Besides overseeing the major source of low-cost funding for businesses in the state, the position also gives Koeppe a major role in the state's multi-billion-dollar school construction program, an effort that involves both the rebuilding of older schools and construction of new ones. "I have great respect for the authority and its staff," says Koeppe. "I am anxious to roll up my sleeves and get to work."

Besides wearing those two hats, Koeppe, a former top exec at Bell Atlantic, is also on a panel of both business and civic leaders leading the effort to get a new sports arena in downtown Newark. This effort has seen its share of fits and starts (see earlier stories). Koeppe was also a member of McGreevey's transition team when he moved into the statehouse last year.

Koeppe's appointment to the NJ EDA post was set in motion when former chairman Anthony Coscia was named by McGreevey as chairman the bi-state Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Coscia's move, in turn, was necessitated when developer Charles Kushner, McGreevey's original nominee for the PA post, withdrew from consideration (see earlier story).