Evan Weiss Discusses NJEDA’s Vision at NRBP Event

On Mar 16, 2026

Business leaders gathered at Newark Regional Business Partnership’s Leadership Roundtable recently for a candid discussion with Evan Weiss, newly named CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

The event, hosted and sponsored by New Jersey Institute of Technology, brought together leaders from various industries to exchange ideas and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the greater Newark region.

The program opened with remarks from Dr. Teik C. Lim, president of NJIT, who emphasized the university’s role in preparing the state’s workforce and driving innovation. Lim highlighted NJIT’s commitment to workforce development and technological leadership in the state.

“For NJIT to thrive, Newark must thrive, and NRBP is a critical component of the partnership between NJIT and the city of Newark,” said Lim. “NJIT’s impact through tech-driven economic development, creation of a world-class talent pipeline, and numerous industry partnerships help make Newark a hub for technology, talent, and economic opportunity.”

In a conversation moderated by NRBP President and CEO Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Weiss reflected on his first weeks leading NJEDA and shared his vision for strengthening the agency’s impact across the state.

Weiss discussed NJEDA’s broad portfolio of economic development tools, including tax credits, venture innovation initiatives, business attraction efforts, and real estate development programs. He also noted the organization’s deep presence in Newark, which is home to NJEDA’s second largest office, and how it plays an important role in the agency’s work across New Jersey.

Throughout the discussion and audience Q&A, participants explored a range of topics including:

• NJEDA priorities and efforts to make its programs and products more accessible
• The need for strategies to support micro and small businesses across New Jersey
• The importance of cross-sector collaboration and breaking down silos
• Opportunities for communities to engage around the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Real estate and infrastructure challenges, including commercial leasing challenges and improvements to Newark Penn Station

“I appreciated the opportunity to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership’s roundtable and discuss ways the NJEDA is working to bolster the state’s economy,” said Weiss. “Conversations like this help bring together private and public partners who share a common goal of driving job creation and economic growth across New Jersey. I’m excited for our continued collaboration to move our state forward.”

Attendees included representatives from organizations including K&L Gates, GNEC, Audible, PSEG, CBRE, NJIT, Citizens Bank, CSG Law, Edison Properties, Essex County College, Newark Downtown District, PNC Bank, Rutgers University–Newark, The Enterprise Center, and Tonio Burgos & Associates.

“The challenges and opportunities facing our region are too complex for any one organization to tackle alone. What makes Newark special is our willingness to come together across sectors, share ideas, and contribute our unique talents and resources. Convenings like this ensure that collaboration remains at the center of how we move our economy forward,” said Nixon.

NRBP’s Leadership Roundtable Series provides an opportunity for senior leaders to engage directly with policymakers and decision-makers on issues shaping the region’s economic future, while fostering the connections and collaboration needed to move ideas into action. It is open exclusively to NRBP members in the Innovator Tier and higher.

The next Leadership Roundtable will be held on Sept. 17 at NJIT and will feature the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

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