by our discussion with Dr. Caldwell in September. He reinforced and elaborated on his and Gov. Sherrill’s alignment with NJAMHAA’s priorities, including significantly increasing rates and contracts for behavioral healthcare services; opening New Jersey’s certification process to all organizations seeking to become Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics; and strengthening the behavioral healthcare workforce.”

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