Former NJBIA Government Affairs Lead and Focus NJ Executive Director to Lead Garden State’s Civil Justice Reform Group

Lambertville, NJ – (September 4, 2025) – The New Jersey Civil Justice Institute (NJCJI), the Garden State’s only organization solely focused on protecting business and taxpayers from excessive litigation, today announced that Elissa Frank will serve as its next President.

A strong advocate for economic growth and a healthy business climate, Frank joins NJCJI with a background in public policy, legal research, and legislative affairs. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Government Affairs at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, where she led advocacy efforts on employer and labor law issues. She also served as Executive Director of Focus NJ: Center for Economic Research & Workforce Solutions, an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit that conducts economic research on issues impacting New Jersey’s competitiveness.

“I am deeply grateful to the Board of Directors for selecting and entrusting me to lead the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute as President,” Frank said. “I also want to acknowledge the past leaders whose vision and dedication built NJCJI into the respected voice it is today. With that strong foundation, I am excited to carry our mission forward — working to promote fairness, balance, and accountability in New Jersey’s civil justice system and ensuring NJCJI continues to serve as a trusted resource for policymakers, businesses, and the broader legal community.”

As President, Frank will lead NJCJI’s advocacy strategy, coalition building efforts, and serve as the organization’s chief spokesperson, general counsel, and primary voice in public policy debates. She will work closely with the business community, lawmakers, and the public to advance NJCJI’s mission and ensure New Jersey remains a competitive place to live, work, and do business.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Elissa Frank as the next President of NJCJI,” said Scott Hobson, Chair of the NJCJI Board of Directors. “Elissa brings to this role a combination of sharp legal insight, policy acumen, and a deep commitment to a fair and just civil litigation system. At a time when New Jersey’s liability climate is contributing to higher costs across the board, her leadership is exactly what we need to advance common sense reforms and protect the state’s economy.”

In the courtroom and in the state house, NJCJI advocates for a civil justice system that fairly and efficiently resolves cases based on clear legal standards and reliable evidence. It is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization supported by many of New Jersey’s largest employers, business groups, and professional associations.