Lori Grifa
Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
Lori Grifa began serving as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in February 2010. Prior to joining the Department, she was a member of the law firm Wolff & Samson where she focused on the areas of administrative, regulatory and government affairs. Commissioner Grifa previously served as chief of staff to former State Attorney General David Samson. She also worked in the Homicide Investigation Unit of the New York County District Attorney's Office and in the Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney's Office where she specialized in homicide and gang-related prosecutions. The Commissioner has been appointed to a number of important committees, including the Committee for Women and the Courts and the State Domestic Violence Working Group. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and was named by NJBIZ in 2008 as one of New Jersey's "Best 50 Women in Business." A graduate of Boston College School of Law, Commissioner Grifa earned her bachelor's degree at Rutgers University and is an active construction volunteer for Habitat for Humanity – Newark, in addition to serving on its Board of Directors.

Anthony L. Marchetta
Executive Director
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Anthony L. Marchetta became the Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency on September 1, 2010. Mr. Marchetta has over 35 years of professional planning and development experience in the public and private sector. Most recently, he was Vice President of LCOR Inc., where he developed multi-family and mixed-use projects within the Mid-Atlantic region. As an executive at LCOR, he managed the development of Gaslight Commons, a 200-unit luxury rental project in the "Transit Village" of South Orange, NJ. This project won the first New Jersey Future "Smart Growth" award in 2002. Mr. Marchetta has also worked for Matrix Development Group and Baker Residential Inc. Governor Whitman appointed Mr. Marchetta to serve on the New Jersey State Planning Commission in 1998. Some of his many affiliations include the Regional Plan Association (RPA), The Urban Land Institute, and The National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP).  He is a graduate of Rutgers University, and also holds a master's degree in city and regional planning and an MBA degree from Rutgers University.

Abraham, Mathew
Senior Business Development Officer
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Mathew Abraham is a Senior Business Development Officer in the North working for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA). In his position, Mr. Abraham works with urban targeted municipalities and developers on projects that would benefit from ERG Grant and Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit programs.  He also works with not-for-profits and community development 501c3 organizations on tax exempt bond transactions.

Acquaviva, Gregory L.
Legislative and Regulatory Analyst
New Jersey Department of State, Office of Lt. Governor
Greg Acquaviva is a Legislative and Regulatory Analyst with the New Jersey Department of State. In that role, he advises Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno on legislative and regulatory matters, specifically those areas affecting business development in the State including the reduction of so-called "red tape."  Prior to joining the Christie-Guadagno Administration, Mr. Acquaviva worked as a civil litigator handling complex, commercial disputes and appeals, and completed judicial clerkships with the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Anadu, Margaret
Vice President - Urban Investment Group (UIG)
Goldman Sachs
Since joining UIG in 2005, Margaret Anadu has focused primarily on projects in the New York City Metropolitan Area and Newark, New Jersey with particular focus on public/private projects and mixed-use developments including affordable housing, retail, charter schools and other community facilities. Headquartered in New York City, UIG is an investing and lending vehicle within Goldman Sachs.  Established in 2001, the Urban Investment Group deploys the firm's capital by making investments and loans that benefit underserved communities.  Through its comprehensive community development platform, UIG is a catalyst in the revitalization of distressed urban neighborhoods. UIG has committed more than $1.3 billion, facilitating the creation and preservation of approximately 9,000 housing units — 75 percent of which are affordable to low, moderate and middle-income families — as well as over 600,000 sq. ft. of community facility space and approximately 900,000 sq. ft. of commercial and retail space.

Anderson, Leslie A.
Executive Director
New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA)
Leslie Anderson is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority, the state's urban-focused financing authority. Ms. Anderson has overseen the establishment of the NJRA infrastructure, which to date has committed more than $360 million, leveraging more than $3 billion in private investment. Under her direction, NJRA successfully conveys its mission and mandate to improve the quality of life by creating value in New Jersey's urban communities. Ms. Anderson is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. She also holds many active memberships, demonstrating her commitment to community service.

Armstrong, J. Michael
CEO
Community Hope
J. Michael Armstrong is an accomplished senior executive who has had over 30 years of leadership experience in a variety of healthcare/social service settings. He has a proven track record in budget management and building strong employee/customer/community relations. Mr. Armstrong assumed the role of Executive Director at Community Hope in 1999. Since that time, he has governed the expansion of the organization by 200 percent, making this private, nonprofit organization one of the largest providers of supportive housing for the mentally ill in New Jersey with residential programs in Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties. Under Mr. Armstrong's management, Community Hope has recently launched the "450 Project," which will expand the agency's programs to serve 450 individuals within the next two years. Mr. Armstrong holds an MBA degree from Rutgers University and a bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degree in counseling from Appalachian State University.

Barnhart, Richard K. 
Chairman and CEO
Pennrose Properties, LLC
In 1985, Richard Barnhart began at Pennrose as Co-owner and President of its development company – Pennrose Properties, Inc.  In 2004, he assumed the role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pennrose Properties, LLC.  Currently active in 10 states, Pennrose is a Philadelphia-based real estate development company that specializes in developing affordable, multi-family housing, and is one of the nation's largest producers of affordable housing for families and for seniors.  Mr. Barnhart is a nationally recognized speaker on real estate finance and development who has testified before the U.S. Senate on housing issues and participates in charitable and community activities, including board memberships and pro bono services to nonprofit organizations in the Delaware Valley.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University.

Battis, Tracee
Chief of Programs
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Tracee Battis was appointed as Chief of Programs for the NJHMFA in July 2002. Prior to that, Ms. Battis served as an Assistant Executive Director. Ms. Battis joined the Agency in 1976 and has served in several capacities, including Policy Analyst and Policy Analyst II in the Agency's previous Policy Development Division; Manager of Internal Operations; and Director of Internal Operations and Regulatory Affairs. Ms. Battis received an MBA degree, with a major emphasis in finance, from Rider College and a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major emphasis in management, from Trenton State College.

Beczo, Kimberly
TRACS Coordinator
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Kimberly Beczo is a TRACS Coordinator for the Property Management Division and has been with NJHMFA for 16 years. Her background includes experience in Section 8, 236, Tax Credit, and Assisted Living Housing. She is an Accredited Residential Manager with IREM and holds her Tax Credit Certification. Ms. Beczo is well versed in the application of HUD's regulations as it pertains to the processing of tenant recertification and their transmissions.

Beit, Ron
Founding Partner & CEO
RBH Group, LLC
Ron Beit is the founding partner and CEO of RBH Group, LLC, and president of RBH Management, LLC. In these roles, Ron has acquired, developed, rehabilitated, and/or operated over 1,000,000 square feet of office, retail, industrial, hotel, and residential space on more than 20 projects in three states. Ron's professional passion is in Newark, where he has been an active participant in helping the city become New Jersey's business and entertainment capitol and 24 hour, 7-day-a-week playground. RBH Group boasts over 25 properties in Newark's downtown core. The company's efforts there to date have been in land assemblage, land development and creating a platform for large scale institutional grade development.

Bittner, Stephanie
New Jersey Community Outreach Manager, Southern NJ
Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Delaware Valley
Since 2002, Stephanie Bittner has worked for the non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Delaware Valley. She has served as a certified Credit/HUD Housing Counselor and is now their New Jersey Community Outreach Manager for Southern New Jersey. Ms. Bittner holds a bachelor's degree from Temple University and has spent over 18 years of experience in the personal financial industry. She is the former recipient of the National Foundation of Consumer Credit's (NFCC) "Outstanding Counselor of the Year" Award.

Blumenfeld, Karen, Esq.
Executive Director
Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy (GASP)
Karen Blumenfeld is Executive Director of Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy (GASP), and Director of GASP's Policy and Legal Resource Center. GASP is a 37-year-old, New Jersey-based non-profit, that educates policymakers, the business community and the public-at-large on smokefree policies, especially emerging trends such as smokefree multi-unit housing initiatives. The non-profit provides technical assistance and resource materials on smokefree housing. Ms. Blumenfeld received her law degree from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law in New York City, and her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Drew University.

