The Newark Alliance CEO and a former top policy advisor to former Gov. Phil Murphy was tapped by New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill to head the New Jersey Economic Development Authority as CEO.
Weiss succeeds Tim Sullivan, who resigned last year and relocated to Maryland. Mary Maples has been serving as the acting executive director. Sullivan had served as the NJEDA CEO since February 2018, leading efforts under the Economic Recovery Act of 2020.
Sherrill: Weiss Has Proven Track Record of Success
Evan S. Weiss is a New Jersey Community Capital Board member, the state’s largest community development financial institution, and a “leading economic development authority.” He was a senior advisor for finance and infrastructure to former New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy
Actively involved in reforming Urban Enterprise Zones and EDA tax credits, Weiss also serves in policy leadership positions on offshore wind and affordable housing, and is a New Jersey Transit board member. Previously, he was a director of the Pennsylvania Economy League.
“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,” Sherrill said prior to her inauguration. Weiss was appointed Jan. 16; the inauguration was Jan. 20.
“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,” Sherrill added.
Bernel Hall, president and CEO of New Jersey Community Capital, said Weiss’s appointment reflects a strong alignment with the state’s economic priorities.
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell: Weiss has ‘… Dedicated Impact …”
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell has served as the Newark Alliance’s founding executive director. Weiss has led the Newark Alliance for over four years.
“Evan Weiss is a leading economic development authority, not only in New Jersey, but across the country,” Hall said.
“His work to advance prosperity for the citizens of New Jersey is significant, with demonstrated impact. We at NJCC value his leadership on our board. I personally congratulate Evan on his appointment and look forward to our continued collaboration,” Caldwell added.
State Agencies Support Choice of Weiss
The NJEDA plays a central role in attracting investment, financing infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and advancing redevelopment projects that directly affect communities throughout the Meadowlands region, including East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Secaucus, and Newark.
Bernel Hall, president and CEO of New Jersey Community Capital, said Weiss’s appointment reflects a strong alignment with the state’s economic priorities.
“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,” Caldwell said.
“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 250th 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,” Hall said.
About Evan Weiss
Weiss brings extensive experience in urban revitalization, public finance, and large-scale economic initiatives. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of the Newark Alliance, Newark’s private sector-led economic, community, and workforce development organization, where he worked closely with employers, institutions, and public agencies to strengthen the region’s economic base.
He previously served as senior adviser for finance and major projects to Gov. Phil Murphy, helping guide the state’s fiscal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His work included initiatives that helped establish New Jersey as a hub for the U.S. offshore wind industry and advance financing for affordable housing, transit, and water infrastructure — priorities that have had a direct impact on North Jersey’s transportation network and redevelopment corridors.
Prior to serving in the 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.
Before joining the Murphy administration, Weiss was a director at the Pennsylvania Economy League and at HJA Strategies, where he specialized in turnaround strategies for financially distressed cities and school districts. His work included projects in Newark, Newark Public Schools, Atlantic City, Trenton, and Scranton.
In addition to his role on the New Jersey Community Capital board, Weiss serves on the Newark Workforce Development Board and New Jersey Transit, two organizations with significant influence on workforce pipelines and regional mobility in the Meadowlands.
New Jersey Community Capital
New Jersey Community Capital is a nonprofit community development financial institution dedicated to advancing opportunity through strategic investments and knowledge-based programs. Founded in 1987, the organization finances and supports individuals, businesses and educational institutions, while helping preserve affordable housing and strengthen neighborhoods across New Jersey — including many communities in and around the Meadowlands.
About NJEDA
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) grows the state’s economy and increases equitable access to opportunity by supporting high-quality job creation, catalyzing investment, and fostering vibrant, inclusive community development. NJEDA works in partnership with a diverse range of stakeholders to implement programs and initiatives that improve quality of life, enhance economic vitality, and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Its vision is to make New Jersey a national model for sustainable and equitable economic growth by investing in communities, fostering innovation, and supporting industries with high quality-jobs in the State.
