Michele N. Siekerka, Esq., President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, leads the nation’s largest, most influential employers’ organization, advocating on behalf of New Jersey’s large and small businesses for policies that will make New Jersey more affordable and regionally competitive.

Being known as a collaborative leader, Siekerka is leading an NJBIA established coalition (New Jersey Business Coalition) comprised of more than 100 business and nonprofit associations across the state to tackle the tough economic and business challenges our state is facing during COVID 19.

Well versed on the ‘boots on the ground” issues affecting our state’s business community, Michele is often the “go to” resource for media and is sought after to share her expertise in public forums across the state.

James Barrood is a prominent figure in the tri-state region’s entrepreneurial, innovation, and tech ecosystem, with over 25 years of experience in nurturing and supporting startups, growth companies and higher education institutions. He leads a global community of 10,000+ entrepreneurs and innovators, and also oversees executive education programs focusing on AI.

James has held various leadership positions, including five years as CEO of the NJ Tech Council (TechUnited), one of the largest and most respected membership tech organizations nationwide. He also led FDU’s top-ranked entrepreneurship center for over a decade, where he mentored and trained countless entrepreneurs and innovators.

James serves on several boards including startups and growth companies as well as nonprofits AI for Good Foundation (TechAid) and Future World Alliance. In addition, he is on the board of Princeton’s McCarter Theatre where he is on the executive committee and chair of its EDIA committee.

Apart from his leadership roles, James is also a global keynoter, two-time TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author. He has authored Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Global Insights from 24 Leaders and Lessons from the Great Recession, providing valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation.

https://www.innovationplus.us/

Host, A Few Things Podcast

Advisor: AI for Good Foundation (TechAid); Future World Alliance (Responsible AI in Education); Tech Council Ventures; JumpStart Angels

John Christian is an experienced Human Resources leader who serves as the Director of Human Resources at Nisivoccia LLP. In this role, he oversees all HR functions for the firm’s employees and Partners, ensuring that its strategies align with business goals while fostering a strong and supportive workplace culture.

With a diverse background spanning corporate and local businesses, John has worked for companies such as AT&T, Wells Fargo, and Logical Design Solutions. Before joining Nisivoccia, he was the Director of Human Resources at Tata Chemicals, a division of the global Tata conglomerate, where he led an HR team and supported a large workforce, including union employees.

Beyond his role at Nisivoccia, John is actively involved in the HR and business communities. He regularly participates in the Somerset County Business Partnership Human Resources Roundtable and frequently serves as a panelist at industry events. His recent speaking engagements include discussions at Montclair State University, Seton Hall University, and the NJCPA Accounting Educators Workshop.

John earned a degree in Economics from Drew University and an MBA from DePaul University. He lives in Flanders, NJ, with his wife, Mary. They have three grown daughters.

Kristi D’Angeli is a dynamic and accomplished leader, holding the position of CEO & founder of WorkDynamX and Morris Technology Partners. She has built these national WBENC-certified (woman-owned) companies into thriving multi-million-dollar enterprises, each offering distinct and valuable services to their clients.

WorkDynamX offers comprehensive workforce solutions, including recruiting, HR consulting, employer branding, and more, tailored to businesses and individuals looking to excel and outperform the rest. Morris Technology Partners focuses on delivering cutting-edge technology services, including IT infrastructure, cloud solutions, strategic consulting, and managed service provider solutions to optimize operational efficiency.

Kristi’s career is marked by numerous accolades and recognitions. She has been honored as one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs in New Jersey, featured in Forbes Magazine as a Women Business Leader in New Jersey, and named a 40 Under 40 Winner by NJBIZ. In addition, her Alma Mater, Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, awarded her the prestigious Maroon and Gold Alumni Award.

Under Kristi’s leadership, WorkDynamX was recognized by NJBIZ as a “Best Place to Work” in New Jersey, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace culture. Beyond her professional achievements, Kristi is deeply involved in community service, serving on the Executive Board of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges.

Passionate about empowering women professionals, Kristi founded The Kaleidoscope Project, a professional network for women. She is also an active participant in various HR networking groups and is recognized for her ability to connect people, solve complex problems, and foster meaningful collaboration.

Kristi’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and community engagement continues to inspire others and drive positive change in the industries she serves.

As Chief Government Affairs Officer for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association Christopher focuses on taxation, budget, economic development and workforce development. NJBIA is the largest and most impactful business association in the nation.

Prior to his current job, Emigholz worked in state government for a decade. He was the Budget Director for the State Senate Republican Office for 8 years overseeing economic, fiscal and education policy, and he also directed education policy and legislative affairs in the New Jersey Department of Education prior to that. This is his second stint at NJBIA having served for years as their workforce development and education lobbyist earlier in his career. He was also a teacher through the Teach For America program in a high school in Atlanta, Georgia, and a community liaison/volunteer coordinator for an elementary school in Baltimore City through the AmeriCorps-VISTA program.

Emigholz has a Master of Public Policy degree from Rutgers’ Bloustein School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University. He currently lives in Robbinsville, NJ with his wife and 3 children, where he is active in the community including coaching youth sports and serving on the school board to which he was elected.

Has multiple years in increasingly responsible managerial positions in the private sector. This experience transitioned into governmental and regulatory affairs. Some of these positions included Confidential Aide to the President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Agency Manager for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, and others..

Nuno Francisco is the Business Banking Market Executive for Citizens responsible for the territories in New York, New Jersey, Greater DC, Florida, and California. Nuno’s teams are responsible for the delivery of client coverage needs in the $1 million to $50 million revenue range. His teams focus in on relationship management and developing deep relationships with new to the bank clients. Very passionate about entrepreneurship, Nuno dedicates much of his professional time to engaging community stakeholders and partners to carry forward the good word of responsible entrepreneurship, and the important dedication to managing the financial side of a business. Outside of work, Nuno is the proud President of Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey, the leading Youth development agency in the state, serving over 55,000 throughout NJ.