Blumenthal, Bruce D.
Community Development Ombudsman
New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Bruce Blumenthal currently serves as the Community Development Ombudsman for the NJHMFA, where he is a member of the Supported Housing and Special Needs Division. In this capacity, Mr. Blumenthal focuses on program and policy issues, as well as creating collaborative partnerships and fostering relationships with other state agencies, for-profit and non-profit developers, and private foundations to increase housing opportunities for New Jersey's under-served communities. In the past, he has served as a participant in the New Jersey Reentry Roundtable, a member of the State Human Services Advisory Council, as the DCA Commissioner's designee to the Governor's Advisory Council on AIDS and as a member of the Governor's Olmstead Advisory Council. Mr. Blumenthal is a summa cum laude graduate of the State University of New York with a degree in political science and communications. As a fellowship recipient to the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, he earned his Master of Arts in Political Science.

Bonomo, David P.
Chief Financial Officer
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
David Bonomo was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the NJHMFA in December 2010. Mr. Bonomo has more than 17 years of investment banking, advisory and operations experience. Most recently, he was the Managing Member of Shore Road Capital, LLC, where he structured debt and equity placements for real estate development projects and provided capital markets, management consulting and valuation advisory services to middle market companies.  Mr. Bonomo has held senior investment banking positions at NW Financial Group, Gruntal & Co/Ryan Beck, and B.C. Ziegler & Company. He has executed more than $1 billion of capital markets transactions, including tax-exempt bonds, public and private equity, mergers and acquisitions, loan placements, fairness opinions and securities portfolio restructurings. Mr. Bonomo has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and a law degree from New York Law School. He is a member of the Bar in the State of New York and is a Series 7 licensed FINRA Registered Representative.

Boone, William C.
Assistant District Director, Lender Relations Division/Capital Access
Small Business Administration
As the Senior Credit Officer of the Small Business Administration's New Jersey District Office, Mr. Boone is responsible for the delivery of the entire Agency's Loan Programs throughout New Jersey. He is in charge of increasing SBA loans volume in New Jersey to the small business community by the enrollment of "new" SBA Lenders, which included Federal Credit Unions and Community Banks, as well as Saving Institutions. Mr. Boone was appointed Chief of Finance for SBA New Jersey District Office in October, 1994 and became Assistant District Director, in charge of all Agency Credit and Lending issues for the New Jersey SBA office in 1996.

Bose, Gira
Senior Tax Policy and Legislative Associate
National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA)
Gira Bose is a Senior Tax Policy and Legislative Associate for the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) in Washington, DC.  She joined NCSHA after serving as Director of Government Affairs for the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency and as Counsel to the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.  Ms. Bose is an attorney formerly with the law firm Wilentz, Goldman and Spitzer. Prior to entering private practice, she was a law clerk for Judges Miriam Span and Thomas Lyons of the Chancery Division of the Union County Superior Courts. Ms. Bose has served as Communications Director for Assemblyman John Wisniewski and as Director of Constituent Services for Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. She has a bachelor's degree in politics and a master's degree in international politics from the School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London, England, and a law degree from the Seton Hall University School of Law.

Burns, Patrick J.
President and CEO
The Fresh Grocer Supermarkets
Patrick J. Burns has over 25 years experience in the supermarket and food services industries.  Mr. Burns is recognized for his role in growing sales and profits in both the retail food and food service sectors.  He has had a significant impact on the growth and profitability of The Fresh Grocer Supermarkets, where, as President and CEO, he has grown the business by focusing on niche markets that are virtually untapped.  In 2009 alone, Mr. Burns opened two ground-up supermarkets in Philadelphia, creating over 500 local jobs and putting an end to the city's two largest food deserts.  His exceptional track of business improvement is based on the philosophy of enterprise accessibility.  He is renowned for his aptitude to quickly identify and adjust for impediments that impact his business plans, and is constantly refining the organizational structure, product lines, advertising and market position.  Mr. Burns serves on the Board of Directors for the Connie Cassidy Foundation, and has many varied philanthropic interests. 

Burzichelli, John J.
Assemblyman, District 3
New Jersey General Assembly
Assemblyman Burzichelli began his legislative career in 2001 and has served as Mayor of Paulsboro since 1996. As a member of the Red Tape Review Commission and its predecessor Red Tape Review group in 2010, he has been instrumental in furthering the group's efforts to combat red tape through critical legislation that amended the Administrative Procedure Act and provided greater agency transparency. Assemblyman Burzichelli is the managing partner of Hill Studio in Paulsboro, a provider of studio services and special effects to the motion picture, video and photography industries.

Cantor, Raymond
Chief Advisor to the Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Ray Cantor is an accomplished and innovative manager, lawyer, and public policy expert with more than 20 years of experience in governmental affairs and policy analysis and development. In his diverse career, he has served in both the public and private sectors as Senior Counsel/Committee Aide to the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services in the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Section; Director of Governmental Affairs for the Medical Society of New Jersey; and Executive Director of the New Jersey Apartment Association. Mr. Cantor also served as the DEP's Assistant Commissioner of Land Use Management and Compliance from 1998–2002. As Chief Advisor to the Commissioner, he advises the Commissioner on policy and regulatory matters. He also manages the Office of Legal Affairs and the recently established Office of Economic Analysis, which integrates cost/benefit analysis within the context of DEP rulemaking. Mr. Cantor earned a law degree from the New York Law School and a bachelor's degree from Rider University.

Carlson, Victor
Chief of Homeless Services
Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System
Victor Carlson, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience developing mental health services in public service settings. He came to the VA fifteen years ago to run their substance abuse treatment programs and currently directs their residential and vocational programs for homeless veterans. Dr. Carlson has also been a member of the visiting faculty at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, and was awarded their Peterson Prize for "a sustained career in professional psychology that has contributed to the public good at the highest level of distinction."

Chrobak, Michael
Chief Economic Development Officer
Choose New Jersey
Michael Chrobak is the Chief Economic Development Officer for Choose New Jersey. Choose NJ is an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and nurture economic growth throughout the State of New Jersey, including a focus on making New Jersey's most distressed cities engines for growth and opportunity. Choose NJ is one of three interconnected and highly focused organizations that comprise the New Jersey Partnership for Action, which is the centerpiece of the Christie-Guadagno administration's economic development agenda. Mr. Chrobak is responsible for the business development and prospect management of Choose NJ and assists companies seeking to create jobs and make new capital investment in the global marketplace.

Cocoziello, Peter J.
President and CEO
Advance Realty
Peter Cocoziello is the President and CEO of Advance Realty, which he founded in 1979.  Today, Advance is a leading Northeast U.S. owner and developer of Class A office properties and mixed-use developments due to Mr. Cocoziello's overriding commitment to fulfill Advance's mission "to be the premier developer of creative real estate solutions."  With a 4.5 million square foot portfolio in New Jersey and the Washington DC region, Advance is a fully-integrated commercial real estate firm focusing on development, corporate build-to-suit projects, property management, community redevelopment, and construction and asset management.  Currently, he serves on a vast number of boards.  Mr. Cocoziello earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University, a Senior Certificate in Mortgage Financing from New York University and Harvard University Presidents' Program.

DeLosSantos, Pamela
Green Technical Advisor
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Pam DeLosSantos has worked for the NJHMFA since 1996, serving in various roles in Technical Services. Ms. DeLosSantos is currently working in conjunction with the Agency's Green Homes Office on review and coordination of the Green Futures Program, along with technical review of the new Multi-family Solar Funding Pilot program. In addition, she works closely with the Special Needs Division on architectural review and has edited their Special Needs Trust Fund Design Questionnaire. Ms. DeLosSantos holds a bachelor's degree in economics and English from Rutgers University and a bachelor's degree in architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. She is a licensed architect, a LEED-Accredited Professional and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

DeSanctis, Kevin
Chairman and CEO
Revel Entertainment, LLC
Kevin DeSanctis is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Revel Entertainment, a recently established gaming and entertainment company that intends to develop a beachfront casino entertainment resort in Atlantic City. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Penn National Gaming from February 2001 until July 2006 where he was responsible for the company's broadly diversified hotel, casino and pari-mutuel operations in West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Iowa, New Jersey, Colorado, Maine and Canada. During his time at Penn National, Mr. DeSanctis was instrumental in structuring, completing and integrating several acquisitions, including the $2.2 billion dollar acquisition of Argosy Gaming in October 2005. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer North America and the Bahamas of Sun International Hotels with responsibilities including complete oversight of all operational matters for The Mohegan Sun, Resorts International Casino and Hotel, and Paradise Island operations where he managed all pre-opening operational matters for The Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and Atlantis Phase II in the Bahamas.

