TRENTON, NJ—As a means to "turn the page" on the controversy that has surrounded the Garden State's economic incentive program, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Tuesday his intent to name four new members to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Board of Directors.

The governor stated he will officially appoint the four new members as board vacancies occur beginning later this month.

"Over the past two years, our Administration has turned the page on a system where political connections and closed-door deals took precedence over the need to grow our economy and provide a sound return on investment for our taxpayers," said Gov. Murphy. "I am thrilled to announce my intent to appoint four new members that will bring a wide array of experience and talent to the EDA Board to help strengthen not just the businesses that grow and prosper here, but also the communities in which they reside."

"One of New Jersey's greatest strengths is its diversity," said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Board Chair Kevin Quinn. "To create a stronger and fairer economy, it is essential that we have a Board that reflects this diversity. My fellow board members and I look forward to working with our new colleagues to build a more inclusive economy."

The new members announced today follow the appointment of Kevin Quinn as Board Chair on April 26th of this year. Upon any vacancies to the current Board of Directors, the governor will appoint the following members. Vacancies on the board will begin on Dec. 21 of this year when three Board members' terms are set to expire.

Aisha Glover, president and CEO of Newark Alliance; Virginia 'Ginny' Bauer, CEO of GTBM, Inc. and former New Jersey Secretary of Commerce for Economic Growth and Tourism; Rosemari Hicks, owner of CoWork Street in Camden and Marcia Marley, founder and president of BlueWaveNJ and PhD in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley.

Glover said of her nomination, "Reshaping our state's EDA was a bold and necessary move to ensure stronger, fairer representation within the Authority and across the state. As we witnessed during the state's bid for Amazon last year, the core components to recruit, and ultimately retain, new business are already in place in urban areas. We must prioritize these areas, while at the same time, establishing a foundation that will allow for inclusive and equitable growth to take root."

"I am pleased to be part of Governor Murphy's aggressive agenda to retain and attract businesses to our great state," added Bauer. "New Jersey continues to lead the nation with the most talented and diverse workforce, complemented with our great location and educational system. I support the governor's commitment to provide every tool necessary to expand and develop our economic opportunities through the EDA."

Instant Insights /

Gov. Murphy Looks to 'Turn the Page' at EDA

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