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.

Chris Barton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who spent most of her career working in New Jersey state government, non-profit substance use, mental health and social service agencies.  Chris joined the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Behavioral Health team six years ago and has been responsible for developing strong partnerships with community behavioral health treatment providers and driving toward better integration of mental and physical wellness, or integrated care.  Promoting employee well-being and inclusivity is a passion for Chris as she enjoys helping leaders navigate the evolving work environment and supporting them in developing tools that promote rich, inclusive, psychologically safe work cultures.

Tim Harbison is the Chief Executive Officer of Association Member Trust (AMT). With a rich history in the healthcare and benefits industry, Tim brings over 25 years of experience from his tenure at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. During his time at Horizon, he was most recently responsible for the Large Group Market Segment, showcasing his expertise in managing extensive and complex market needs.

Before joining AMT, Tim’s career at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield laid a strong foundation for his role at AMT. Under his leadership, AMT continues to thrive as a unique multi-association benefits trust. Established to address the group benefit needs of participating association members, AMT was formed in 1979 as the successor to the NJ Fuel Merchants Association Insurance Trust, which was originally established in 1945.

Today, AMT offers comprehensive self-funded health, dental, and vision benefits programs. By combining employer units from seventeen independent trade associations, AMT maximizes claim efficiency and provides robust benefits to its members. Tim Harbison’s leadership ensures that AMT continues to uphold its legacy of service and innovation in the benefits trust industry.

Shakira M. Johnson is the Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Maple & Monroe, a Social Impact Think and Do Tank known for driving social change through innovative campaigns and events. With collaborations with renowned brands, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, Shakira is a recognized thought leader in strategic planning, social impact, and sustainability. She has received accolades for her excellence in PR and events and is a sought after subject matter expert. Shakira is the author of Over the Veil: 21 Keys for Leaders Who Want More and a member of the 2023 Social Impact Leadership Cohort at the University of Pennsylvania, holding degrees in Organizational Communication and Communication and Sociology from Rutgers University. In her personal life, she finds joy in gardening, hiking, reading, and spending time with family.

Dr. Sunitha Moonthungal grew up in Bergen County, attending Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA and then attended St. George’s University in Grenada. Dr. Moonthungal completed her Internal Medicine residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and then completed Nuclear Medicine training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan. She is dual board-certified and has been in private practice in Rockland and Bergen Counties for over the last ten years. Dr. Moonthungal is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Charles Paraboschi is a board certified, fellowship trained cardiologist with nearly 30 years of clinical experience. After receiving his medical degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Paraboschi completed his residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He later returned to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to complete his fellowship training in cardiology. Dr. Paraboschi is board certified in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, cardiovascular computed tomography, and integrative holistic medicine.

Dr. Paraboschi was in private practice with Mercer Bucks Cardiology for 25 years before joining Capital Health – Cardiology Specialists. He has published cardiology research in several medical journals and has been an investigator in clinical trials that address various aspects of heart health, including (but not limited to) acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and more. Dr. Paraboschi is a fellow of American College of Cardiology.