The New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA) board, on March 16, 2026, voted to appoint Rose Farias as NJRA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. NJRA is a multi-million-dollar financing authority created to strengthen urban communities through direct investment in redevelopment projects and technical resources such as customized training and consultations for eligible municipalities. It is an independent authority affiliated with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
“Rose Farias brings deep experience in redevelopment and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing New Jersey’s urban neighborhoods. Her work in Atlantic City reflects a commitment to thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and responsible redevelopment,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “I look forward to working with her in this new role as she leads the NJRA and continues the important work of supporting community revitalization and economic growth across the state.”
“It is an honor to serve as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NJRA at a pivotal moment for our state. I am grateful to Governor Sherrill and Commissioner Suárez for their trust and leadership, and proud to carry forward a mission aligned with their commitment to improving the lives of all New Jersey residents,” said Farias. “As New Jersey faces a critical need for affordable housing, I am committed to advancing solutions that expand access and strengthen communities. Guided by NJRA’s focus on creating value in urban communities through strategic, neighborhood-based investment, I will work to position NJRA as a driving force for sustainable redevelopment across the state. Together, with our partners, we will expand opportunity, promote equity, and ensure every community can grow and thrive for generations to come.”
Farias has considerable experience in public administration, redevelopment finance, legislative operations, and public-sector management, including holding senior leadership roles within state government and redevelopment authorities.
Prior to joining the NJRA, Farias served as the deputy executive director of the New Jersey Senate Majority Office, becoming the first Latina to hold the position. She was the deputy executive director of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority before joining the Senate staff.
Earlier in her career, Farias was a policy director at DCA where she focused on implementing community policing, youth, and career pathways initiatives in Atlantic City. She also served as the Senate’s director of urban policy and a research analyst.
Farias is a graduate of Rutgers University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public administration from the School of Public Affairs and Administration.
To ensure an orderly transition, Leslie A. Anderson will remain at the NJRA as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in anticipation of her retirement on April 1.
About the NJRA
NJRA is a comprehensive resource center that focuses on improving the quality of life by creating value in New Jersey's urban communities. The Authority invests financial and technical resources into redevelopment projects and plans that will create a positive impact in eligible communities and ensures projects are urban-focused, neighborhood-based, and investment-driven. Visit the NJRA online at www.njra.us.
About the DCA
DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, historic preservation, and information privacy.
