Choose New Jersey, a business-funded nonprofit group that promotes economic development in the state, is replacing its CEO, Michele Brown, with Jose Lozano, an executive at Hackensack Meridian Health. He will begin in June.
“The Board of Directors looks forward to advancing the economic priorities of Governor Murphy by working with Jose, an individual with a proven track record of leadership,” said Ralph LaRossa, Choose New Jersey board president and COO of PSEG Power.
“Building the foundation for a stronger and fairer New Jersey begins with jump-starting our economy,” Murphy said in a prepared statement. “Jose Lozano has the vision and experience to spearhead Choose New Jersey. Our administration is committed to working with Choose New Jersey under Jose’s leadership to put our state on the path to meaningful economic growth.”
The change in leadership at Choose New Jersey reflects the new political reality in the state. Lozano was head of Murphy’s transition team. Brown, an ally of former governor Chris Christie, was head of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority before joining Choose New Jersey in 2015.
“I am excited about the opportunity to build upon Choose New Jersey successes and continue to attract new business and jobs to our state,” Lozano said.
Before joining Hackensack University Medical Center as chief of staff to CEO Robert C. Garrett, Lozano was appointed by the Obama Administration as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. EPA. He also worked for former Governor Jon Corzine in a variety of roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Stockton University and a master’s at the University of Maryland.
Choose New Jersey, 201 Rockingham Row, Princeton Forrestal Village, Princeton 08540. 609-297-2200. www.choosenj.com.
