“As global innovation leaders, New Jersey and Israel have enjoyed a special relationship for decades, a relationship which I have continued to highlight and build upon since my visit to Israel last year,” said Governor Murphy. “I’m thrilled to bring Andrew onto our team so he, alongside the board, can focus every day on enhancing that relationship to build on our cultural and economic ties, so that both New Jersey and Israel can benefit from continued economic growth, shared expertise in cutting-edge technology, and an expanded friendship.”

“I am pleased to welcome Andrew Gross to the Department of State, where he will lead the New Jersey-Israel Commission,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “As Executive Director, Andrew brings to New Jersey strong commitments to diversity and public service and significant experience creating and strengthening relationships between Israel and our state.”

“I feel extremely honored to have been selected by Governor Murphy as the next Executive Director of this important Commission and would like express my appreciation to him and Secretary Way for their decision,” said Andrew Gross, incoming Executive Director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “The Commission plays a critical role in bringing the best of Israeli innovation, technology, and creative minds to New Jersey, and there is no doubt that going forward our state will only benefit from the new life being brought to the Commission.”

“The relationship today between New Jersey and Israel is incredibly strong and based on shared values and interests,” Gross continued. “While Israel remains on the cutting edge of the global economy, New Jersey also offers so many world-class opportunities and is a hub for industry leaders. I look forward to deepening this cooperation broadly and doing everything possible to encourage Israeli businesses to consider New Jersey as their top U.S. destination and trading partner. This is a key relationship that will benefit countless New Jerseyans.”

“As Chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, I have worked closely with Andrew for almost seven years on multiple projects and initiatives relating to the New Jersey Israel relationship including work on the highly successful trade trip to Israel this past October, led by Governor Murphy,” said Mark Levenson, Chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the Governor’s selection of Andrew to be the Executive Director of the Commission, and want to thank Governor Murphy and Secretary Way for moving forward with this very important and welcome addition.”

Andrew H. Gross will serve as the next Executive Director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, overseeing New Jersey’s relations with Israel and advancing the Commission’s objectives of promoting trade, culture, and educational exchanges; encouraging the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and fostering a spirit of cooperation between the residents of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey. He brings a wealth of expertise in government relations, foreign policy, and community affairs.

Between 2012 and 2019, Andrew served as the Director of Political Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in New York. Prior to working at the Consulate, Andrew was a Fellow at the public relations firm Burson-Marsteller and worked in both the Issues and Crisis Group and the U.S. Digital Practice.