In addition to her current role as NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Elissa Frank has been selected to lead the Focus NJ Center for Economic Research & Workforce Solutions, an independent nonprofit that conducts timely nonpartisan research economic and workforce issues.  

Frank, who succeeds former Focus NJ Executive Director Kyle Sullender, was appointed to her new position on Feb. 5 by the Focus NJ Board of Trustees, effective immediately. 

“As NJBIA’s point person on all employer and labor law issues, Elissa is well-respected for her intellect, research capabilities and the passion that she brings to her work,” said NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka, who also chairs the Focus NJ Board of Trustees. 

“Elissa will be a great asset to Focus NJ and its mission to provide timely, innovative, nonpartisan economic and workforce research that is the foundation of sound public policy that enables New Jersey businesses and their workers to thrive,” Siekerka said. 

Through its in-depth reports and Economic Tracker dashboard, Focus NJ tracks how the Garden State’s GDP, unemployment, income, and other indicators are affecting the state’s economy. The tracker compares current and historical economic data through interactive maps, charts and tables updated as data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis are released. 

Focus NJ also provides an online Workforce Development Map, which is an interactive map cataloging more than 400 workforce development training programs throughout the state to connect workers, employers, and training providers. This resource is continually updated to provide useful information for members of academia, business and government, as well as current workers and future workers. 

Before joining NJBIA’s Government Affairs team in 2023, Frank worked as the New Jersey state director of the Humane Society of the United States. Frank has also worked as an associate and law clerk at Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle from 2019 through 2021 and prior to that was director of legislative affairs for former Assemblyman Reed Gusciora. 

Frank, a resident of Cherry Hill, is a 2021 graduate of Rutgers Law School in Newark, where she also was the editor-in-chief of the Rutgers Law Record

Michael Griffin is a Managing Director and Investment Specialist in Private Banking at J.P. Morgan. In his role, Mr. Griffin is responsible for advising ultra high net worth individuals, foundations, and senior executives on a range of financial matters including asset allocation, portfolio construction, equities, fixed income, and alternative investments.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Griffin worked in the Private Bank’s Equities group as a member of the equity strategy team. His focus included single stock and sector opportunities, thematic ideas, and customized investments. Before joining the Private Bank in 2010, Mr. Griffin spent five years at J.P. Morgan Investment Management as an equity trader for the U.S. mutual fund business. Prior to that, he was with Bear Stearns for three years in various roles.

Mr. Griffin has a B.A. in Finance from Loyola University Maryland and an M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. He lives in Madison, NJ with his wife and four children and is a member of the board of directors of the Madison Area YMCA.

Jason Gulya is Professor of English and Applied Media at Berkeley College. He teaches a wide variety of courses related to writing, the Humanities, and Artificial Intelligence. He also works as an AI Consultant and Strategist for colleges all over the world. For his work, he has been featured in Forbes and Business Insider. Recently, he published a book titled Artificial Intelligence, Real Literacy.

Melissa brings over 20 years of experience in insurance and business development, positioning herself as a leading authority in her field. She has a strong track record in identifying market opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and creating tailored insurance solutions to protect assets and manage risks.

In her previous role as Insurance Professional, Melissa specialized in personal lines insurance, providing customized strategies that met her clients’ diverse needs. Her deep industry knowledge and commitment to exceptional service helped clients navigate complex insurance situations effectively. In her current role in business development with Plymouth Rock Assurance, Melissa uses her strategic skills to drive growth. She excels in market analysis, strategic planning, and relationship building, developing initiatives that boost business performance and expand market reach. Her background in insurance helps her find new opportunities and create synergies for various groups, including employer groups, professional and alumni associations, and financial institutions.

Melissa holds an MBA and CRPIA (Chartered Private Risk and Insurance Advisor), reflecting her dedication to ongoing learning and professional excellence. Her results-focused approach, collaborative nature, and passion for innovation enable her to deliver significant value and achieve impactful results for her clients and stakeholders.

Lorena says she’s a special blend of traits: from tech geek, data aficionado, and super detail-oriented to big-picture focused. Lorena is the President and Founder of LW&H Workflow Strategies, a firm specializing in empowering B2B, professional services, and nonprofit clients through the implementation of data-driven strategies aimed at streamlining, organizing, and scaling business processes by leveraging CRM systems, mapping workflows into digital processes, and most importantly, blending technology with human behavior for impactful automation.

Her achievements include being honored with the 2023 Bronze Stevie Award for Sales Operations Professional of the Year, the 2023 Boy Scouts of America Tribute to Women Award, and the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year/Leader in Business Award from the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

NJBIZ has recognized LW&H Workflow Strategies as one of the 2024 Leaders In Digital Technology Award Honorees. Lorena is actively involved in various local chambers of commerce and with New Jersey Business Industry Association, where Lorena serves as Co-Chair of the Women’s Business Leaders Council.

Committed to community engagement, Lorena serves as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for Sussex and Morris Counties and has previously served as a Sparta Education Foundation board member. She has a proven track record of successful fundraising initiatives and community events, including organizing major 5K and kayak race events for various Connecticut and New Jersey organizations.

On a personal level, Lorena has just transitioned into the empty nest stage. Her daughter graduated from Santa Clara University in California with a degree in political science and has just relocated to San Diego for her first professional role. Her son is now a freshman at UConn University, also pursuing a degree in political science. She resides in Sparta, NJ, with her beloved 10-year-old Doberman, Sasha, and her 5-year-old German Shepherd, Apollo. Lorena’s favorite pastimes are focusing on her DIY home projects or attending live music events.