DiLorenzo, Debra
President and CEO
Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
Debra DiLorenzo is President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey, the first and only Chamber in the U.S. to be ISO 9001:2008 certified.  She is responsible to the Board of Directors for the full range of activities including program of work, organizational structure and procedures and motivation of volunteers.  As the Chief Executive she is also responsible for the income and expenditures, supervision of staff and setting policy and long range planning for the Chamber.  She was appointed by Governor Christie to his Transition Committee, the Professional Sports, Entertainment & Gaming Advisory Commission, as well as the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.  She volunteers her time for many organizations including, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Foundation and NJ Workplace Blood Donor Coalition.  She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in communications from Rowan University. 

Doherty, Tim
Executive Director
Project Freedom Inc.
Tim Doherty has been the Executive Director of Project Freedom since 1997. Prior to that, he owned and operated a family fuel oil business and gasoline distributorship for 25 years. Since taking the helm at Project Freedom Inc., he has overseen the organization's growth from $3.5 million to over $34 million in assets, creating over 249 barrier-free accessible apartments within seven housing developments throughout the State of New Jersey. These developments provide a complete barrier-free, accessible environment for someone who uses a wheelchair, thereby providing the maximum ability to achieve an independent lifestyle. Mr. Doherty is also a certified low income housing tax credit specialist, and was former Chair of the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey and a former board member of the Community Development Housing Network. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Rider University in 1971, and a Master of Arts degree in Human Service Administration also from Rider University in 2005.

Fenton, Reverend Aubrey A.
Executive Pastor
Abundant Life Fellowship   
Pastor Fenton's responsibilities include supervising the church's building and construction programs. He has held management roles on some of the largest engineering projects in the history of Southern New Jersey, but more recently has devoted his time to managing the construction of churches throughout the Northeast corridor. Pastor Fenton also serves as an appointed trustee at Burlington County College. He also serves on: the Burlington County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Committee, Route 130 Corridor Consensus Committee, and American Association for Community College Trustees.  Pastor Fenton has received prior appointments by the Governor and also New Jersey State Legislature to assist in community outreach initiatives. He currently serves on the Burlington County Board of Freeholders. He attended the University of Delaware, where he earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering.

Foster, David
President
Greater Camden Partnership/Cooper's Ferry Development Association
David Foster is President of the recently combined Greater Camden Partnership/Cooper's Ferry Development Association, a non-profit economic development company in Camden, NJ.  He previously practiced law in the Philadelphia office of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, where his practice included all aspects of real estate development and investment.  Mr. Foster has also worked in real estate development in Shanghai, China and served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division.  Since 2010, he has served part-time as an Army Reservist assigned to the Stability Operations Division in the Pentagon. Mr. Foster earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Politics from Washington and Lee University and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.  He also holds a Certificate in Business and Public Policy from the Wharton School of Business and was chosen as a Henry Luce Scholar in 2005. 

Frey, Jo-Ann
New York Center Director
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Jo-Ann Frey is the New York Center Director for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO).  This office is responsible for enforcing civil rights statutes related to housing.  Prior to assuming this position, Ms. Frey worked in HUD's Office of the Regional Counsel as a Senior Attorney and Chief Counsel for the New Jersey State Office.  She was also the Chief Regional Attorney for Region II in the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.  Ms. Frey received her bachelor's degree from Vassar College, her law degree from Antioch School of Law, and her Master of Laws degree from Georgetown University School of Law.

Galandak, John
President
Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ)
John Galandak is President of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ), a statewide business advocacy organization.  Mr. Galandak is also Publisher/CEO of Commerce Magazine/Commerce Enterprises, Inc., the Association's media arm.  Included among his duties are representing the business community regarding public policy issues.  He was asked to serve on the Subcommittee on Economic Development & Job Growth of Governor Christie's Transition Team, and often testifies before state legislative committees regarding pending legislation.  In his capacity as president of CIANJ, he has appeared on several television and radio programs focusing on business issues and the economy.  Mr. Galandak was named to the Privatization Task Force that was created by Governor Christie's Executive Order #17 and was recently appointed by Governor Christie to serve as a member of the Red Tape Review Commission.  He earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from Rutgers University. 

Garlic, Krishna
Executive Director
Brand New Day, Inc.
Krishna Garlic is a life-long member of the Elizabeth, New Jersey community. After leaving New Jersey for the purpose of pursuing a bachelor's degree from Hampton University and a law degree from Roger Williams School of Law, she returned to her hometown in Elizabeth to become the Executive Director of Brand New Day Inc. As Executive Director, she and her committed staff have continued a legacy begun by her father, Reverend Joseph H. Garlic, to build affordable for sale homes and rental housing for those in need. She has successfully shifted the model from a "grassroots approach" of urban development to a business model with three distinct lines of business: real estate development; property and asset management; and community education and organizing.

Goodman, Michele
Executive Director
New Horizons in Autism, Inc. & Applied Behavioral Concepts, Inc.
Michele Goodman currently serves as the Executive Director of both New Horizons in Autism, Inc. and Applied Behavioral Concepts, Inc., located in Central New Jersey. She has been working directly with individuals with autism for over 25 years. Overseeing both agencies, she is responsible for the full execution of lifelong services for each individual that passes through the agencies' doors. New Horizons in Autism provides a full array of support services for both children and adults. New Horizons service models include 10 residential programs, two vocational programs, after school programs and respite services. Applied Behavioral Concepts offers school district supports and consultation, in home therapy and parental consultation, and in center behavioral training opportunities. She has a master's degree in education and is in the dissertation stage of completing her doctorate in Educational Psychology from Capella University and should achieve this degree prior to 2012.

Hameline, Thomas
Senior Vice President of Programs
HELP USA
Thomas Hameline, Ph.D., oversees new project development and program design for HELP USA, a non-profit organization based in New York City. He has developed and overseen the implementation of new residential facilities, homeless prevention programs, vocational training programs, and a fair housing center for the agency. Dr. Hameline is also responsible for developing new supportive housing and affordable housing facilities for HELP in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and other metropolitan areas. He has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU Medical Center and as a supervising psychologist and a member of the psychology training faculty at the Jewish Board for Family and Children's Services in New York City. Dr. Hameline is a licensed psychologist with post-doctoral certification in family and couples therapy from the Ackerman Institute. He has a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a doctoral degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Hanlon, Grace
Executive Director
New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism
Grace Hanlon was appointed Executive Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism in January 2011. She is founder and President (currently on leave) of the multi-media production company Edvantage Media Group (EMG), which works in feature films, network and cable television. Philanthropically, Ms. Hanlon is the Chair of Education Curriculum for The Two River Film Festival and elected President of the Board of Trustees for Prevention First. She was recently featured in Prime Woman Magazine in an article entitled "Women Leading the Way." Ms. Hanlon has a background in both psychology and media, having received a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania while working as an intern for the children's television program "Sesame Street". She has received awards at the 2008 Garden State Film Festival, as well as the JASPAR Gold Award for best agency video.

Hassett, Maureen
Senior Vice President, Governance and Communications
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Maureen Hassett serves as Senior Vice President of Governance & Communications for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. In this role, she is involved in policy and product development, strategic planning and governance, legislative and public affairs, as well as marketing and event coordination. As a member of the senior management team, Ms. Hassett also serves as the Chief Executive Officer's designee to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority's Board of Directors and Governor's Action Council on the Economy. She is the Assistant Secretary of the Economic Recovery Board for Camden.

Hemm, James A.
Former Executive Director (Retired)
New Jersey Association on Correction
James A. Hemm, who recently retired, worked for the New Jersey Association on Correction since June 1968. The Association provides services to people impacted by the criminal justice system, which includes offenders, people living with HIV/AIDS and victims of domestic violence. Mr. Hemm became Executive Director in January 1984. He serves on the Board of Hyacinth Foundation and Volunteers of American Delaware Valley. Mr. Hemm is a 1995 fellow of Leadership New Jersey and has been recognized for his long-term work in community corrections by Volunteers of America. He received the 1996 Maud Booth Award and the International Community Corrections Association's 2006 Margaret Mead Award. In 2008, he was also recognized by Offender Aid Restoration, Inc.-Newark with a lifetime achievement award and by the Center for Non-Profits with the Judith Trachtenberg Award. Mr. Hemm holds both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Education degree from Rutgers University.

Henderson, Keith
Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
Keith Henderson coordinates policy initiatives and ongoing planning efforts between DCA, DEP, the Department of State's Office for Planning Advocacy, DOT, HMFA, the Highlands Council, the Pinelands Commission, and the Meadowlands Commission. He prepares and coordinates rules, supervises implementation of housing and planning regulations and policies, and conducts policy development research to provide regulation guidance. Mr. Henderson has been with DCA for almost 15 years. Prior to his tenure with the State, he worked for small to mid-sized residential developers overseeing land acquisition, subdivision and site plan approvals and the engineering and land surveying components of the development process.

Hopper, Brenda B.
State Director
New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC)
Brenda B. Hopper is the State Director of the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) network. The NJSBDC network is part of a national partnership between the state and federal governments, the private sector, and colleges and universities. The NJSBDC network is headquartered at Rutgers Business School and consists of 11 full-service Regional Centers and 27 affiliate offices. The program is designed to provide the highest quality of business assistance services to established enterprises and promising new startups. NJSBDC specializes in Business Planning, Management Strategy, Growth Strategy, and Loan Packaging. Specialty services include E-Commerce Management, International Trade, Government Procurement, Dynamic Markets and Technology Commercialization. Ms. Hopper received a master's degree in finance and marketing from Rutgers Graduate School of Management with an undergraduate major in economics and business from the Rutgers College of Arts and Sciences.

Huether, Robert A.
Assistant Director for Program Development, Outreach and Foreclosure Prevention
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Robert A. Huether has over 25 years of experience in banking, community development and housing finance. Mr. Huether is currently the Assistant Director for Program Development, Outreach and Foreclosure Prevention for the NJHMFA. His responsibilities include managing the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling program, the New Jersey Judicial Foreclosure Mediation Program, as well as assisting with servicer and housing counseling agency participation in the New Jersey HomeKeeper Program. Mr. Huether has also served as Assistant Director of Single Family Programs for the Agency with responsibilities including managing the Agency's CHOICE construction loan effort, as well as the single-family in-house loan originations and New Market Tax Credits.

Hughes, James W.
Dean, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Rutgers University
James W. Hughes, Ph.D., is the Dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, appointed to that position in 1995. Since 1988, he has also been the Director of the Rutgers Regional Report, which, during its 23-year tenure, has produced 35 major economic/demographic/housing studies on New Jersey and the New York region. In 2009, the name was changed to Advance & Rutgers Report, a new partnership forged with Advance Realty. Dr. Hughes is a nationally-recognized academic expert on demographics, housing, and regional economics, and was a contributing editor to American Demographics from 1982 to 1996. He is author or co-author of 33 books and monographs and more than 150 articles, generally focusing on housing, demographics and economic development patterns. Dean Hughes was recently a member of Governor Christie's Housing Opportunity Task Force.

Hutson, Karim A.
Managing Member & Founder
Genesis Companies
Karim Hutson is the Managing Member and Founder of Genesis Companies. Genesis aims to enhance urban communities by developing, rehabilitating and investing in multi-unit residential and mixed-use buildings that are high performing, sustainable and technologically innovative. Mr. Hutson oversees the company's construction, development and acquisitions efforts and is actively involved in plotting the strategic growth of Genesis.  Since founding Genesis in 2004, Mr. Hutson has expanded the value proposition of the firm to include an in-house construction company, expanded the companies' presence to engage urban projects from Boston to Washington D.C. and focused the firm's green initiatives so that Genesis projects meet or exceed the EnergyStar criteria. Mr. Hutson received his bachelor's degree in philosophy and economics from Amherst College and received an MBA degree from Harvard Business School.

Jackson, Rosie
Assistant Director of Property Management
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Rosie Jackson is the Assistant Director of Property Management and has been with the NJHMFA for 27 years. She is responsible for supervising the Occupancy Specialists working in Property Management. Ms. Jackson oversees the Agency's portfolio of developments in relationship to TRACS and occupancy requirements. She has extensive experience in the housing industry, inclusive of assisted housing and property management and currently holds the designations of Certified Assisted Housing Manager (AHM), Tax Credit Specialist (TCS), Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), C6P and NCP-Executive. In 2010, Ms. Jackson was inducted into the HFA Hall of Fame in recognition of 20 or more years of service in the housing credit industry.

Jardim, Thomas C., Esq.
Member
Berman, Sauter, Record & Jardim, P.C.
Thomas Jardim is the head of litigation at Berman, Sauter, Record & Jardim, P.C., a Morristown, New Jersey-based law firm, and is an adjunct law professor at Seton Hall University School of Law. He is an experienced trial attorney, having tried numerous cases in state and federal court in New York and New Jersey, and his practice focuses on employment litigation and counseling, the representation of condominium associations throughout the State of New Jersey, construction litigation, healthcare litigation and non-profit law. Mr. Jardim has a long record of civic and community involvement. He served two terms as mayor of the Town of Westfield, was a candidate for the New Jersey State Assembly from the 21st Legislative District and currently serves on the boards of the Community Health Law Project, Central Jersey Legal Services, the Mayo Performing Arts Center, and the Regional Plan Association.

Johnson, Diane J. 
Field Office Director
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Diane Johnson has worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for more than 35 years, holding several top management positions.  Under her direction, the office manages a portfolio of HUD programs totaling $l.9 billion and oversees HUD's $4 billion multi-family and single-family mortgage insurance program.  She is HUD's official representative and liaison to the State of New Jersey's Congressional delegation, the Governor, State Legislature, local mayors, state and local government officials, non-profit organizations, developers, media and faith-based organizations.

Johnson, Martin
Founder and President
Isles, Inc.
Martin Johnson founded Isles in 1981 with two other Princeton University students. Since then, "Marty" and Isles have received national and international recognition for their sustainable development work. Mr. Johnson is a founding director of numerous other development organizations and projects, including: the New Jersey Regional Coalition, New Jersey Community Loan Fund (now New Jersey Community Capital), Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, and the Success Measures Project, a national effort of the Development Leadership Network to re-think impact measures for community-building work.

Karon, Mitchell
Executive Director
New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA)
Mitchell Karon is the Executive Director of the New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA). He joined the NBPA in 1996 as comptroller and has been executive director since 2000. As executive director, he interacts with stakeholders and developers regarding parking issues and needs, and evaluates the feasibility of parking projects and management agreements. Mr. Karon has overseen the conception, planning, financing and construction of four mixed-use parking garages within the City of New Brunswick. He is a member of the board of directors for the New Jersey Parking Association, sits on the Advisory Board of the International Parking Institute (IPI), and serves as chairman of both the New Brunswick Residential Permit Parking Committee and the New Brunswick Traffic Commission. Mr. Karon also sits on the executive board of the New Brunswick City Market. In 2002, he earned his Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP) distinction from the University of Virginia.

Keelen, Jerry
Director, Single Family Programs
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Jerry Keelen has been the Director of Single Family Programs at the NJHMFA since 1997. He and his staff are responsible for the State's programs for first-time and urban homebuyers, as well as the Police and Fire pension mortgage, and other programs to finance and assist home purchasers and homeowners. He has been involved in funding and servicing over $9 billion of NJHMFA mortgage loans. The Single Family Programs Division under his direction also runs the CHOICE program which provides construction loans and subsidy for affordable and emerging market homeownership housing. The CHOICE program has funded construction of approximately 4,000 new homes in areas in need of redevelopment.

Kehoe, James B.
Chairman
Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)
Through his numerous associations and tireless efforts, James Kehoe became a member of the team responsible for identifying and securing the funds needed to restart construction of the Revel Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, putting over 400 members of Local 322 back to work. Mr. Kehoe serves as chairman of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. He works closely with the Christie Administration in outlining goals and objectives to move Atlantic City forward.

