NJEDA names Kennedy chief of staff, external affairs

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority tapped Sean Kennedy as its new chief of staff and chief external affairs officer.

Kennedy succeeds Emma Corrado, who recently left the agency to join the governor’s office as deputy chief operating officer. Kennedy’s first day was Feb. 9.

He most recently worked as a government affairs advisor at Connell Foley. Previously, Kennedy led CGI’s New Jersey state and local business. His background also includes senior roles in higher education at Rowan University and Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. He has also held positions in state government, including overseeing communications for the New Jersey Senate Majority Office.

On the job

In the dual role at the NJEDA, Kennedy will oversee the agency’s communications, events and marketing, government affairs and policy, and international innovation teams.

He will also serve as NJEDA’s primary liaison to the governor’s office, the Legislature, local governments and other key stakeholders. Kenney’s work will help align the authority’s messaging and external engagement with its strategic priorities under Gov. Mikie Sherrill.

At the agency, he will serve under newly appointed CEO Evan Weiss.

“Sean brings deep experience in public-sector leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organizational strategy, and I’m excited for the perspective he will bring to the NJEDA,” said Weiss. “Sean will play a critical role at the Authority as we work to support Gov. Sherrill’s mission to grow our economy, bolster innovation, cut red tape, and bring down costs for families across the state.”

“I’m thrilled to join the NJEDA, which has been at the forefront of driving meaningful economic growth by investing in residents, businesses, and key strategic sectors throughout New Jersey,” said Kennedy. “I look forward to working with the entire NJEDA team, as well as our partners across the public and private sectors, to advance the Authority’s mission and expand its impact across the state.”