Listen to this articleNJBIZ once again presents our list of business professionals who are doing great work without making headlines. The individuals profiled here have either completed difficult tasks, are working on disruptive new ideas or leading others in those endeavors. The common thread is that you, the reader, might never have heard of them. This list is designed to change that.
By definition, the honorees on NJBIZ Power lists are almost all widely known. Or at least prominent in their fields. Many of those folks have spent their entire careers building businesses, ascending the ranks of corporate management, training new generations or in some other way making New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business.
This list honors the money people who – for the moment, at least – work behind the scenes. They perform vital tasks in every business by helping ensure profitability, avert crises, invest wisely and generally keep the wheels of business turning in the right direction. Without talented professionals in these sorts of positions, businesses could not function properly, if at all.
So, while they may work in relative obscurity, they nonetheless play crucial roles in their organizations. The point of being in business is to make money. The state’s economy and its citizens’ livelihoods depend on it. That makes the task of ensuring a steady flow of dollars – earned and accounted for honestly – among the most important in any company.
We are once again asking for readers’ help in identifying new entrants for our lists. Many of the people profiled in these features are known to NJBIZ editorial staff members because we encounter them in our coverage. But we are always looking for new and different stories – and people who are new to us often have interesting stories to tell.
But you also clue us in about others we have missed. New Jersey may not be the largest state, but the magnitude of its economy is impressive. That means there are a lot of emerging leaders we miss in our daily work. So, if you know someone we should get to know, use our recommendation form.
We look forward to hearing from you. And we look forward to your feedback on this list. Let us know what you think.
– Jeffrey Kanige
Methodology
The Power, In the Lead and People to Watch Lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers. The staff looks for people who have gained attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service. To recommend an individual for inclusion on one of the lists, click here.
2025 People to Watch in Finance
John Allen IV
President and CEO | Ascendia Bank
Allen was appointed president and chief executive officer of Glen Rock-headquartered Ascendia Bank this past August. He succeeds Ferdinand “Fred” Viaud, who will continue as an advisor until his retirement in January 2026 and then remain on the bank’s board. Allen joined Ascendia after serving as chief financial officer at New Jersey Community Capital. In that role, he oversaw financial strategy and capital raising, including securing more than $50 million in 2024 to fund critical community projects, such as affordable housing, charter schools, health care facilities and healthy food initiatives. Allen’s work at NJCC highlighted his ability to align financial leadership with community impact, an approach he is expected to bring to his new role. At Ascendia, Allen will be responsible for guiding the 100-year-old mutual bank through its next phase of growth. His priorities include expanding commercial lending, continuing the bank’s digital transformation with services like mobile banking and online bill-pay, and strengthening ties with the communities Ascendia serves across North Jersey. “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Ascendia Bank’s president & CEO, and I couldn’t be more delighted to hand the baton to a financial professional as talented, experienced and thoughtful as [Allen],” said Viaud.
Michael Allen
CFO and president, Financial Services Division | Hackensack Meridian Health
Allen was appointed chief financial officer and president of the Financial Services Division at Hackensack Meridian Health late last year. In this role, he oversees the health system’s financial services, revenue operations, purchasing and materials management, and investment management teams. Allen also manages HMH’s short- and long-term financial plans, serves as a strategic partner to CEO Robert Garrett, and advises the board of trustees on all finance-related matters. HMH is New Jersey’s largest health care provider – generating more than $9 billion in annual revenue and with $12 billion in assets. The organization includes academic medical centers, children’s and community hospitals, a school of medicine, a research division and a physician network. Allen is focused on integrating financial and strategic planning, modernizing the system’s analytics platform, and supporting partnership and M&A activities across the network. He brings over 35 years of experience in business and health care, including 28 years as a CFO for health systems. “I am honored to join Hackensack Meridian Health and contribute to its continued success,” Allen said when he was appointed. “I look forward to working with the talented team at HMH to build upon its strong financial foundation and drive future growth.” Garrett added, “His extensive experience and proven track record of success make him the ideal leader for our financial services team and to shape our network’s future strategy and growth agenda.”