Kennedy, Dan
Deputy Director, Office for Planning Advocacy
Department of State's Business Action Center
Dan Kennedy currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Office for Planning Advocacy within the Department of State's Business Action Center. Prior to this position, he managed Burlington County's nationally recognized Agriculture Retention and Development Program after working for the NJ State Agriculture Development Committee and the Monmouth County Planning Board.  He is a licensed professional planner with a master's degree in city and regional planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and a bachelor's degree in environmental science from the University of Delaware.

Kerr, David H.
Founder and President
Integrity House
David Kerr established Integrity House, the nationally recognized premier provider of substance abuse treatment and support services, in 1968, in Newark, NJ. This stemmed from his experiences as a New Jersey State Parole Officer and as a response to the growing heroin epidemic and living with addicts in recovery for two years in the late 1960s. Mr. Kerr authored the first national definition of the Therapeutic Community treatment modality, inspired the creation of a community consortium called the Bridge to Recovery, and helped to drive an ex-offender re-entry program with the Newark Office of the Mayor. Additionally, he has been appointed chair to the Mayor's Task Force on Addiction in Newark and is recognized on a local, state and national level as a leader in drug addiction recovery. Mr. Kerr holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Lehigh University and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from the New School for Social Research.

Kinard, Keith
Executive Director
Newark Housing Authority
Keith Kinard has served as Executive Director of the Newark Housing Authority since June 2006. He also serves as Secretary of the Board. Prior to joining NHA, (the eleventh largest public housing authority in the nation and the largest in New Jersey), Mr. Kinard was the executive director of the Pittsburgh Housing Authority, the second largest housing authority in Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Maine and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.

Kovich, Lynn A.
Assistant Commissioner for the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and
Addiction Services (DMHAS)
Department of Human Services
Lynn A. Kovich is the Assistant Commissioner for the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) in the Department of Human Services and is the single state authority for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders. The Division is responsible for the coordination, administration, management and supervision of the institutional and community public mental health system, and is also responsible for regulating, monitoring, planning and funding substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support services. Prior to her appointment, she was the Director of Human Services in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Ms. Kovich holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Allentown College of St. Francis DeSales and a master's degree in educational administration from Lehigh University.

Lang, Brian
Associate Director
Food Trust
Brian Lang is an Associate Director at the Food Trust, where he has worked since 2002 bringing healthy food to underserved communities throughout the country. Recently, Mr. Lang worked to establish the $30 million Healthy Food Healthy Communities Program, which is financing new and expanded supermarkets and grocery stores across the State of New York. Previously at the Food Trust, he started numerous farmers' markets throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Lang holds a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government.

Lijoi, Peter B., Esq.
Executive Director, New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone
Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
Peter B. Lijoi is Executive Director of the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone.  Mr. Lijoi is an attorney and New Jersey certified tax assessor.  His career has focused on commercial, industrial and residential development, job creation, and finance in the private, non-profit and public sectors.  He is currently leading a project to eliminate the red tape and bureaucracy surrounding business use of the Urban Enterprise Zone Tax Incentives.  The project allows Zone businesses to take advantage of the program online through a new Department of Community Affairs program accessed through the New Jersey Business Portal.

Lizura, Timothy J.
Senior Vice President, Finance and Development
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Timothy Lizura is Senior Vice President for Finance and Development for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. In his position, he oversees the EDA's sales strategies and processes to support regional business development, urban development, real estate site solutions, and the growth of technology and life sciences industry in New Jersey.

Mackay, Elizabeth J.
Senior Policy Advisor
Department of State
Elizabeth Mackay is a Senior Policy Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Guadagno in the Department of State with specific responsibility for the Red Tape Review and Small Business Advocacy, which includes management of the New Jersey Business Portal. Her prior positions included Deputy Director at the Division of Consumer Affairs, Deputy Chief at the Bureau of Securities and federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York. She enjoyed a lengthy career at major Wall Street firms before graduating from Columbia Law School and entering public service.

Mackey, John F.
Principal
Reznick Group, P.C.
John Mackey is a recognized leader in the affordable housing industry and has more than 40 years of accounting and business advisory experience. At the Reznick Group, he works closely with both established and new clients, focusing on transactional consulting and long-range planning. With extensive experience in structuring low-income housing, historic and new markets tax credit transactions, Mr. Mackey has worked on hundreds of low-income tax credit transactions and helped developers resolve countless issues. Mr. Mackey is a summa cum laude graduate of Western New England University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

Maio, Maria T.
Executive Director
Jersey City Housing Authority
Maria Maio has served since August 2004 as the Executive Director of the Jersey City Housing Authority. As the Chief Administrative Officer of the Public Housing Authority and Secretary to the Board of Commissioners, Ms. Maio is responsible for the oversight of all fiscal, management and administrative functions involved in the operation of the Public Housing Program (over 3,000 units), Housing Choice Rental Assistance Program (over 3,200 vouchers), related assisted
housing programs (120 units) and three HOPE VI demolition and revitalization programs, with a combined program budget of over $70M and a staff of 280 employees. Ms. Maio received her bachelor's degree in sociology and a Certificate in Urban Studies from St. Peter's College in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Martin, Eli D.
Founding Member
LWDMR Architects
Eli Martin is a founding member of the firm and has extensive experience in the public and private sectors in all aspects of architecture and urban design. Mr. Martin has been involved in large-scale neighborhood and community planning projects. These efforts have often resulted in the creation of mixed-income housing opportunities, increased retail and community facilities, and improved access to public transportation. His expertise in the use of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program has resulted in the creation of hundreds of units of new housing, including the Bridgeton HOPE VI Neighborhood Revitalization, recipient of the 2009 AIA/HUD award for Excellence in Affordable Housing Design.   He has designed new, market-rate housing and has successfully adapted older, historic buildings for cultural and residential reuses.   

Mascherin, Marie C.
Chief Lending Officer
New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC)
Marie Mascherin is the Chief Lending Officer of New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), the only nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) serving the entire State of New Jersey. In her current capacity, Ms. Mascherin is responsible for management and oversight of the organization's lending programs. New Jersey Community Capital was founded in 1987 to provide financing for the development of affordable housing. Since then, the organization has grown from a $125,000 loan fund to a full-service financial intermediary offering a wide range of community development financing programs, as well as technical assistance and real estate development services.
 
McBride, Mark
Tax Credit Investment Officer
TD Bank
Mark McBride is a Tax Credit Investment Officer at TD Bank. Mr. McBride is responsible for the Bank's Low Income Housing Tax Credit and New Market Tax Credit investments within the TD Bank Mid-Atlantic market area. His background in community development investments is diverse, and in the past he has served as a consultant, syndicator, public official, and investor. In addition, he has been employed at the housing finance agencies in both Maryland and New Jersey, developing and administering financing programs for affordable housing, including both for sale housing and rental projects. Mr. McBride has a bachelor's degree from Rutgers College and an MBA degree from Rutgers Graduate School of Management.

Miceli, D. Nicholas
Market President
TD Bank
D. Nicholas Miceli has worked at TD Bank for 14 years.  He is currently Market President of the bank's Central New Jersey market, comprising of Essex, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union Counties. Previous to this, Mr. Miceli was regional vice president for Essex, Hudson and lower Bergen counties, and was responsible for leading the bank's commercial and retail banking operations.  He joined the Bank in 1998 as a vice president of middle market lending for the northern New Jersey market.  Prior to this, he held various management positions at Bank of America.

Moore, Lauren H.
Director, Office of Business Advocacy
Department of State's Business Action Center
Lauren H. Moore is Director in the Office of Business Advocacy, New Jersey Business Action Center, within the Department of State.  In this capacity, he oversees the diverse responsibilities of his unit which include: business retention, expansion and attraction services; global business services; coordination of state, local and federal business assistance and incentive programs and grants; project coordination between state, county and local government entities and the private sector; site selection assistance; assistance with technical, regulatory and permit compliance issues; and resolution of business complaints.

