James S. Simpson

Biography
Chairman

Biography
Commissioner of Transportation

(Ex-Officio)

Andrew P. Sidamon-Eristoff
State Treasurer
Biography
State Treasurer (Ex-Officio)

Joseph Ripa

Joseph Ripa, a lifelong resident of Camden County, graduated from Camden High School in 1957 and studied labor relations at Rutgers University. He and Esther, his wife of more than 42 years, raised two daughters, Kelly and Linda and are proud grandparents of Michael, Sergio, Lola Grace and Joaquin.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Ripa began a long career in public transportation. In 1983, Joe was elected Vice President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 880. By 1991, he had become president and Business Agent.

He has served as Vice President of the Central Labor Council of Camden and Gloucester Counties, on the Board of Directors of the Union Organization for Social Service, and Treasurer and Manager of the People's Transport Federal Credit Union.

He has also served as Chairman of the South Jersey Labor Council, a Trustee of Camden County College, a member of the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority and as a volunteer for the United Way.

Ripa resides in Berlin Borough. He was sworn-in as a Camden County Freeholder in January 2004. In June 2009, he was appointed as Camden County Clerk.

Robert A. Briant, Jr.

Public Member
4 Year Term (1/11/10-12/4/12)

Reappointed by Governor Jon Corzine on 1-11-10

Statutory Representative of a Transportation Firm

Robert A. Briant, Jr. is the CEO of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) that represents approximately 1,000 member firms active in all phases of heavy, transportation and utility construction throughout the State of New Jersey. Mr. Briant also held the positions of Associate Executive Director and Executive Director at the association prior to his current position. During his 24 years with UTCA, Mr. Briant was active in labor negotiations and mediation, construction claims resolution, permit acquisition, and various State and federal regulatory issues that affect the infrastructure industry.

Mr. Briant was appointed by former Governor Christine Whitman to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission in August of 1994 to December 1997. He also has served on various committees and advisory boards related to the construction industry. Mr. Briant served as an elected Councilman in the Borough of Manasquan from 2000 to 2005 where he currently resides with his wife Deborah and children, Colin and Hannah. Mr. Briant received his B. A. degree in Political Science.

Nelson Ferreira

Public Member
4 Year Term (4/28/11 - 9/20/12)

Appointed by Governor Christopher Christie on 4/28/11

Statutory Representative of a Transportation Firm

Nelson Ferreira is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ferreira Construction Company, Inc., located in Branchburg, New Jersey. Very early in his career, Nelson realized what he wanted to accomplish in life – to become a successful construction contractor. He also realized that it would take a lot of perseverance, hard work and dedication.

Today, Ferreira Construction Company, Inc., “a company on the move”, is a multi-million dollar, multi-faceted construction company with bonding capacity in excess of $200 million, with over 700 pieces of construction equipment. Ferreira Construction Company employs approximately 300 full-time employees and has expanded its market to include Florida and New York. Nelson commits to providing his employees with training and certifications to keep his company ahead of the curve with technology and safety programs.

Trustee:
Board of Directors -
Gill St. Bernard’s School,
Gladstone, New Jersey

Board of Directors -
Catholic Charities,
Newark, New Jersey

Board of Directors -
The Regional Alliance for Small Contractors

The MOLES

Advisory Board Member - Morristown Hospital

General Contractors Association of NY