“After the departure of Andrew Gross last year, we are happy to announce his successor, Josh Berliner,” said Governor Murphy. “Josh’s extensive professional background and ties to the development of Israel’s footprint in New Jersey gives him an insightful perspective as we seek to strengthen the ties between our two regions. Our office looks forward to coordinating with Josh in the new role to build on the New Jersey-Israel connection.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh Berliner as the Executive Director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission,” said Lt. Governor Way, who oversees the Commission in her capacity as Secretary of State. “His wealth of experience and dedication to fostering collaboration between Israeli startups and our local ecosystem will undoubtedly contribute to the Commission’s success. Josh’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening ties between New Jersey and Israel in various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and investment.”

“I am extremely gratified to be joining the team of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, and for the opportunity to be serving my community by helping to tell the stories of friendship between New Jersey and Israel,” said Josh Berliner, Executive Director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “This bilateral partnership is built on a rock-solid foundation of shared values, inspired entrepreneurship, and dedicated volunteers, and I am honored to have the chance to be a part of this legacy. I am eagerly looking forward to working with our partners in New Jersey and Israel to enhance this relationship.”

“I have worked with Josh and followed his career at the Israel Economic Mission over the years, and we are very excited about what he will be bringing to the NJIC,” said Mark Levenson, Co-Chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “The Commission will greatly benefit from his personal connections, business experience, and knowledge of the Israeli landscape as we continue to get the word out that New Jersey is a premier home for Israeli businesses investors and families.”

“With Josh’s extensive background in industry outreach, technology scouting, and cultivating relationships with Israeli entrepreneurs, we expect him to bring just the right amount of touch to the job,” said Karin Elkis, Co-Chair of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “My congratulations to Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Way on this exciting appointment.  We look forward to him helping to take NJIC to the next level in the years ahead.”

Josh Berliner brings extensive experience from his 12 plus year tenure at the Government of Israel Economic Mission to North America. In his recent role as Director of Business Development, he played a key role in connecting Israeli health innovation and biotech startups with the local and regional ecosystem. Berliner’s expertise includes identifying and encouraging investors, economic development programs, and corporate partners to invest in and collaborate with Israeli startups. At the Economic Mission, he facilitated thousands of meetings for Israeli startups, and cultivated dozens of new champions and connections for the Israeli ecosystem across the country in the healthcare, investment, and technology landscapes.

Previously at the Economic Mission, Berliner served as Director of Business Development for High-Tech Industries, engaging Israeli startups and U.S. partners in various activities and media initiatives. He also has experience as an Advisor to the Economic Minister, and worked at the Consulate General of Israel in New York as the American Secretary to the Consul General, under Consuls General Arye Mekel and Asi Shariv.

Berliner holds a Master of International Affairs from The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at The City College of New York, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia College, Columbia University.

Berliner lives in Teaneck with his three children.

For a photo of Josh Berliner, click here.

About the New Jersey-Israel Commission: The New Jersey-Israel Commission, which operates within the New Jersey Department of State, was established in 1989 to promote the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourage the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and foster a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey. New Jersey-Israel trade accounts for approximately $1.72 billion annually and thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents.