Today, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced that Evan Weiss will serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Weiss has decades of experience working with the public and private sectors to drive economic development at the local and statewide level. As CEO of NJEDA, Weiss will work with Gov.-elect Sherrill, Lieutenant Governor-elect Caldwell, and industry partners to accelerate economic opportunity, expand access to capital for small and minority-owned businesses, drive innovation across New Jersey’s economy, and help ensure that economic growth delivers real affordability and opportunity for families across the state.

Weiss has a proven track record of delivering. He most recently served as President and CEO of the Newark Alliance, a private sector–led, inclusive economic development organization that drives transformational growth and collaboration among business, community, and civic partners to strengthen Newark’s economy and position it as a national model for inclusive economic growth. Prior to that, as a Senior Advisor for Finance and Major Projects to Governor Phil Murphy, he managed more than $10 billion in federal stimulus and helped deploy capital to advance key statewide priorities, including renewable energy, transit, affordable housing, and major infrastructure initiatives such as the Gateway Project.

“New Jersey is the best place to live, work, and raise a family – but right now the American dream is unaffordable in our state. Housing is too expensive, utility bills are sky high, and families and small businesses are struggling to get by. I am appointing Evan Weiss to serve as the next CEO of NJEDA because he understands how to bring together government, industry, and communities to create opportunity and find innovative solutions to drive down costs. His leadership will help ensure the NJEDA continues to be a strong partner to businesses and entrepreneurs while building an economy that works for families across our state,” said Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.

“At a time when the administration in Washington is raising prices and gutting New Jersey’s fair share of federal funding, it’s critical we have experienced, creative leadership in New Jersey that will not just protect our economy but help grow it. I am proud to support the appointment of Evan Weiss because he is exactly the type of leader we need. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity ahead of the World Cup and America’s 250^th anniversary to drive meaningful and substantial investments into our communities and economy to ensure all our residents reap the benefits. I look forward to working with him to support small businesses, lower costs, and grow our economy for all New Jerseyans,” said Lt. Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell.

“Thank you to Gov.-elect Sherrill and Lt. Gov.-elect Caldwell for their confidence in me and the opportunity to serve. New Jersey has a strong foundation built on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. I look forward to working with partners across the public and private sectors to grow our economy, attract investment, support small businesses, and ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of the state,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Designee Evan Weiss.

Evan Weiss has served as the President and CEO of the Newark Alliance since 2021, a coalition of corporations, anchor institutions, and government driving durable growth and shared prosperity in Newark. Prior to the Alliance, he was Senior Advisor for Finance and Major Projects to Governor Phil Murphy, leading efforts to tackle pressing economic and community development problems, managing billions in COVID relief, and driving investment in affordable housing, transit, and critical infrastructure projects like the Gateway Tunnel. He also managed key city initiatives across the state, reformed the Urban Enterprise Zone program, and shaped the $14+ billion NJEDA Economic Recovery Act. Prior to serving in New Jersey state government, Weiss was Director at the Pennsylvania Economy League and a Senior Analyst at HJA Strategies. Weiss is also a member of the Board of New Jersey Transit, New Jersey City University, and New Jersey Community Capital. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago.