Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop will become CEO of the Partnership for New York City
- Succeeds longtime leader Kathryn Wylde
- Fulop’s tenure as mayor saw major economic growth, infrastructure gains
- Partnership represents top employers and advocates for NYC’s business community
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s next role will take him across the Hudson River.
The Partnership for New York City named Fulop as its next president and CEO. The influential advocacy group represents the city’s business leaders and largest employers.
He will succeed outgoing President and CEO Kathryn Wylde, who has led the organization since 2000.
Fulop is a former Jersey City councilmember, U.S. Marine (who enlisted after 9/11) and Goldman Sachs employee. He also was a candidate in this year’s Democratic gubernatorial primary – finishing third in that race. He had announced this as his final term as Jersey City mayor, a role he has served in since 2013.
Fulop’s stint as Jersey City’s 49th mayor will conclude in January 2026.
During his tenure, the city has undergone a major transformation economically, socially and culturally. Fulop has overseen the addition of more than $1.4 billion to the city’s tax rolls and lead key initiatives to build affordable housing, strengthen the city’s infrastructure and spur economic growth.
He has spearheaded growth and economic development beyond the city’s waterfront in neighborhoods such as Journal Square, McGinley Square and Bergen-Lafayette; as well as breaking ground on the $130 million renovation of the iconic Loew’s Jersey Theatre, and much more.
Looking ahead
The announcement follows an extensive search conducted by a 13-member committee, guided by executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, which considered over 30 candidates. Partnership co-Chairs Albert Bourla and Robert Speyer – and former Partnership Chair Steve Swartz led the search.
The Partnership’s Search Committee, Executive Committee and board of directors confirmed Fulop’s selection.
Bourla and Speyer said Fulop brings the expertise and leadership that this moment demands.
“Our members look forward to working with him to ensure New York City continues to thrive,” said Bourla and Speyer. “We are profoundly grateful to Kathy Wylde for her outstanding leadership, which leaves a lasting legacy on both the Partnership and our city.”
Describing the Partnership as the cornerstone of the city’s civic life for nearly half a century, Fulop said the appointment is a tremendous honor.
“The Partnership’s member organizations are the engines behind New York’s economy, employing more than 1 million people, and uniquely positioned to build a stronger, more prosperous city,” said Fulop. “I am humbled to take the reins from Kathy Wylde, who built the organization into the influential force it is today, and I look forward to joining the Partnership to help tackle the complex challenges that New York City faces.”
Wylde applauded the appointment of Fulop to succeed her.
“Steve Fulop understands the importance of maintaining strong relationships between business, labor, government and the nonprofit sectors, which has been central to the Partnership’s mission since it was founded by David Rockefeller,” said Wylde. “I look forward to working with him through what I am confident will be a successful transition.”
