The NJBankers Economic Leadership Forum, at The Palace at Somerset Park, drew more than 300 attendees and was a huge success boasting an impressive lineup of guest speakers and panelists. This premier event is an opportunity to hear from key thinkers on the issues that shape our great Garden State and the Nation. There was excitement in the air as the speakers, all heavy hitters, took to the stage.
Check out these photo highlights of the day!
Making connections is always a cornerstone of any NJBankers event.NJBankers President & CEO, Mike Affuso, welcomes guests to the Economic Leadership Forum while noting the presentations will highlight the strength of the economy and NJ banks.NJBankers President & CEO, Mike Affuso, sits down for a Q&A session with Michelle W. Bowman, Governor, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System.Scott Hildenbrand, Chief Balance Sheet Strategist and Head of Financial Strategies Group, Piper Sandler leads one of our workshops on Preparing Balance Sheets for the Future.Michelle W. Bowman, Governor, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System, provided an in-depth banking outlook as it relates to current economic factors.The always popular Lindsey Piegza, Chief Economist, Stifel Financial, provided a national and global economic outlook for 2024 and beyond.James Branco, Director of Financial Institution Partnerships, Upgrade Inc., covers the intricacies of Fintech partnerships during one of our afternoon workshops.Paul Tattory, Assistant Director within the Division of Economic and Demographic Research, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Jemal J. Beale, DBA, Major General (Ret.), NJSG Brigadier General (Ret.), USA, and Dr. Nicol Nicola, Economist, New Jersey Department of Labor discuss the Impact of the Joint Base on New Jersey’s Economy and National Security.Kevin O’Toole, Chairman, Board of Commissioners, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey provided videos and insights into the amazing work being done by the Port Authority and its positive economic impact on NJ.A highlight of the program included a conversation between Steven Klein, NJBankers Chair and Chair/President/CEO, Northfield Bank, Eric Brophy, Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Growth, Governor Murphy’s Office and Brady O’Connor, Chief of External Affairs and Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee about the 2026 World Cup finals being hosted in New Jersey.
With an audience larger than the last 13 Super Bowls combined the World Cup Final is arguably the biggest live event in the world.
Add to that NJ/NY can expect to see over $2 Billion in economic impact, the need for 14,000 jobs to support the World Cup and over a million visitors to the region and you see why this event is so important to the New Jersey economy.
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The Excellence in Diversity Award
The Excellence in Diversity Award was established to recognize a bank member who has made significant achievements in helping to create a more inclusive banking community. The Award was presented to Acela Roselle, Executive Vice President, Director of Human Resources at Blue Foundry Bank.
An excerpt from her nomination noted that; “In her recruiting efforts on behalf of the Bank, she has taken a leading role in identifying diverse candidates. Furthermore, she possesses a certain social awareness and demonstrates a keen ability to be in tune with others’ emotions, and never hesitates to show she cares about each employee. She is adept at ‘reading the room’ to ensure inclusiveness and a sense of belonging in all. In ways both small and grand, she has helped to foster a culture of change and adaptability.”Congratulations Acela!
Michael Affuso, President/CEO, NJBankers, presents the Excellence in Diversity Award to Acela Roselle, EVP & Director of HR, Blue Foundry Bank.
