Chemistry Council Of New Jersey Names New Deputy Executive Director, Expands Council’s Leadership Team

TRENTON – (October 19, 2021) – Dennis Hart, executive director of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey (CCNJ), and Michael Heltzer, chairman of the Board of Trustees, today announced the promotions of long-time employees Elvin Montero and Ed Waters.  “Both Elvin and Ed have demonstrated fantastic leadership and dedication to the betterment of our association, and we are recognizing their contributions with these promotions and new responsibilities within the CCNJ,” said Heltzer.

Elvin Montero will become the new deputy executive director of the Chemistry Council and will assist in the administration and strategic direction of the association in furthering the interests of the Council and the industry sectors it represents.  Dennis Hart noted, “during my last five years as executive director, I have been impressed by Elvin’s business acumen and deep appreciation for and understanding of association management. I’ve experienced firsthand his ability to engage staff and to make sure we always keep our members as our priority when representing their interests in state government.  He has been an asset to our members and my team.   I look forward to working with Elvin in this new leadership role.”

Prior to being named deputy executive director, Elvin has served as the director of communications and issues management for the last seventeen years, overseeing external relations and membership programming and development. In addition, he has been the lead issues manager for security and energy matters and is well known for his work in chemical plant security and preparedness. During the pandemic he coordinated our industry’s response and closely collaborated with the NJ Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. Communications will remain under Elvin in his expanded role, which will include overseeing Regulatory Affairs.

“I am truly honored to have been promoted to fulfill this new position,” said Elvin Montero, deputy executive director. “I look forward to working with Dennis and assisting him with optimizing the operations and administration of the Council to ensure we remain the premier business advocacy organization for the chemistry industry in New Jersey.”

The Council also announced the promotion of Ed Waters to senior director of government affairs.  In his new role, Ed will oversee both government and policy affairs for the Council and will work closely with the new leadership team to ensure the Council’s advocacy strategy remains proactive and engaged in advancing the issues important to the membership.

“Ed is respected by everyone on both sides of the aisle and is a known problem solver involving a broad range of issues that impact our member companies,” stated Hart.

Prior to his promotion, Ed served as the director of government affairs for more than 14 years. He has been instrumental in helping CCNJ achieve an excellent reputation among policymakers and legislators for our transparent and honest approach to advocacy. Ed joined the CCNJ after several years working in both the legislative and executive branches of government.

“We base our advocacy on facts and science,” said Ed Waters, senior director of government affairs. “I have made it a part of our overall advocacy strategy to work with policymakers to help address potential issues with legislation and offering solutions that work for everyone.”

Since its formation in 1955, CCNJ became the leading association representing the interests of more than 60 New Jersey manufacturers and 45 firms in the business of chemistry, including the manufacturing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biologics, flavors and fragrances, and oil refining before the New Jersey Legislature, Executive Branch, and state agencies.  A $25 billion industry, chemical manufacturing is the largest manufacturing industry in the state and employs over 45,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs in New Jersey.  New Jersey is the 8^th largest chemistry producing state in the nation.

The Chemistry Council of New Jersey, founded in 1955, is the trade and advocacy organization representing the interests of more than 60 New Jersey manufacturers and 45 firms in the business of chemistry. Our membership consists of large and small companies that are part of New Jersey’s chemical, pharmaceutical, consumer packaged goods, petroleum, flavor & fragrances, and precious metals industries. The CCNJ is committed to a better quality of life through science.