Jasmyne Beckford
Director of inclusive communities | Prudential Financial
Beckford serves as director of inclusive communities at Prudential Financial, a role she assumed following her promotion earlier this month. Since joining Prudential in 2022 as a program manager in Inclusive Solutions, Beckford has helped shape the company’s philanthropic investments in Newark, managing strategic partnerships in education, workforce development, asset building and HBCUs. Her leadership has extended to initiatives such as the Prudential Community Grants Program, which supports dozens of neighborhood-based organizations; and collaborations with Newark Public Schools, including the recent launch of the Newark Saves College Savings Program. She has also moderated community conversations on critical issues such as food insecurity, underscoring her focus on inclusive economic growth and mobility. Beckford’s background reflects deep ties to workforce and community development. Before Prudential, she built workforce programs at William Paterson University and worked with the Newark Workforce Development Board and the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park and a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University, and she serves on the board of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. Reflecting on her promotion, Beckford noted: “I step into this role with gratitude, curiosity, and excitement for what’s possible.”
Matthew Bernstein
Acquisitions senior associate | Faropoint
Bernstein is an acquisitions senior associate at Faropoint, where he has rapidly distinguished himself in the commercial real estate sector. He was recently named to the Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal’s 30 Under 30 list. Since joining Faropoint in 2022 as an intern, Bernstein has sourced and underwritten more than 2 million square feet of transactions, contributing to over $313 million in closings across the Northeast and Columbus markets. Beyond acquisitions, he co-founded a Joint Venture Title business, generating additional revenue for the firm and exemplifying his innovative approach to creating long-term value. Bernstein’s work spans the full deal lifecycle, ensuring each investment aligns with Faropoint’s broader strategic goals. A key aspect of Bernstein’s career growth has been mentorship and exposure to senior leadership, which helped him transition from a transactional focus to a fund-level strategic perspective. He has also benefited from early exposure to real estate through his father, a title agent, which instilled a strong foundation and passion for the field. Reflecting on his approach to professional growth, Bernstein told MARE Journal over the summer, “Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and take on something outside your comfort zone. Growth happens when you stretch yourself, and the earlier you embrace that discomfort, the faster you’ll develop both personally and professionally.”
Craig Corn and Daniel Anderson
Co-founders, CEOs and managing members | Cornerstone Financing LLC
Anderson and Corn are the co-founders, CEOs and managing members of Cornerstone Financing LLC, a New Jersey-based company reimagining home equity for financial planning. Established in 2023, Cornerstone provides solutions that allow homeowners to unlock the value of their largest dormant asset – their home – to fund retirement, insurance, annuities and other financial needs. Its flagship product, CHEIFS (Cornerstone Home Equity Into Financial Success), offers tax-free funding with no new debt or commissions, delivered through a professional advisor distribution network. The company has a growing footprint across the U.S. Anderson brings decades of experience in the insurance industry – while Corn is a veteran of the reverse mortgage sector. “We were fortunate that we were at points in our careers where we could – if we wanted to do something, let’s do something impactful. Let’s do something that could be transformative,” Corn told NJBIZ earlier this year. “With the goal of, let’s develop a business model where it’s a truly compelling value proposition for the consumer, and those that serve the consumer,” he added. “If you don’t have a consumer value proposition, why roll up your sleeves and get very passionate about something?” said Anderson. “That was – and continues to be No. 1.”
