NJBIA and New Jersey Business Magazine on Friday announced the 22 recipients of the annual Awards for Excellence, which honor member companies and business leaders whose energy and vision have had a positive impact on their employees, their communities and the state’s economy.

Sixteen businesses and organizations, as well as six executives, are being recognized with awards in 2026.

Details about the winners can be found in the October issue of New Jersey Business Magazine.

“This year’s Awards for Excellence winners, all valued NJBIA members, have stepped up to do right for their employees, their communities and New Jersey’s economy,” said NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka. “We are truly proud to recognize their notable achievements.”

The winners are listed by category below:

MEMBER OF THE YEAR  

For company contributions to NJBIA and efforts to improve the state’s business climate.

AMVAL Insurance Solutions

AMVAL is an independent insurance agency providing personal, commercial, health and life insurance across all 50 states. Melissa Isman, vice president of national business development, has helped expand the firm’s footprint and strengthen strategic relationships while continuing to cultivate new opportunities for clients, carriers, and producers alike. She has been a strong supporter of NJBIA, participating in WBLF for two consecutive years and supporting the Energy and Environment Policy Forum in 2025.

Isman brings tremendous talent, energy and networking value, and has been instrumental in connecting members to help cultivate new contacts and opportunities.

Association Member Trust (AMT)   

Association Member Trust (AMT) helps New Jersey businesses build stronger benefits programs – combining trusted medical, dental, and vision plans with simple online enrollment and responsive local support. The not-for-profit, multi-association benefits trust was designed to provide small- and medium-sized businesses with access to the same level of health benefits that are typically reserved for large corporations.

AMT has supported numerous NJBIA events and webinars and has a representative on the Women Business Leaders council. Moreover, AMT has provided an affordable healthcare option to NJBIA’s members, and thousands of companies have benefited from its health plan options.

Morey’s Piers  

Opened in 1969, Morey’s Piers has been a staple on the Wildwoods Boardwalk for decades. Its offerings, including the Wildwoods’ only waterpark, overlook the expansive Wildwoods beaches, giving thrills and excitement to people of all ages.

When Morey’s Piers hosted NJBIA’s board retreat, it truly went above and beyond. Denise Beckson, vice president and chief administrative and external affairs officer for Morey’s Piers, serves on the NJBIA Board of Trustees. She is a subject matter expert on teen, seasonal, and H-1B visa workers for the organization. Beckson is also a brand ambassador for NJBIA through her efforts in introducing new companies and recommending membership.

Plymouth Rock  

Plymouth Rock was established to offer its customers a higher level of service and a more innovative set of products and features than they would typically expect from an insurance company.

Plymouth Rock’s Affinity Partnership for Auto Insurance has been a valuable addition to NJBIA, providing association members and their employees with an additional benefits and opportunities to save on their car insurance along with additional insurance coverage. It has also been a strong supporter of NJBIA’s sponsorship programs, including WBLF and Business Mania, and continues to review additional sponsorships.

WGL Energy  

Since joining NJBIA three years ago, WGL Energy has worked to understand the energy needs of New Jersey businesses. The company sponsored and spoke at the WBLF and energy conference for two consecutive years, sponsored the Holiday Celebration, and has held informative webinars.

For more than 25 years, WGL Energy has powered homes, small businesses and large enterprises across the Mid-Atlantic region through electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy options.

WGL Energy is dedicated to providing exceptional service and transparent business practices as well as effective teamwork in its efforts to meet the energy demands of each resident or business.

Hudson County Community College  

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) consistently develops innovative human resource approaches, ranging from employee wellness programs and flexible work arrangements to skills development initiatives, workplace safety and support services.

For six consecutive years, HCCC has been named a “Most Promising Place to Work” by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and EDULedger. Additionally, HCCC has been named an “Outstanding Employer,” stemming from its efforts in closing achievement gaps among underrepresented groups, Children on Campus policy, generous family and medical leave provisions, and an innovative orientation program for incoming faculty and staff.

Magna-Power Electronics  

Magna-Power Electronics has pushed the boundaries of programmable DC power by designing and manufacturing world-class power supplies and electronic loads that power some of the most demanding applications on the planet. But while the organization is known for building exceptional products, they have also built an exceptional company from the inside out.

And none of it happens without incredible people – the company culture runs on six commitments that can be felt ubiquitously. These are: Act like it’s yours; Keep your word; Quality is personal; Improve something every day; Speak up (no walls); and Look out for each other.

Norris McLaughlin. P.A.  

As companies have instituted return-to-office initiatives following pandemic-era remote work, Norris McLaughlin has led the charge.

The company knows that in the legal services industry, collaboration is crucial – so the firm launched a monthly “Anchor Day” featuring a complimentary catered lunch that also supports local businesses near its offices. Additionally, they revitalized an open space on the 7th floor office to create a wellness-centered environment that’s become a hub for connection.

This year, the company also: implemented a continuing education series; built up its mentor program; and sponsored recreational activities outside work hours to promote collaboration and team building.

Rey Financial Group  

At Rey Financial Group, the father-daughter team of Manuel Rey, Jaclyn Pennella (Rey), and Ashley Rey, CFP, provides personalized service with an understanding of clients’ needs. However, Jackie and Ashley also regularly give back to their communities.

Ashley is a member of the governance and sponsorship committees of Impact100 Garden State, an organization that empowers women to make an impact in their communities. She also chaired the New Jersey Audubon board of directors.

Jackie is an assistant coach of the Hoboken Augustinos softball team, an Impact100 Garden State member, a co-leader of Hoboken Girl Scout Troops 12005 and 12085, and a lifetime member and team captain of New Jersey Audubon.

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR  

For individuals who demonstrate leadership and passion while achieving business success.

Tyler Anthony, Pepco Holdings, President and CEO  

Tyler Anthony, president and CEO at Pepco Holdings, has a track record of translating strategic vision into results. As energy bills continue to rise, Anthony has made a commitment to affordability.

Recently, Atlantic City Electric, a Pepco company, expanded its $4.5 million Customer Relief Fund, and brought support directly to residents through its National Energy Assistance Day event. Anthony also positioned the company as a partner in building South Jersey’s economic future. This year, Atlantic City Electric teamed with others to launch South Jersey Get Into Energy, an HVAC apprenticeship program that offers residents no-cost training and experience.

Dr. Matthew Cifelli, Attain Physical Therapy, LLC Founder and CEO 

Dr. Matthew Cifelli represents the next generation of healthcare leadership – one defined by compassion, innovation, and a commitment to elevating patient care. His effective hybrid model combines high-performance outpatient sports medicine with maintaining strong, independent partnerships with senior-living communities across multiple states.

A visionary at heart, he spearheaded Attain’s proprietary technology ecosystem, including real-time patient communication tools, AI-assisted documentation, on-demand home-care capabilities, and a national scheduling and lead-generation platform designed to simplify access to therapy services nationwide. These innovations are modernizing the rehabilitation process while enhancing transparency, improving efficiency, and strengthening the continuum of care.

Jennifer D’Angelo, NJII COO and EVP of Healthcare  

Jennifer D’Angelo is known for her passionate leadership, advancing the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) and strengthening New Jersey’s economic and public-health infrastructure. She leads both enterprise strategy and day-to-day operations, including the statewide New Jersey Health Information Network (NJHIN) that NJII operates on behalf of the state Department of Health. Under D’Angelo’s leadership, it has become one of the nation’s most connected health-data networks.

NJHIN is revolutionizing healthcare by eliminating duplicate tests and administrative burdens associated with tracking down records. It also helps prevent avoidable hospital readmissions and emergency visits that drive up costs for employers, insurers and communities. Additionally, the program attracts significant federal and state investment.

Jeffrey Hermann, Hermann Services President and CEO 

Jeffrey Hermann is a fourth-generation president and CEO of Hermann Services, which provides warehousing and transportation solutions, and he leads the company with vision for growth while still maintaining the same family legacy of integrity and putting employees first.

Hermann is leading the road ahead with sustainability at the forefront as Hermann Services continues to build one of the largest EV fleets on the East Coast.

Since 2014, the company has taken steps to improve mileage and reduce emissions from its trucks by immediately addressing maintenance issues, maintaining a young fleet, reducing idle time, and planning more efficient routes.

Warren E. Moore, FACHE, Inspira Health President and COO   

Warren E. Moore, who will take over as CEO on Jan. 1, has amassed more than 35 years of healthcare experience and has consistently been recognized for both his business and humanitarian leadership.

He has advanced a disciplined, systemwide operating model that strengthens access to care, improves performance, and aligns the organization around one mission.

Under his leadership, Inspira has achieved significant growth across revenue, provider access, patient encounters, behavioral health services, and community benefit investment. He institutionalized the philosophy of “systemness” to align Inspira’s four hospitals, nine multi-specialty health centers, dozens of ambulatory locations, more than 1,400 physicians and advanced practice providers and 8,000 employees around one unified operational model.

