As part of the NJBIZ Looking Ahead 2026 special feature, we asked industry leaders across New Jersey: How, if at all, do you see the new administration in Trenton changing the landscape in which you work? Read the Letter from the Editor and other Q-and-A’s here.
Cannabis
Sam Brill
CEO, Ascend Wellness Holdings
New leadership always brings opportunity, but what matters most to operators is stability and clarity. As the federal government moves toward rescheduling cannabis, states like New Jersey have a chance to build on that momentum with clear, predictable rules that encourage long-term investment. That kind of stability allows us to focus on hiring, responsible growth and supporting our communities — rather than navigating constant uncertainty. We’re hopeful the new administration will also address illicit hemp sales and black market proliferation and take steps to right-size the overall market.
Scott Prisco
CEO, Priscotty
Another important factor driving growth in the New Jersey cannabis market is the posture of the new administration in Trenton, which appears to be broadly supportive of the regulated industry. From what we’re seeing, there is a clear focus on strengthening the adult-use market by combating the illicit market and closing regulatory loopholes around intoxicating hemp products. Bringing those products under tighter regulation helps protect consumers and ensures that demand flows through licensed, compliant operators.
As enforcement becomes more consistent, and regulatory clarity improves, the legal adult-use market stands to benefit significantly. These measures create a more level playing field for businesses that are investing in compliance, infrastructure and long-term operations, which in turn supports healthier growth across the entire cannabis ecosystem in New Jersey.
Food/hospitality
Amanda Stone
Vice president of public affairs, NJ Restaurant and Hospitality Association
A new administration always brings an opportunity to build relationships and reintroduce our priorities. We look forward to working collaboratively with the new administration to ensure policies are workable from day one.
Health care
Debbie Hart
CEO, BioNJ
We are encouraged by the inclusive approach to the transition by Gov.-elect [Mikie] Sherrill emphasizing formal input from broad stakeholders. I am proud to contribute to that dialogue as a member of the transition team. We are optimistic that the new administration will build on New Jersey’s leadership in the life sciences and value its recognition of the biopharmaceutical industry as a key driver of innovation and job creation. We welcome the governor-elect’s commitment to policies that encourage investment, support emerging biotech companies and leverage the state’s existing strengths. We also share her focus on advancing health care affordability and transparency. To help support the administration’s efforts, BioNJ partnered with McKinsey to develop Life Sciences in New Jersey: Prescription for Sustained Leadership, a data-driven paper that assesses the strengths of the state’s life sciences ecosystem, the macroeconomic forces shaping its future and recommends practical policies to ensure that N.J. remains the “Medicine Chest of the World.” Fiscal constraint will be the underpinning as we move forward.
Michael Maron
CEO, Holy Name
Every administration reshapes health policy, and the Sherrill administration is likely to place greater emphasis on: Medicaid sustainability — balancing fiscal discipline with the need to preserve access and quality for vulnerable populations. Regulatory oversight — continued focus on consolidation, pricing transparency, labor practices, and charity care, with an emphasis on accountability and consumer protection. Public health infrastructure — strengthening preparedness, data reporting, and coordination, with new expectations for provider participation. For independent systems, the opportunity will be to align closely with statewide priorities while continuing to demonstrate that locally governed, mission-driven organizations can deliver efficient, high-quality care without sacrificing independence or community focus.
Brian Lawrence
CEO, FellowshipLIFE
A new administration has an opportunity to materially strengthen the aging-services workforce. To grow these professions, we need expanded pipelines in nursing, caregiving, physical/occupational therapy and clinical training; modern immigration pathways; and support for community colleges and universities. Additionally, relief related to energy and utility costs would be meaningful. Utilities represent one of the fastest-growing expense categories for N.J. businesses and residents, and targeted support would directly help.
Labor
Greg Lalevee
Business manager, IUOE Local 825
Finding a way to work with the president on some construction initiatives is vital, particularly the Gateway project. Just as important is how quickly we can get the governor to increase the state’s energy capacity so we can be less reliant on [Regional Transmission Organization] PJM.
Money
Edward Moran
Senior vice president, commercial banking market president, OceanFirst Bank
When talking with our business clients at OceanFirst we find that they are thoughtful, nimble, and prepared; and I don’t believe there will be significant changes (positive or negative) to the business community with the new administration in Trenton.
Real estate
Clark Machemer
Senior managing director, Crow Holdings Development
Our state is at an inflection point; macro issues including land use, technology and energy – and how we address them in the short-term – will set New Jersey’s near- and long-term economic path. We’re counting on our state government to focus on building the perception that New Jersey is a business-friendly state. It is vital the Sherrill administration understands that the commercial real estate industry drives the dynamic urban and suburban communities where residents and employers are drawn, and the infrastructure enabling the efficient movement of goods. And it is equally vital that campaign promises like streamlined permitting processes move forward so we can continue to shape and strengthen New Jersey’s built environments.
Tim Greiner
Executive managing director, Leasing Advisory, JLL New Jersey
I think it will be business as usual. There will be continued pressure on local municipalities to meet affordable housing obligations, and this may accelerate the conversion of obsolete office properties into residential and mixed-use projects, particularly in transit-oriented locations, reshaping parts of New Jersey’s commercial inventory in a meaningful way.
Charles Burton
Head of government and community relations, Lefrak
The new administration has an opportunity to build on the successes of Gov. [Phil] Murphy and the several sessions of the legislature in terms of continuing to modernize and improve state incentive programs and prioritize new housing construction. Gov. Sherrill has been clear that one key aspect of New Jersey’s affordability problem is a significant housing shortage. She has an opportunity to lower the temperature on housing construction and land use politics by being an “abundance” governor and bringing new homes to the market through permitting reform, development incentives, and state-led zoning improvements. She will also be able to capture investment that is chased out of New York City by hostile, anti-housing construction policies and politicking. Gov. Sherrill clearly understands that expanding the state’s housing supply will stabilize housing costs. In Jersey City, where there is a significant amount of new housing construction, “rents, which have been rising for years despite the construction, finally began to flatten in 2023 and 2024, experts say. Now they may be falling,” according to The New York Times.
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