Daniel Cunha
CFO | Avis Budget Group
Cunha was appointed chief financial officer of Avis Budget Group in July, joining from private equity-owned commercial field services company Orion Services Group, where he served as CFO. In his new role, Cunha leads the car rental giant’s finance functions and collaborates closely with senior leadership to advance Avis Budget Group’s long-term strategic and financial objectives. Cunha brings extensive experience in corporate finance and operational leadership. Before Orion, he served as CFO of Ocean Spray and Heinz North America, where he drove performance across complex organizations and helped execute major strategic initiatives. He also gained experience in private equity at GP Investments and began his career in management consulting at McKinsey & Co. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Avis Budget Group executes the next phase of its strategic plan, emphasizing growth, operational efficiency and long-term value creation. Brian Choi, who was appointed CEO over the summer, said, “Daniel’s strong blend of strategic financial leadership and operational expertise coupled with a track record of driving performance will prove invaluable as we execute the next phase of our strategic plan.”
Kostas Dafoulas
Interim CFO | Edible Garden AG
Dafoulas is the interim chief financial officer of Belvidere-headquartered Edible Garden AG, overseeing the company’s financial strategy and operational performance. Since joining in January 2024, he has played a key role in guiding Edible Garden through a strategic portfolio transformation, focusing on higher-margin, innovation-driven products. Under his financial leadership, the company has exited lower-margin product lines and invested in shelf-stable, better-for-you consumer packaged goods, including Kick Sports Nutrition, Pickle Party, Pulp and Vitamin Whey. Dafoulas has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s core business while supporting expansion into international markets and private-label programs for major retailers. He has also overseen operational enhancements, including the acquisition of the NaturalShrimp aquaculture facility in Iowa, which adds research and development capabilities, patented water treatment technologies and greater scalability for future growth. “Our results this quarter validate the disciplined choices we’ve made to focus on higher-margin, innovation-driven categories that align with where the market is headed,” said CEO Jim Kras in August. “By exiting underperforming, low-margin product lines and investing in CEA-informed, better-for-you shelf-stable products, we are building a stronger, more resilient portfolio. We believe this strategy will not only drive profitability but also position us to lead in delivering sustainable, wellness-oriented solutions to consumers worldwide.”
Gino Di Saverio
SVP and middle market regional leader | Truist Bank in New Jersey
Di Saverio was appointed senior vice president and middle market regional leader for Truist Bank in New Jersey in March. With over 15 years of experience at leading financial institutions, he has held senior roles at Citizens Financial Group, Columbia Bank, JPMorgan Chase and PNC Financial Services Group. At Truist, Di Saverio leads an expanded middle market banking team focused on delivering tailored financial solutions – including corporate finance, credit and cash management – to midsize companies across the state. He is responsible for driving client growth, deepening relationships with existing clients and strengthening Truist’s presence in high-potential markets. Since joining, he has helped enhance the team’s expertise, broaden its coverage and implement strategies that align with the evolving needs of middle market businesses. “I’m looking forward to being part of a growing middle market banking team and helping Truist expand its expertise, coverage, and capabilities,” said Di Saverio in March. “The collaborative culture at the firm, combined with the opportunity to team with its current roster of industry-leading consultants, is very exciting.”
Bill Fink
EVP and chief lending officer | Provident Bank
As the recently appointed executive vice president and chief lending officer for Iselin-headquartered Provident Bank, Fink leads commercial banking and commercial lending growth strategy. In his new role, Fink aims to drive growth by expanding client relationships, enhancing credit strategies and optimizing lending operations. That includes overseeing a $16 billion loan portfolio and overseeing 250 employees based in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Additionally, Fink represents the bank at industry events and public engagements as a way to strengthen relationships with customers and partners. A 30-plus-year veteran of the industry, Fink previously spent 20 years at TD Bank, where he held key senior roles across regional and national markets. Most recently, he was executive vice president and head of U.S. middle market banking, leading TD’s nationwide expansion strategy for middle market and asset-based lending and overseeing a $24 billion portfolio. Previously, as executive vice president, chief lending officer and head of credit management for TD’s U.S. commercial banking division, Fink played a critical role in credit oversight and risk management. His background also includes positions with Bank of America; Elko, Fischer, McCabe & Rudman and The Bryn Mawr Trust Co. In welcoming Fink last February, Provident President and CEO Anthony Labozzetta praised his “broad expertise in commercial banking with a vision for driving growth and innovation.” He noted Fink’s arrival comes as the bank looks to enhance commercial lending, deepen customer relationships, and position our bank for long-term success.”