Murray, John
Director of Multi-family Preservation Lending
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
John Murray is the Director of Multi-family Preservation Lending.  Under his leadership since the department's creation in 2004, NJHMFA has preserved 6,862 units, extending the affordability of 41 projects an average of 20 years for a total of more than $329 million in financing.  The department manages a current portfolio of 10 projects with 1,543 units. Prior to joining the Agency, he was Vice President of Housing and Development for Volunteers of America/Delaware Valley, Inc. and was responsible for developing affordable and special needs housing.  He also spent 14 years in the private banking industry, focusing on commercial real estate and community development lending.  Mr. Murray received his bachelor's degree in finance from San Jose State University in 1985.

Murtha, Kristina G., Esq.
Attorney
Goldbeck, McCafferty and McKeever
Kristina G. Murtha has 18 years of experience in representing lenders in mortgage foreclosure and related bankruptcy actions.  She joined the firm of Goldbeck, McCafferty & McKeever in 1999 and became a shareholder in 2005.  She is the attorney primarily responsible for the firm's New Jersey foreclosure matters, including litigation, bankruptcy, evictions, federal court matters and mediations.    Ms. Murtha is a frequent lecturer on foreclosure-related topics and served as the first Chairperson of the Foreclosure Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association.   She is a graduate of Trinity College (Connecticut), with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and was awarded a Juris Doctorate from the Widener University School of Law, where she was inducted into Phi Delta Phi, the school's legal honor society. 

Newell, James
Interim Provost
Rowan University
James Newell, Ph.D., came to Rowan in 1998 and is currently serving as the Interim Provost.  While at Rowan, Dr. Newell published a textbook entitled Essentials of Modern Materials Science and Engineering; participated in grants that have resulted in over $2 million of external funding; and written and lectured extensively. In addition, he has received multiple national awards including the 2001 Raymond Fahien award for "Outstanding Teaching Effectiveness and Educational Scholarship" and the 2005 Corcoran Award for the best paper published in the journal Chemical Engineering Education.  He is also co-author on the fourth edition of the largest selling textbook in chemical engineering, Elementary Principles of Chemical Process.  Dr. Newell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State, and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Clemson. 

Nolan, Thomas A.
Managing Director, Senior Vice President, Senior Account Executive
Conner Strong & Buckelew
Thomas Nolan directs account services for many of the large and strategic business relationships of Conner Strong & Buckelew. In this role, he brings a wealth of experience and a wide array of strategic and tactical insurance and risk management solutions to the firm's clients. Mr. Nolan manages and designs property and casualty insurance programs for larger, more complicated accounts for a variety of business sectors with notable expertise in public entities, construction and manufacturing. He joined Conner Strong & Buckelew in 2006. He previously spent 20 years as Vice President and Account Manager at The Graham Company, a Philadelphia-based insurance brokerage, and was the Controller for J.J. White, Inc., a Philadelphia-based contractor. Mr. Nolan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Saint Joseph's University and is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter.

Odell, Krystal
Founder, President and CEO
Allies Inc.
Krystal Odell has been a well-known advocate in the field of disability services within New Jersey for the last 30 years. Ms. Odell is a former Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Human Services and currently is the founder, President, and CEOrofessional Expereince of Allies Inc., a national non-profit with operations in New Jersey and Colorado serving over 1,700 people with disabilities. She is also President and CEO of Allies' affordable housing division, AllHomes Development Corp, which has developed over 73 units of supportive housing since its inception. Allies Inc. provides residential and housing services, self-determination/self-directed services, employment, business partnership services, retail businesses, community connection, educational services through transitional services, and financial literacy. Ms. Odell is the chair of the Supportive Housing Association, serves on the Board of the Housing and Community Network, and serves on the Board of the Association of Professionals in Supported Employment (APSE).

Oroho, Steven V.
Senator, District 24
New Jersey Senate
Senator Oroho was sworn into the New Jersey Senate on January 8, 2008, after serving as a Sussex County Freeholder from 2005-2007 and on the Franklin Borough Council from 2001-2006 (as President in 2004). He was part of the original Red Tape Review Group in 2010, and Governor Christie appointed him to the permanent Red Tape Review Commission that convened in 2011. Senator Oroho has sponsored legislation to eliminate burdensome red tape, as well as laws concerning tax and pension reform. He has had a lengthy career in accountancy and is a certified financial planner with Stonebridge Capital Management in West Caldwell.

Paladino, Christopher J.
President
New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO)
Christopher J. Paladino has served as President of New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO), a cutting-edge non-profit real estate development organization, since 1994.  Under his leadership, Devco has initiated, developed, and managed nearly 4.5 million square feet of residential, commercial, academic, and institutional redevelopment projects valued at $1.1 billion. As a result, New Brunswick is consistently referred to as a redevelopment success story, and was recently called the most successful model for revitalization in New Jersey.  By developing unique public-private partnerships, Mr. Paladino has been able to initiate projects that both address underlying public policy issues and revitalize the community while respecting its history.  He is a member of Mason Gross School of the Arts Leadership Council, the President's Business Leaders Cabinet at Rutgers University, Greater New Brunswick Innovation Zone Advisory Board, New Brunswick Cultural Center, Regional Plan Association-New Jersey Committee, and the Somerset County Parks Commission.

Palombi, Kelly
Occupancy Specialist III
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Kelly Palombi is an Occupancy Specialist III for the Property Management Division and has been with NJHMFA for 23 years. Her background includes Section 8, 236, and Tax Credit. She is a certified Fair Housing Coordinator of NAHMA, a Certified Assisted Housing Manager through Quadel Consulting Corp. and an Accredited Residential Manager with IREM.

Peter, Erich
Director of Training and Technical Assistance
UCEDC
Erich Peter is the Director of Training and Technical Assistance for UCEDC, a statewide non-profit economic development corporation.  In this role, Mr. Peter is responsible for managing the organization's training workshops, small business mentoring program, ISO 9001 consortium, as well as its Entrepreneurial Training Initiative, a seven-week workshop that takes aspiring business owners from assessing their business readiness to the completion of a professional business plan. 

Rebuck, David L.
Acting Director
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
David Rebuck was nominated by Governor Chris Christie on April 29, 2011, to be the Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the casino regulatory agency within the Department of Law and Public Safety. He is serving in an acting capacity pending his confirmation by the New Jersey Senate. Mr. Rebuck has served as an attorney for 23 years and as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey.

Redd, Dana L.
Mayor
City of Camden
Dana L. Redd was sworn in as the Mayor of the City of Camden on January 1, 2010. Mayor Redd is a lifelong resident of Camden City and has spent more than 20 years working in the public sector as a dedicated public servant. As Mayor of the City of Camden, Mayor Redd looks
forward to drawing upon her passion for the City, previous public service, and vision to move Camden forward. Elected to Camden City Council in 2001 and re-elected in 2005, she has been a strong advocate for Camden's diverse neighborhoods and has fought for issues of fairness and parity. Mayor Redd also represented the City of Camden as the New Jersey State Senator for the 5th Legislative District from 2008 until January 2010 when she became Mayor. In the Senate, she served as a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee; Vice Chair of the Community and Urban Affairs Committee; Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee; and as a member of the Joint Committee on the Public Schools. A graduate of Rutgers University - Camden Campus, Mayor Redd earned her Bachelor of Science degree
in Business Studies and attended the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

Reidy, Terence J.
City Manager
Asbury Park
Terry Reidy is the City Manager for the City of Asbury Park where he manages all city services for this diverse and economically challenged city of 17,000 residents. In addition, Mr. Reidy partnered with the NJ Department of Community Affairs to reorganize the administrative structure of the city to increase efficiencies and productivity while reducing costs and ongoing dependence on state aid. Some of his prior work experiences were being the manager for the Township of Montclair, the administrator for Town of Morristown and Vernon Township and the Director of Community Development for the City of Passaic. He received a B.A. degree from Seton Hall University and a MPA from Rutgers University.

Remsa, Mark A.
Director, Department of Economic Development and Regional Planning
Burlington County
Mark Remsa's professional experience includes physical planning and landscape architecture for planning, architectural and civil engineering firms and municipal and county governments since 1980. As Director of the Department of Economic Development and Regional Planning for Burlington County, Mr. Remsa oversees the preparation and implementation of regional plans to improve quality of life within the region. Working with hundreds of companies, he has helped attract over $2 billion of investment to the River Route region over a five-year period. He is currently implementing recommendations from the strategic plan for the corridor and initiating a new regional planning effort that focuses on smart growth in the farmbelt region of Burlington County.