Sinisha Spasovski, Pal-Pro Builders President 

As president of Pal-Pro Builders, LLC, Sinisha Spasovski’s leadership represents the best of New Jersey’s construction industry: technical excellence, entrepreneurial courage, operational discipline, innovation and a relentless commitment to building projects that serve the public for generations.

Under Spasovski’s leadership, Pal-Pro Builders has grown into a respected general construction company performing more than $20 million in annual volume, with a focus on historically significant projects.

The company has implemented numerous technological tools to streamline operations and create a competitive advantage. He has also developed training programs for every position within the company, from field personnel to project managers, administrators, and leadership staff.

EXCELLENCE IN DISABILITY  

For companies committed to leadership in promoting accessibility and disability inclusion.

Bestwork Industries for The Blind, Inc.  

Bestwork Industries for the Blind has served as a cornerstone of disability inclusion in New Jersey. The company stands as proof that inclusion should be done right – and that it’s good for businesses and communities alike. Bestwork integrates employees with disabilities into essential, skill-based roles where their contributions directly support the organization’s operations and its clients’ supply chains.

Bestwork currently employs more than 100 individuals with visual impairments, many of whom might otherwise face significant barriers to employment. Through Bestwork’s employment programs, these individuals gain not only a paycheck, but independence, purpose, and integration into their communities.

Little Travelers 

Little Travelers is a small, mom-owned business that delivers baby-gear products to families visiting the shore. The goal is to help families pack light, travel easier, and fully enjoy their time away.

Little Travelers also launched its Travel Without Limits program earlier this year, a free service that provides strollers at no cost to visiting families. While standard strollers max out at 49-75 pounds, there are children who exceed this weight limit and still require strollers. The company’s adaptive and specialized strollers hold children up to 110 lbs., allowing children with autism and other disabilities to travel comfortably with the equipment their families need.

Moorestown Theater Company  

The Moorestown Theater Company (MTC) has served as a role model for disability inclusion in New Jersey by becoming the Garden State’s only chapter of the nationwide “Penguin Project” for neurodiverse children.

The Penguin Project creates opportunities for neurodiverse children to participate in the performing arts alongside neurotypical children to promote socialization, communication, and self-esteem.

MTC produced the first Penguin Project musical in New Jersey in 2023 with neurodiverse actors and neurotypical mentors. Besides lending singing and dancing talents to the show, mentors also assisted actors by pushing wheelchairs, holding microphones, and assisting with lines.

Special Olympics NJ  

Special Olympics New Jersey provides training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for more than 22,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Along with the benefits of training and competition, athletes get critical health programs, leadership opportunities, and a supportive community. Programming and competitions are provided at no cost to athletes and their families.

The organization also recognizes the importance of employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and supports its community partners to help athletes secure job opportunities. The organization currently employs five Special Olympics athletes and values athlete voices in the planning and evaluation of programs and events.

COMMUNITY SERVICE  

For companies committed to leadership in finding solutions to social or economic challenges.

Atlantic Health  

Volunteerism and philanthropy are central to Atlantic Health’s mission and an important tenet of its culture. In 2025, thousands of donors contributed more than $45.7 million to support patient care, innovation and research, clinical education and community health initiatives across the system.

Across the Atlantic Health system, more than 3,100 community-based volunteers contribute their time, talent and expertise. The volunteers also include leaders who serve on operational, advisory, and fundraising boards. Each year, Atlantic Health hosts meal-packing events and, this year, team members packed and delivered 85,000 meals locally in an effort to help address food insecurity throughout its local communities.

Optimum Communications, Inc.  

Optimum Communications, Inc. has partnered with DonorsChoose to support public school classrooms within the communities it serves as well as across 21 states. Nearly $5 million has been donated since 2020 to fund classroom projects and support students and teachers.

Optimum is providing $60,000 to more than 200 teachers across the country to facilitate access to tools and technologies as well as experiences that enhance learning opportunities and support student success. To date, the company has funded nearly 15,000 projects in more than 6,000 schools, with a specific focus on STEM-based programs.

RWJBarnabas Health  

RWJBarnabas Health partners with communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. The system serves as New Jersey’s largest safety-net provider and a leader in addressing the social determinants of health.

The network also provides food, housing support, and economic opportunities for those in need. RWJBarnabas Health is committed to addressing health disparities by investing in local programs and strengthening critical health and social service infrastructure.

Supported by state community health resources and in partnership with community leaders, providers, civic and faith-based organizations, RWJBarnabas Health is expanding access to healthcare, transportation, healthy food, economic opportunity and stable housing in underserved communities.