Travis Garcia
SVP and client and business manager | Bank of America Private Bank
Garcia is a senior vice president and client and business manager at Bank of America Private Bank. Based in Florham Park, he is responsible for the management of client support team members in New Jersey. In this role, he oversees the day-to-day activities of his team, ensuring the seamless execution of service to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. His focus on operational and service excellence with team members and business partners is critical to the successful delivery of the Private Bank’s capabilities to clients. Garcia started as a teller at Bank of America, according to his LinkedIn profile, and steadily worked his way up the ranks. He is a graduate of William Paterson University, having majored in communications with a concentration in film. Bank of America Private Bank boasts a long history of investment services and has garnered numerous awards. Among the most recent, the bank was recognized in the 2025 Euromoney Private Banking awards for Best for Philanthropic Advisory and Best for Family Office Services in both the U.S. and North America.
Santo Gencarelli
VP, Finance | Holy Name Medical Center
As vice president, Finance, at Holy Name in Teaneck, Gencarelli leads all essential financial and operational functions of the hospital in an increasingly complex health care landscape — including reporting, budgeting, payroll and investment strategy. He is a trusted partner to clinical and operational leadership, ensuring Holy Name’s finance strategy is closely aligned with organizational goals to drive smart, sustainable growth. With a sharp focus on balancing fiscal responsibility and supporting innovation, Gencarelli has helped position Holy Name as a market leader in launching cutting-edge technologies and expanding services — often among the first in the state to do so. As the organization enters its 100th year, he is playing a critical role in accelerating modernization efforts, capital planning and long-term investments that will shape the future of care delivery across the health system. Gencarelli has built a track record over his 20-year career, beginning in public accounting before joining Holy Name as controller nearly a decade ago. Since then, he has steadily risen through the ranks, demonstrating financial leadership, operational insight and strategic growth.
Leah Gologorsky
Global lead of bank counterpart strategy | Citadel Securities
An accomplished financial executive with more than two decades of experience in global finance and capital markets, Gologorsky was recently named to Englewood Health’s board of trustees. Since 2022, Gologorsky has served as global lead of bank counterpart strategy at market‐making and trading firm Citadel Securities. In that role, she focuses on financial resource management, as well as capital and liquidity optimization. Gologorsky also developed a background in risk management, regulatory capital and financial planning through senior positions at Bank of America, Santander, Morgan Stanley and Lehman Brothers. In naming Gologorsky to the position, board Chairman Richard Lerner cited her record of leadership at respected finance firms and said he believes it will “help guide Englewood Health as we continue to grow and innovate in service to our community.” Based in Englewood, the system is made up of Englewood Hospital & Medical Center and a physician network that spans over 100 locations across North Jersey. In July, it was named as a Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026, ranking in the top 10 in New Jersey and in the top 25 in the New York City metropolitan area. Gologorsky said she was privileged to join the board of trustees.
Ben Jen
Managing partner, 1435 Capital Management | General partner, Homeroom Fund
Jen is a serial entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in over 200 startups as a co-founder, executive, strategist, investor and mentor. In addition to his role as managing partner of 1435 Capital Management, since 2020 he has served as a general partner at Homeroom Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund that supports student and recent graduate founders, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial talent. Beyond his work there, Jen has launched and advised multiple high-impact initiatives in fintech, edtech, and health tech, earning recognition for his hands-on approach to scaling early-stage companies. His contributions have been widely recognized: he was named as an honoree at the 2025 Innovate100; Estimize’s Telecommunications Top Analyst in 2016, 2017 and 2021; and was accepted into the Forbes Finance Council in 2018. Jen invests in seed and growth-stage startups, bringing expertise in M&A, venture strategy, and portfolio management. His passion for empowering founders and building impactful companies continues to drive his work across the innovation ecosystem, particularly in New Jersey and the broader Northeast.