Roman, Walter
Assistant Director for Landlord and Tenant Relations
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Walter Roman is the Assistant Director for Landlord and Tenant Relations. Mr. Roman is responsible for addressing tenant and landlord issues and interacts with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as with federal and state Legislators and various tenant organizations. He is also responsible for monitoring compliance by property owners and managing agents with NJHMFA Insurance Requirements. Prior to joining NJHMFA, Mr. Roman served as Municipal Administrator of East Newark, NJ. He also served as Vice President of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs of Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company and as Chief Executive Officer of Island Developers, Ltd., a real estate development subsidiary of Mutual Benefit Life.

Rosner, Lynn 
Health Education, Family Care Coordinator, and Tobacco Dependence Specialist CTTS
Camden County Department of Health and Human Services
Lynn Rosner is a Health Promotion Coordinator for the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services.  Her primary role is facilitating and delivering public health education, health promotion and risk reduction programs, especially in tobacco control, and developing policy change efforts in Camden County. She is a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and Certified Chronic Disease Self Management Peer Leader.  Ms. Rosner received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University and earned a Master of Arts degree in Education with a concentration in Counseling Psychology from Temple.

Ruane, Brian
National Director
Willis' National Real Estate and Hotel Practice
Brian Ruane serves as Director of Willis' National Real Estate and Hotel Practice. Mr. Ruane was appointed National Director when Willis established the Real Estate practice in 2003. Since that time the practice has grown its position in this sector substantially and maintains a retention ratio in excess of 92 percent. He has taught at St. John's University's College of Insurance and Risk Management for many years and has written extensively on insurance and risk management issues impacting the real estate and hotel industries. Mr. Ruane is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, including BOMA, NAREIT and the AHLA. In 2006, Risk and Insurance Magazine awarded him its Power Broker designation, an award given to 100 insurance professionals, recognizing their dedication to their clients and commitment to excellence.

Sasso, Robert
Director of Property Management
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Robert Sasso has been with the NJHMFA for more than 20 years, beginning as a college intern and recently serving as the Asset Manager prior to becoming Director of Property Management. Mr. Sasso has also held the positions of Financial Analyst, Housing Management Officer and Financial Services Coordinator. He serves as Co-Chairman of the NJHMFA Property Management Task Force and is a member of JAHMA (NJ Affordable Housing Management Association). Mr. Sasso holds a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA degree from Rider University.

Scattiglio, Wendy
TRACS Coordinator
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Wendy Scattiglio has been in the field of subsidized housing for the past 24 years, both in the property management of Section 8 development and as an Occupancy Specialist in the Property Management Division of NJHMFA. Ms. Scattiglio has been overseeing and monitoring the implementation and coordination of TRACS/iMAX transmissions to this office and HUD. In addition, she attends all HUD Industry meetings and is the liaison between HUD Washington, HMFA, software technicians, and property managers. She is a Certified Assisted Housing Manager through Quadel Consulting Corp. and has earned numerous credits through the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.

Schoch, Stephen
Managing Principal
Kitchen and Associates Architectural Services, PA
Stephen Schoch is a Managing Principal of Kitchen & Associates Architectural Services, PA, a 50-person architecture, engineering, planning and interior design firm based in Collingswood, NJ.  A Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with decades of experience in the planning and design of award-winning community revitalization and urban mixed-use projects, he is widely recognized for his expertise related to development of affordable housing and integration of sustainable design. His record of experience includes collaboration with housing authorities, community organizations and private developers in the construction of more than 50,000 affordable residences throughout the country.  He has been instrumental in the development and application of design standards and regulations related to the construction of special needs and supportive housing.  Mr. Schoch earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from Carnegie Mellon University.

Sheridan, John P., Jr.
President and CEO
The Cooper Health System
John P. Sheridan, Jr., is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cooper Health System and is responsible for the operations of Cooper University Hospital and Cooper's more than 75 satellite offices throughout the region. He also is a member of The Cooper Health System Board of Trustees. Mr. Sheridan joined Cooper as Senior Executive Vice President in July 2005 and became Chief Administrative Officer in March of 2007 and President of Cooper University Hospital in September 2007. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cooper Health System in February 2008. Mr. Sheridan's career spans 40 years in governmental service and the practice of law and healthcare. Before joining Cooper, he was a senior partner and co-chairman of the law firm of Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, LLP, which he joined in May 1985. Mr. Sheridan graduated from St. Peter's College and received his law degree from Rutgers Law School. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970.

Siekerka, Michele N., Esq.
Assistant Commissioner for Economic Growth and Green Energy
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Michele Siekerka works with environmental advocacy organizations, large and small businesses, industry, local governments, and residents to identify and create opportunities for economic growth while maintaining the highest standards of protection for the environment. She is the DEP's point person to help New Jersey tap the full potential of renewable energy by coordinating efforts with other state agencies and working to help businesses develop more opportunities for wind and solar power. Prior to joining the DEP as its first Assistant Commissioner for Economic Growth and Green Energy, Ms. Siekerka was president and CEO of the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her experience with New Jersey's business community, coupled with her legal background, provide the foundation for understanding the economic impact of regulatory processes, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Ms. Siekerka earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and German from Rutgers University and a law degree from Temple University School of Law.

Smith, Patricia L.
Senior Policy Advisor
The Reinvestment Fund (TRF)
Patricia L. Smith serves as The Reinvestment Fund (TRF) Senior Policy Advisor. At TRF, she is responsible for advising the CEO on policy issues and communicating TRF's policy positions to a wide range of stakeholders. Her current portfolio includes formulating and directing TRF's federal, state and local policy and program efforts to improve access to healthier foods in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural areas. Prior to TRF, she directed Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street's Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI), a $295 million initiative to address decades of urban blight and stimulate new investment in Philadelphia neighborhoods. During her career, Ms. Smith has held leadership positions in the foundation, government and nonprofit sectors. She worked closely with major public and philanthropic funders, state and local governments, educational and medical institutions, and nonprofits to increase their capacities to engage in neighborhood revitalization activities. As a lawyer and seasoned public official, Ms. Smith is particularly skilled at tackling complex political, governance and organizational issues. A 2002 Fannie Mae Foundation fellow, Ms. Smith holds a bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College and a law degree from George Washington University Law Center.

Solano de Nieves, Wanda S.
Center Director, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), Region II
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Wanda Solano de Nieves is the Center Director for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) in Region II for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, covering the state of New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. She serves as principal advisor to the FHEO Regional Director for Region II. Ms. Solano de Nieves is responsible for administering HUD's programs and responsibilities in connection with equal opportunity and civil rights. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Puerto Rico, a Certificate in Municipal Government Management from Middlesex College in Framingham, MA, and is also a graduate of the Hispanic Women Leadership Institute at Rutgers University.

Sondermeyer, Gary
Director of Technology Development
Bayshore Recycling Corporation
Gary Sondermeyer serves as Director of Technology Development for the Bayshore Recycling Corporation, one of New Jersey's largest recyclers. Mr. Sondermeyer's primary function involves the review of evolving recycling and energy generating technologies for potential inclusion within the Eco-Complex. He joined Bayshore following retirement after 30 years at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection where he served as Chief of Staff for 10 years under five different DEP Commissioners and six New Jersey Governors. Prior to this, he served as Assistant Commissioner for the DEP's core permitting programs for three years and spent 17 years within the Solid Waste and Recycling Program where he also served as Director.

Staton, Michael K.
Director of Multi-family Programs and Credit
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Michael Staton is responsible for performing analysis on multi-family housing developments to determine the level of risk for primary and secondary mortgage financing and to ascertain project feasibility.  He has worked at NJHMFA for over 20 years in various positions such as Director of Credit, Assistant Director of Financial Management, Senior Loan Officer, Senior Housing Management Officer and Accountant.  Mr. Staton also serves as a housing production liaison between DCA and NJHMFA and coordinates the funding efforts between the two agencies.  He also supervises the Green Homes Office Unit and coordinates inter-agency green building efforts and concepts.  Mr. Staton holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Hampton University and a master's degree from Rider University.

