Choose New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit economic development organization, announced that Jose Lozano will be stepping down as its President and CEO at the end of this year. Lozano has served as President and CEO of Choose New Jersey since June 2018.
“New Jersey has made great strides economically and Choose New Jersey has been a consequential partner in that effort thanks to Jose Lozano’s leadership,” said Ralph LaRossa, chairman of Choose New Jersey and Chief Operating Officer of PSEG. “Choose New Jersey’s mission is to stimulate job creation and attract capital investment to New Jersey. Since Jose joined the economic development organization in 2018, Choose New Jersey has helped strengthen New Jersey’s economy by assisting more than 150 companies in relocating or expanding to New Jersey, creating or retaining 12,000 jobs”
Lozano helped lead several groundbreaking initiatives during his tenure, including: relocating Choose New Jersey’s headquarters to Newark, New Jersey, an urban-centric location near one of the largest markets in the world; managing, the State of Innovation Marketing Campaign, a $10 million global marketing initiative to promote New Jersey globally; and establishing global marketing partnerships with leading brands such as United Airlines, the New York Giants, the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center in Newark.
In his role as President & CEO of Choose New Jersey, Lozano has led economic development missions or joined Governor Phil Murphy on trade missions to India, Ireland, Israel and Germany. The goal of these trips was to encourage companies in those countries to do business in New Jersey. Lozano also helped oversee the expansion of Choose New Jersey’s operations to Europe and India by opening new offices.
“After leading several successful business delegations abroad, Jose has helped secure New Jersey’s place on the international stage,” continued LaRossa. “Choose New Jersey now has a presence in both Europe and India, and we are already seeing promising results from these historic office openings. Our work overseas contributed significantly to the growth we saw in New Jersey since 2018, with most economic development projects coming from India, Germany, Ireland and Israel.”
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lozano served as co-chair of Governor Murphy’s Restart and Recovery Council, which brought over 200 key stakeholders together to advise elected officials on how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting the state’s economy. Choose New Jersey also led a “Mask Up NJ” social media campaign to encourage residents to utilize proper safety precautions.
“Choose New Jersey continues to prove to businesses from all over the world that New Jersey is a great place to do business. Jose has done a tremendous job at showcasing everything our state has to offer through groundbreaking marketing campaigns, trade shows, virtual events and international trips,” added LaRossa. “Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Choose New Jersey has helped grow New Jersey’s economy, and we are determined to continue helping our state recover from the COVID-19 crisis. I have no doubt that New Jersey will rebuild from the global pandemic stronger than ever thanks to the foundation Jose has provided.”
“Jose Lozano has done a tremendous job helping to grow New Jersey’s economy and attract global businesses to our great state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Choose New Jersey has accomplished so much with Jose at the helm to build a stronger, fairer New Jersey, and I am grateful for his leadership. My administration looks forward to working with Choose New Jersey to continue advancing our diverse, inclusive innovation ecosystem.”
Starting January 1, 2022, Lozano will return to Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest, most comprehensive health network, as Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Business Opportunities. Prior to joining Choose New Jersey, Lozano served as Chief of Staff and Vice President for Corporate Services and Governance at Hackensack Meridian Health where he managed several critical functions. Lozano also previously served as Executive Director of the 2017 Transition for Governor-elect Phil Murphy.
“It has been an honor to serve as President and CEO of Choose New Jersey,” said Jose Lozano.“I am so proud of how Choose New Jersey has helped strengthen New Jersey’s economy by attracting new businesses, which created or retained thousands of good-paying jobs and produced billions in private investment. The future is bright for New Jersey’s innovation economy and all that it has to offer – from our diverse talent, to our outstanding higher education institutions, our strategic location and so much more. I want to thank the Choose New Jersey Board and staff for this incredible opportunity, and I look forward to how the organization will continue to share New Jersey’s story of innovation with the world.”
Choose New Jersey is a privately funded 501 (c)(3) economic development organization with a mission to stimulate job creation and attract capital investment to New Jersey. Choose New Jersey markets New Jersey both domestically and internationally as the best place to grow a business in the United States. Knowledgeable, experienced staff, supported by a network of State agencies and private partners, provide free, confidential assistance to guide companies in establishing operations in New Jersey. By harnessing the power of business, labor, academic and government leaders, Choose New Jersey enables growth across all sectors of the State’s economy, aspiring to build a stronger and more prosperous New Jersey for all. To learn more, visit www.choosenj.com.