Adam Kleinman
New Jersey market executive | Wells Fargo
Previously Northeast division sales executive for commercial banking at Wells Fargo, the bank has tapped Kleinman as New Jersey market executive as of Sept. 29, succeeding longtime leader Pete Dontas, who originated the role in 2015. The elevation reflects Kleinman’s enthusiasm and prowess for building relationships both at Wells Fargo and with customers. In his prior position, Kleinman led a team of business development officers supporting companies generating between $25 million to $2 billion in annual sales including investor real estate opportunities, according to the bank. With the financial institution since 2013, Wells Fargo elevated him to that role in 2022. At the time, the employer praised him for securing multiple new clients across the commercial & industrial and investor real estate sector. He’s also held roles in commercial strategy, relationship management and business development. Based in Paramus, Kleinman expanded his team from three to 16 officers over two years and significantly increased market reach, Wells Fargo said. His work integrates advanced sales tools and data-driven strategies to drive growth. He also mentors early-career analysts through a structured four-month sales rotation, the bank noted. Additionally, Kleinman collaborates with division and market executives on strategic planning and pipeline management. Before Wells Fargo, Kleinman spent time at JP Morgan Chase and Credit Suisse, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Jeffrey Knight
Office manager partner in Short Hills, audit partner | KPMG US
Knight serves as office manager partner in Short Hills and audit partner for KPMG US. He was elevated to the role in March, taking over strategic direction and growth of the Essex County practice. At the time of the announcement, KPMG said Knight would lead an office with nearly 945 partners and professionals. He brings more than 25 years of experience with the firm to the New Jersey commercial audit practice. Knight joined the company shortly after graduating from Villanova University. And he’s also invested time in developing his leadership skills. Knight is a member of the 2024 Lead Partner Academy program as well as the F500 Audit Lead Partner Summit. His other roles within the Short Hills office audit business unit include as local office leader supporting the Northeast Commercial practice, and a SEC reviewing partner. He also completed a three-year rotation in KPMG’s Department of Professional Practice in New York, the company said. Commenting on his appointment in the spring, Knight highlighted the role of fostering community as part of his leadership priorities to create “an environment where our professionals can grow through meaningful mentorship, while also making a lasting impact across the region.”
Catherine LoPresti
VP for professional revenue cycle operations | Hackensack Meridian Health
LoPresti joined Hackensack Meridian Health in March of this year, according to her LinkedIn profile. She serves as vice president for professional revenue cycle operations at the large health care system. She came back to the field after more than two years in the corporate world as director of billing operations for Walmart, the largest private U.S. employer. Now, LoPresti is responsible for $4 billion in revenue and more than 1,200 providers. According to industry observers, at Walmart Connect she led billing operations for a $3 billion advertising portfolio, building scalable systems. She now applies that thinking at HMH, working to align executives, physicians and teams around more efficient, effective and patient-centered operations. She’s honed her expertise over her approximately 15 years in provider revenue cycle management for hospitals and physician groups. Speaking with Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, LoPresti said she joined Walmart Connect to expand her skill set, gaining first-hand experience with how a company of that size approaches data, customer interactions and operational scale; digital strategy; and business practices. “I also learned a lot about personalization, how you can tailor communication and experiences based on data to meet people where they are,” she said. “I think we can take a page from that playbook, especially when it comes to patient financial engagement … we definitely have an opportunity to make things more intuitive and patient friendly.”
