Weiss to Serve as CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has announced that Evan Weiss will serve as CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). He will work with the administration and industry partners to accelerate economic opportunity, expand access to capital for small and minority-owned businesses, drive innovation across New Jersey’s economy, and help ensure that economic growth delivers real affordability and opportunity for families across the state.

Weiss most recently served as president and CEO of the Newark Alliance, a private sector–led, inclusive economic development organization that drives growth and collaboration among business, community, and civic partners to strengthen Newark’s economy. Prior to that, as a senior advisor for finance and major projects to Gov. Phil Murphy, he managed more than $10 billion in federal stimulus and helped deploy capital to advance key statewide priorities, including renewable energy, transit, affordable housing, and major infrastructure initiatives such as the Gateway Project.

“New Jersey is the best place to live, work, and raise a family – but right now the American dream is unaffordable in our state,” said Sherrill. “Housing is too expensive, utility bills are sky high, and families and small businesses are struggling to get by. I am appointing Evan Weiss to serve as the next CEO of NJEDA because he understands how to bring together government, industry, and communities to create opportunity and find innovative solutions to drive down costs. His leadership will help ensure the NJEDA continues to be a strong partner to businesses and entrepreneurs while building an economy that works for families across our state.”

“Thank you to Gov.-elect Sherrill and Lt. Gov.-elect Caldwell for their confidence in me and the opportunity to serve,” Weiss said. “New Jersey has a strong foundation built on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. I look forward to working with partners across the public and private sectors to grow our economy, attract investment, support small businesses, and ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of the state.”

New Jersey Business & Industry Association President & CEO Michele Siekerka commented, “We also look forward to our continued partnership with NJEDA under Evan Weiss. We will continue to support the office to help drive New Jersey’s economy through job creation, investment and innovation. With New Jersey currently ranked second worst in the nation in unemployment rate, there is some work to be done, and we can’t wait to get started with the new administration.”

While working for the Murphy administration, Weiss reformed the Urban Enterprise Zone program and shaped the $14+ billion NJEDA Economic Recovery Act. Prior to serving in New Jersey state government, he was director at the Pennsylvania Economy League and a senior analyst at HJA Strategies. Weiss is also a member of the Board of New Jersey Transit, New Jersey City University, and New Jersey Community Capital. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.