the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Gil Medina, Executive Vice President at CBRE, has been elected Chair of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The election took place during the Chamber’s June 4 meeting in Florham Park, marking the beginning of a two-year term for the well-respected business and policy leader.
Medina, a seasoned member of the board for over 25 years and previously the First Vice Chair, succeeds Gary Dahms, President, CEO, and Chairman of T&M Associates, who guided the organization through post-pandemic recovery and economic challenges.
“It’s an honor to be chosen to lead this organization’s Board at such a pivotal time for our country and our state,” said Medina. “New Jersey has all the ingredients to thrive – talent, infrastructure, and innovation. The Chamber will continue to push for policies that unlock that potential: a business-friendly environment, employment opportunities for our citizens, lower taxes, and less red tape.”
A Veteran in Economic Development
Medina is widely recognized as a leading voice in New Jersey’s economic development. At CBRE, he offers strategic real estate advisory services across sectors including corporate, government, nonprofit, and higher education. He is also a licensed attorney, certified public accountant, and a former New Jersey commerce secretary under Governor Christine Todd Whitman (1994–2000), where he helped design the core framework for the state’s economic growth programs.
His leadership spans numerous boards and advisory roles, including:
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St. Joseph’s Health
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Rutgers University – Bloustein School
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Thomas Edison State University
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Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
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Solix Corporation
2025–2027 Chamber Leadership Team
In addition to Medina’s appointment, the Chamber’s board approved a full slate of officers and Executive Committee members for the 2025–2027 term:
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First Vice Chair: Lisa Chowansky, President, HC Constructors Inc.
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Second Vice Chair: Sam Donelson, Senior VP, AECOM
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Treasurer: Diane Wasser, NJ Partner-in-Charge, EisnerAmper
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Secretary: Ted Zangari, Chair of Redevelopment Law, Sills Cummis & Gross
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Immediate Past Chair: Gary Dahms, President, T&M Associates
Executive Committee Members:
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Walter Brasch, Chief Success Officer, Prager Metis CPAs
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Bill Hagaman, CEO Emeritus, Withum
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Kim Hanemann, President & COO, PSE&G
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Dr. Ali Houshmand, President, Rowan University
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Steve Klein, Chairman & CEO, Northfield Bank
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Chris Lepre, EVP, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ
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Doug Mokoid, President, Jersey Central Power & Light
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Braxton Plummer, Director of State & Local Affairs, Verizon
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Dennis Toft, Member, CSG Law
Additionally, Dr. Ali Houshmand will now chair the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation, succeeding Steve Rose, President of Passaic County Community College, who served as Foundation Chair for six years.
New Board Members Announced
The Chamber also welcomed new board members, elected on June 4:
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Nick Dinallo, SVP, JLL New Jersey Brokerage
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Sean Kennedy, Director – Consulting Services, CGI
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Jeffrey M. Knight, Office Managing Partner, KPMG LLP – Short Hills
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Jason A. Pucci, Esq., CEO, Kislak
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Eduardo Villa, NJ Managing Partner, Ernst & Young
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Wesley Wilcox, Partner, G.S. Wilcox & Co.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce continues to play a crucial role in advancing business-friendly policies, supporting infrastructure investments, and creating opportunities for growth across the state.
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