Gino Martocci
SEVP and president of commercial banking | Valley National Bank
Valley National Bank added Martocci as senior executive vice president and president of commercial banking this year. The industry veteran oversees enterprise-wide commercial banking operations, including client relationship management, talent identification and leadership, and executing strategic initiatives to expand market presence across Valley’s U.S. footprint, according to the bank. Upon his hiring, Valley Bank CEO Ira Robbins noted Martocci’s track record is “in direct alignment with the long-term vision” for the commercial bank. Announcing the new gig on LinkedIn, Martocci said he looked forward to continuing the team’s current momentum. “Valley has grown significantly, to more than $63B in assets, with an expanding footprint and product offering. With 30 years’ experience and a deep network of clients and colleagues I intend to continue to drive prudent growth while deepening Valley’s relationship focused commercial offerings,” he wrote. Before joining Valley, he spent more than two decades with M&T Bank, ultimately managing all aspects of its commercial banking business. Martocci also served as a member of the board of directors for Apple Bank as well as a member of the investment committee for National Real Estate Advisors, a leading investment manager.
Jennifer McCool
EVP and head of capital markets | Denholtz
McCool joined Denholtz from Kushner at the start of the year. The executive vice president and head of capital markets now works closely with CEO Katie Kurtz to grow and scale the Red Bank-based firm’s capital formation strategy. The addition came amid a company rebrand, after which it emerged as a private investment management firm with Kurtz, who joined last fall, at the helm. Founded in 1953, Denholtz manages more than $2 billion in assets across industrial, residential, retail, office and mixed-use. Its portfolio includes over 7 million square feet with operations in the Northeast and Southeast. At Kushner, McCool led day-to-day strategy and execution of the firm’s investment management platform as executive vice president. Before that she served as chief operating officer at WatermanClark; as well as executive vice president and chief legal officer at Related Cos. “Jennifer’s career reflects a strong dedication to institutional excellence and a dynamic entrepreneurial mindset that resonates deeply with our values,” Kurtz commented when McCool jointed the team. “We are confident that her leadership and strategic vision will strengthen our team and drive us forward as we pursue our ambitious growth objectives.” McCool earned her bachelor’s degree in business and corporate communications of the University of Delaware and her juris doctorate from New York Law School.
Carlos Iván Merino
Founder and executive director | New Jersey Innovation and Technology Alliance
As founder and executive director for the New Jersey Innovation and Technology Alliance, Merino develops and implements strategies to educate, inform, and connect advocates and state residents about digital assets and their potential impacts. Among NJITA’s initiatives are efforts to spread information on blockchain, AI and more in cryptocurrency. In fact, the group’s webpage exists entirely on blockchain to capitalize “on the framework’s enhanced reliability, transparency, integrity and security features,” according to the site. Speaking with NJBIZ earlier this year, Merino said his interest in blockchain extends back to 2017, when he helped move legislation through the Legislature to study how it can apply to government. He highlighted benefits to small business operators, as well as the developing local landscape, saying New Jersey has attracted $2.8 billion in venture capital investment in Web3 tech. His work at NJITA also includes researching and analyzing trends and best practices in the sector, offering resources to increase awareness and understanding for both individuals and businesses, advising persons and organizations on leveraging digital assets for financial growth and innovation, and more. He also serves as New Jersey chapter president for Stand With Crypto, a nonprofit to connect and promote crypto advocates. The group’s mission is to mobilize the 52 million crypto owners in the U.S. –which it describes as comprising 60% Generation Z and millennials and as more diverse, with 41% identifying as racial minorities – to unlock the potential of crypto and foster greater economic freedom.
