Eight executives, including four pro-business legislators, received awards Friday at NJBIA’s sold-out Public Policy Forum, where the honorees were recognized for outstanding leadership and tireless dedication to making New Jersey a better place to do business.
NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka and members of NJBIA’s Government Affairs team presented the awards during the business forum that drew 450 people to the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal. The event was keynoted by Gov. Mikie Sherrill and included panel discussions with legislative leaders and the state’s top business executives.
The NJBIA awards and the 2026 honorees are:
The Candy Straight Woman Trailblazer Awards
Recognizing trailblazing advocates for women in politics and business world.
- Lynn Nowak - Executive Vice President, Porzio Governmental Affairs
- Barbara DeMarco - Vice President, Porzio Governmental Affairs
“Both Lynn and Barbara are a dynamic force in public policy and business strategy,” Siekerka said. “They have been on more power lists that I can count – consistently recognized for their leadership, community engagement and strategic thinking.”
Siekerka noted Nowak’s leadership and keen acumen in analyzing political trends and devising and executing legislative strategies. Nowak’s efforts steering the successful campaign to secure voter approval of a ballot question legalizing marijuana earned her accolades as one of the state’s most skilled lobbyists, Siekerka said.
DeMarco was most recently the point-person for a project that brought a world-class data center to the Atlantic City Convention Center to support the back end of internet gaming and sports wagering in New Jersey, Siekerka noted.
The Leonard C. Johnson Awards
Honors dedicated advocates for New Jersey employers whose efforts improve the state economic vitality, encourage job growth, and make businesses feel welcome in New Jersey.
- Denise Beckson, Vice President/Chief Administrative & External Affairs Officer, Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
- Ward Sanders, President, New Jersey Association of Health Plans
Siekerka said Beckson, whose career at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood spans more than three decades, is a tireless advocate for New Jersey’s hospitality and tourism industry. Beckson took the J-1 visa fight to Washington, D.C. to ensure businesses had the summer workers and was also instrumental in NJBIA’s fight to reform archaic teen worker laws in New Jersey.
“There is no committee, coalition or gathering on these issues, where you will NOT see Denise Beckson – and chances are that she is not only in attendance, but leading,” Siekerka said. Beckson also serves as a member of NJBIA’s Board of Trustees, as chair of the Executive Board of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association, and is a member of boards of the New Jersey Amusement Association and New Jersey Tourism Industry Association.
Sanders received his Leonard C. Johnson Award from NJBIA VP of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford, who noted his outstanding leadership for two decades as president of the New Jersey Association of Health Plans, the state trade association that represents the major commercial health insurance providers.
“Ward is a strong advocate and an invaluable resource in educating the Legislature about the challenges faced by all employers, and small employers in particular, when even the most well-intentioned health insurance mandates are enacted,” Ford said. “And he will not shy away from pointing out when the state exempts itself from mandates, it leaves our dwindling small employer market to carry the weight of cost increases.”
Paul L. Troast Awards
Awarded to a legislator for public service to the business community and commitment to improving the state’s economy.
- Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-13)
- Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-22)
- Assemblyman William Spearman (D-5)
- Senator Latham Tiver (R-8)
Before presenting the award to Assemblyman Scharfenberger, NJBIA Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor said the Monmouth County legislator is a detail-oriented lawmaker who is always well-informed about the issues before him.
“The Assemblyman is a steady voice, who asks the right questions, and is supportive of the balance we need in Trenton,” Cantor said. “He is one of the few legislators who actually reads everything I send him and often responds back with more questions. We value his leadership and support of the business community.”
Assemblyman Spearman, the chair of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee, was honored as strong advocate for small businesses, entrepreneurship, and workforce development who believes thriving businesses are essential to strong communities.
“Drawing on his experience from both the public and private sectors, Chairman Spearman brings practical insight and a collaborative approach to policymaking,” Ford said. “His leadership and commitment to service have earned him widespread respect and numerous accolades. We are pleased to recognize Chairman Spearman for his integrity, impact, and steadfast support of New Jersey’s job creators.”
Senator Tiver, who was elected in 2023, has already made a big impact during his first term in the Senate, Cantor said.
“Senator Tiver has one of the toughest jobs in the Legislature – he is a pro-business, pro-economic growth Republican sitting on the Senate Environment and Energy Committee,” Cantor said. “Senator Tiver brings a calm, rational perspective to his work on that committee and in all his legislative endeavors. For those reasons, and many others, we are honored to present to him an award for his legislative leadership on behalf of the business community.”
Senate President Scutari, who had a scheduling conflict that prevented him from attending, was also recognized for his work on behalf of the business community.
“He and his staff, who are always great to work with, have shined this past legislative session working with NJBIA on some much-needed pro-business regulatory reform, plus moderating anti-business policies in the Legislature,” said NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz.
