Longtime President and CEO Mike Kerwin is stepping down as the head of the Somerset County Business Partnership after an 11-year tenure, and Chris Edwards, the current vice president of Business Services, takes over the reins today.
Kerwin has been a dynamic leader of the organization, and I’m not just saying that because he helped us get the ChamberLink initiative off the ground. Kerwin became CEO of the partnership in 2009 at the height of the Great Recession, when Somerset County’s economy, like the nations, was still reeling.
He worked with the county freeholders to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy, helped build up its tourism infrastructure, and created key connections with higher education. He also helped create Opportunity NJ, a statewide business advocacy trying to make New Jersey more affordable.
Mike Kerwin will be missed, but we wish him well in his retirement.
Luckily for businesses in Somerset County (and we here at ChamberLink) the SCBP has a deep bench. Chris Edwards represents a new generation of leadership. Edwards has served in his current position since 2018 following his tenure as SCBP Director of Business Development from March, 2013 to May, 2018.
He also brings a diverse experience with him. Prior to his hiring at the Business Partnership, Edwards served as director of Resource Development at United Way of Ocean County and as a Congresssional staffer for two U.S. Congressmen, Rep. Frank Pallone, D-NJ, and the late Rep. John Adler, D-NJ.
Just know that we here at ChamberLink embrace change and are looking forward to working with you.