Brian Moran
CEO and founder | FLX Networks
Having launched FLX Networks in 2019, Moran leads the company as CEO and founder. Based in Bernardsville, FLX works to simplify and modernize the asset manager and wealth management firm experience. And Moran brings plenty of background and perspective to his venture. He honed his expertise over more than 20 years working at major financial services firms – including a decade-plus with Neuberger Berman, according to his LinkedIn profile. Moran said it was that wide exposure via his numerous roles in the distribution ecosystem that inspired FLX. The company leverages technology, AI and a range of business solutions to bring asset and wealth management together in a single integrated network. The all-in-one solution offers aggregated insights, investment ideas, and engagement in one place with one relationship and one invoice; it also reduces vendors, costs, information sources and inefficiency. Additionally, it can be tailored to specific business needs and goals. That adds up to increased productivity, cost savings and growth potential for members, according to the company. Reflecting on challenges as a 2024 NJBIZ Leaders in Digital Technology honoree, Moran said, “The idea of a single community that does all that we do – and plan to do – is extremely bold and broad. With such ambition comes the constant struggle to remove distractions, prioritize opportunities that drive revenue, and ensure we all remain fully engaged and energized.”
Robert Nesselbush
SVP and CFO | St. Joseph’s Health
Nesselbush was named in August as senior vice president and chief financial officer at St. Joseph’s Health. He previously served as CEO of Kaleida Health, a $2.5 billion health system serving eight counties in western New York. Nesselbush started there in April 2019 as executive vice president and chief financial officer, where he helped the organization navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, according to St. Joseph’s. He also promoted greater financial stability, turning an operating loss into a positive performance within a year. His background also includes a stint at Rochester Regional Health System, where he spent 24 years, starting as a senior director in accounting and moving up to the executive vice president and chief operating officer role at the $2.4 billion organization. While in Rochester, Nesselbush led the merger of four health systems into a single entity and helped improve performance. “With Bob joining the team, we are gaining an extraordinary leader who brings to St. Joseph’s a deep understanding of health care finance and a wide range of experience,” St. Joseph’s CEO Dustin Riccio said when Nesselbush was hired. “Bob’s vision and leadership will strengthen our operations as we face a changing and challenging health care landscape.” Nesselbush will likely play a key role in Riccio’s ambitions for St. Joseph’s including completing a comprehensive health care facility in Totowa.
Laura Nitti
Retail market president of Metro Pennsylvania and South New Jersey | TD Bank
As TD Bank’s newly named retail market president of Metro Pennsylvania and South New Jersey, Nitti oversees the Mount Laurel-based financial institution’s local retail operations at more than 119 stores. Her area covers Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey and seven Pennsylvania counties. Throughout her region, Nitti works to support a network of retail colleagues, drive business development within the market and enhance delivery of customer experiences, products and services. Nitti began her career with TD in 2004 as a store manager at then-Commerce Bank. She later advanced to retail market manager for the Ocean Region in South Jersey. Before becoming retail market president, Nitti served as both head of TD’s Leader Academy and head of retail field engagement. In promoting Nitti last month, Regional President of Pennsylvania/New Jersey Metro Rob Curley praised her “unparalleled level of passion for delivering legendary experiences for customers and colleagues alike over her impressive 21-year tenure.” He also believes Nitti’s “leadership and extensive network both at TD and within the community” will help the bank sustain a “strong presence across the region.” One of the 10 largest banks in North America, TD Bank operates more than 1,100 retail stores in 15 states and the nation’s capital, serving over 10 million customers. After noting her focus on “how we interact and manage relationships with customers,” Nitti expressed excitement over the opportunity, saying, “This role is a new approach and expansion on the work I’ve done at TD.”
Amanda Roche
VP and finance department supervisor | Unity Bank
Recognized as a 2024 New Leader in Banking by the New Jersey Bankers Association, Roche joined Unity Bank three years ago as a vice president and finance department supervisor. Since then, she has quickly made an impact at the Clinton-based financial services organization with her leadership and expertise, according to Unity Bank President And Chief Executive Officer James Hughes. He also described Roche as “a valuable member” of the Unity team and deserving of the honor of being among the 22 banking professionals under the age of 40 recognized by the statewide trade association. Although relatively new to Unity, Roche has worked in the New Jersey banking industry since 2016. She is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant who received a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University and MBA from Rutgers Business School. Across its 21 branches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Unity offers community-focused commercial banking services, including deposit accounts, loans and digital services. It currently has about $2.9 billion in total assets and $2.2 billion in total deposits.