Stolfo, Diana
Self-Advocate - Speaker
Orchard Commons Supportive Housing
Diana Stolfo is a Self-Advocate Speaker and resident of Orchard Commons in the Borough of Allendale. In addition to her advocacy, Ms. Stolfo maintains a well-rounded career, holding positions at: The Gap, as a Sales Associate; Meaningful Movements as a Dance Teacher Assistant; ECLC School, Ho-Ho-Kus, as a Clerical Assistant; and at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Ridgewood, as a Receptionist. Additionally, she has been an active 20-year participant as a Gymnastic Athlete in The Special Olympics, as well as, she has served as Student Council President, ECLC School. Ms. Stolfo is a graduate of Ridgewood High School and is a recipient of the President's Award for Educational Excellence, the Rebecca S. McDonald Transitional Award, and the Eagle of the Cross Award for Roman Catholic Youth Group Leadership.

Tancer, Steve
Director of Property Management Group
RPM Development Group
Steve Tancer is the Director of RPM's Property Management Group and is responsible for the overall day-to-day operation and compliance of all properties developed and owned by RPM since 2004. Prior to joining RPM, Mr. Tancer managed the New Jersey Portfolio of Section 8 and LIHTC properties for a large New York-based developer and syndicator of investment tax credits for the development of affordable housing. He attended Columbia University and has been active for over 25 years in the real estate business. Mr. Tancer, a licensed Real Estate Broker in New York and New Jersey, has a background in commercial, retail, residential and multi-family sales from which he developed an interest and an opportunity to manage the properties he sold for the new owners.

Tinen, Maureen
President
UCEDC
Maureen Tinen is President of UCEDC, a statewide, non-profit economic development corporation, a position she has held for nearly 25 years.  During her tenure, she led the company's transformation from a single county EDC to the statewide resource that is now one of the oldest and largest economic development organizations in the state.  Serving small business owners through lending, training and government contracting, UCEDC is a U.S. Treasury-designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), an SBA-designated statewide microlender, and a U.S. Department of Defense Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Titone, Alfred J.
District Director
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Alfred J. Titone was named district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration's New Jersey district office on March 28, 2011. He brings with him a diverse business background in both non-profit and for-profit businesses with a concentration in marketing, sales and entrepreneurship. Mr. Titone is responsible for directing SBA's efforts to assist over 700,000 small businesses in New Jersey with the agency's financial, contracting, and business development programs. Additionally, he has oversight responsibilities for 11 Small Business Development Centers administered by Rutgers University, one SBA-funded Women's Business Center and nine chapters of SCORE – Counselors to America's Small Business, a volunteer organization that provides free business counseling. After earning his undergraduate degree he worked in the entertainment field for five years and returned to school to earn an MBA in Marketing and Management in 1988 from St. John's University. 

Toronto, Tom
President
Bergen County's United Way
Tom Toronto has 28 years of experience working for local United Ways in Bergen, Burlington and Hudson counties in New Jersey. Mr. Toronto serves as Chairman of the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership, driving implementation of the 2-1-1 helpline on behalf of New Jersey's local United Ways and New Jersey State Government. He is active in his local community, having served as a member of the Leonia governing body, the Leonia Library Board and past chair of the town's planning board. Mr. Toronto is a member of the Partnership for New Jersey and a graduate of the organization's Leadership New Jersey program. He serves on Bergen County Community College's not-for-profit advisory board and is a member of Bergen County's Workforce Investment Board and the Bergen County Homeless Trust Fund Task Force. Mr. Toronto holds a bachelor's degree from Montclair State University and a master's degree from Columbia University.

Urban, Debra
Director of Tax Credit Services
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
Since 2002, Debra Urban has served as the Director of Tax Credit Services for NJHMFA. She is responsible for the administration of over $18 million in annual federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to affordable housing developments in New Jersey. Ms. Urban has a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law, and currently holds the designations of Housing Credit Certified Professional and Certified Tax Credit Compliance Site Manager.

VanAmerongen, Deborah
Strategic Policy Advisor
Nixon Peabody, LLC
Deborah VanAmerongen works with attorneys in Nixon Peabody's Affordable Housing practice to provide advice to developers, owners, and managers of affordable housing, and their financing partners.  Ms. VanAmerongen is the former Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Prior to serving as Commissioner, she served as Director of Multi-family Housing for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's New York City region.

Virgona, James T., RA
Senior Project Architect
Virgona and Virgona Architects
James Virgona is currently employed at Virgona and Virgona Architects, a family firm which has completed numerous projects in the private and public sectors throughout its more than 60-year history. His award-winning portfolio consists of a variety of project types including dozens of custom homes, hundreds of townhouses/apartments, moderate income housing units, a library, light industrial buildings, retail buildings, corporate office work, medical office renovations and other projects. Mr. Virgona recently completed design and construction documents for a $90 million, government-funded, mixed-use 15-story redevelopment project in northern New Jersey. In addition, he has extensive experience designing special needs housing in New Jersey, having completed projects in Bergen, Passaic, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. Mr. Virgona has been the Senior Project Architect for at least four independent living facilities, an adult training center and more than a dozen group homes housing individuals with a range of developmental disabilities. He received a bachelor's degree in architecture degree as an honors graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and is a licensed architect in the State of New Jersey since 1993.

Wallick, Laura L.
Regional Director
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Laura Wallick has been with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority since 1986.  She currently serves as the Regional Director for Finance and Development and is responsible for implementing the Business Banking and Community Development plan for Southern New Jersey.  Under Ms. Wallick's direction, the Finance and Development team promotes the EDA's financial resources and incentives to businesses and financial partners and builds relationships with municipalities and community development organizations to stimulate economic growth.

Ward, Lenny
Director, Community Programs Division
New Jersey State Parole Board (NJSPB)
Lenny Ward is the Director of the Community Programs Division at NJSPB. He also served in a law enforcement capacity within NJSPB as a Lieutenant and Senior Parole Officer within the Division of Parole. Mr. Ward has served in multiple capacities within the Department of Law and Public Safety, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Corrections. He has a master's degree in Public Administration, is an adjunct professor for Fairleigh Dickinson University, and is an instructor at the Somerset County Police Academy located at Raritan Valley Community College. He is also certified by the U.S. Department of Justice in community oriented policing.

Wheeler, Douglas A., Esq.
Director, Division of Insurance
New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance
In March 2009, Douglas Wheeler returned to the Department of Banking and Insurance as the Acting Director of the Division of Insurance.  Mr. Wheeler was subsequently nominated and confirmed by the New Jersey Senate in June 2009 and has served as the Director since that time.  He had served as Assistant Commissioner for Legislative and Regulatory Affairs and as Chief of Staff at the Department from 2002 to 2006. Previously, from 1999 to 2002, Mr. Wheeler served as Counsel in the New Jersey Senate where he staffed the Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committees. He graduated from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall School of Law.

Wolfe, Kevin M., Esq.
Assistant Director, Civil Practice Division
New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts
Mr. Wolfe oversees a staff of attorneys, paralegals and administrative and clerical support personnel responsible for staffing various Supreme Court Committees, Judges Conferences and vicinage Civil Division Conferences. The Civil Practice Division includes the Office of Foreclosure and the foreclosure mediation program initiated by the New Jersey Supreme Court. Prior to his joining the Administrative Office of the Courts, he was in private practice in Trenton, NJ, served as Deputy Surrogate for Mercer County and Deputy Attorney General in the Division of Law where he handled probate, unclaimed property and inheritance tax matters on behalf of the State. Mr. Wolfe received a B.S. degree from Newark College of Engineering (New Jersey Institute of Technology), Newark, NJ and a J.D. from Rutgers School of Law, Camden, NJ.

Ypsilantis, Peter
Director of Sustainable Design & Engineering
Integrated Green Technologies Inc.
Peter Ypsilantis is the Director of Sustainable Design and Engineering for Integrated Green Technologies Inc., a resource solutions provider for affordable green building management, design and construction. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from NYU-Polytechnic, he draws upon over 20 years of building construction experience.  His notable projects have earned LEED platinum designations and awards for energy efficiency and sustainability. Mr. Ypsilantis is passionate about educating owners, professionals and trades people on the methods and materials for creating affordable, zero-energy living spaces.