Dan Silverman
CEO and co-founder | Balcony Technology Group
A recognized expert at the intersection of real estate and blockchain technology, Silverman is the CEO and co-founder of Balcony Technology Group, a Hoboken-based data intelligence and land record management company built using cutting-edge technology. With over 15 years of experience in real estate development and property management, Silverman has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking leader and trailblazer in blockchain innovation. Coming from a family that was deeply involved in efforts to revitalize Hoboken and Jersey City beginning in the 1980s, also instilled both a legacy perspective and future-focused mindset to Silverman’s work. In June, Balcony announced a landmark deal with the Bergen County Clerk’s Office that will bring $240 billion in local real estate value on-chain. Through the five-year partnership – which was billed as the largest blockchain-based deed tokenization project in U.S. history – Balcony will digitize 370,000 property deeds in New Jersey’s most populous county. Silverman described the collaboration as “a turning point for real estate and public records systems.” He also said working with the county to bring all property records on-chain will demonstrate “how secure, distributed systems can replace outdated infrastructure and deliver real-world value for both governments and the public.” In addition to offering a tamper-proof, fully digitized and searchable chain of title, tokenizing the data cuts processing times by more than 90% and reduces the risk of fraud, title disputes and administrative errors. Along with being one of the first ventures to graduate in December 2024 from Stevens Institute of Technology’s New Jersey Fintech Accelerator, Balcony was included in NJBIZ’s 2025’s In The Lead: Best Startups feature.
John Szczepanski
CFO | The Children’s Place
A retail industry veteran, Szczepanski joined The Children’s Place in March as the Secaucus-based apparel brand’s new chief financial officer. In his new position, he oversees finance, accounting, financial planning & analysis, tax, treasury, procurement, investor relations, internal audit and real estate. Before The Children’s Place, Szczepanski was CFO at Vince Holding Corp., a global retail company headquartered in New York City. His background also includes more than 18 years in various roles at luxury fashion brand Ralph Lauren. The Children’s Place – whose brands include Gymboree, Sugar & Jade and PJ Place – has been busy trying to turn its business around. As part of a shift from the traditional store concept into a digital-first business, it permanently closed more than 700 locations in the past decade. The company’s footprint now stands at roughly 500 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. After warning of liquidity concerns in February 2024, the retailer underwent a change in control when Mithaq Capital became its majority shareholder. Since then, it has made changes across leadership teams as it looks to cut costs and pay down debt. While The Children’s Place has reported some early success as a result of those efforts, interim CEO Muhammad Umair also expressed confidence in Szczepanski, saying his “wealth of finance experience in retail and manufacturing” will “help guide us through our company’s future development.
Evan Weiss
President and CEO | Newark Alliance
As president and CEO of Newark Alliance since 2021, Weiss is at the helm of one of the state’s premier private sector-led, community and workforce development organizations. Following the group’s July 2025 merger with Newark Downtown District and the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau, Weiss now leads a more unified effort to streamline economic development initiatives in New Jersey’s largest city. Focus areas for the newly united group include safety, tourism, business growth and initiatives that address big challenges, such as health care access, affordability and homelessness. In announcing the change, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka expressed confidence in Newark Alliance, saying, “This strategic alignment will increase accountability and allow us to achieve a wide spectrum of shared goals in this time of incredible growth, momentum, and opportunity.” Weiss – who took on the post of CEO of Newark Downtown as part of the merger – shared, “This consolidation will have a meaningful impact on our community’s future growth, contributing mightily to business attraction, downtown development, Newark’s brand.” His other roles include serving as a member of New Jersey Transit’s board of directors since 2022. Before joining Newark Alliance, Weiss was a senior advisor for finance and major projects in the Murphy administration.
