ROI-NJ has announced the first group of honorees for the inaugural Champions of the C-Suite event, to be held Feb. 19 in Bridgewater.
The winners in the CEO Champions category represent chief executives of companies in New Jersey who are influencers, trailblazers, innovators and exemplary leaders who create a better tomorrow for the Garden State’s business community.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to have been named a “Champion of the C-Suite” by ROI-NJ. The winners in ROI-NJ's inaugural event encompass some of the most inspirational, exemplary leaders who are pioneering innovative, impactful strategies which will continue to result in long-term benefits throughout our great state of New Jersey and beyond.
I am extremely grateful and proud of the entire JAG Physical Therapy team for their ongoing hard work, passion and dedication to our patients and look forward to a celebratory evening on February 19th!”
– John Gallucci Jr, MS, ATC, PT, DPT Chief Executive Officer –
The winners of the large company category (alphabetically) are:
- Rolando Acosta, JAG Cos. Inc.: The head of a 40-year-old, family-owned construction conglomerate is a leader in his sector, as well as the Hispanic business community.
- Kevin Corbett, New Jersey Transit: Corbett, a key part of Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration, is leading the resurgence of the nation’s largest statewide transit system.
- John Gallucci Jr., JAG Physical Therapy: This entrepreneur in the field of physical therapy has grown his organization dramatically while winning multiple business awards.
- Robert Garrett, Hackensack Meridian Health: A thought leader and industry expert, Garrett heads one of the state’s largest health systems in a time of rapid expansion through acquisition.
- Kimberley Gillespie, Economic Project Solutions: Gillespie is a leader in the construction management sector, building a successful business while mentoring and inspiring women and minorities.
- Michael Maron, Holy Name Medical Center: Maron’s vision has enabled his single-entity hospital to survive and thrive in an era of consolidation, raising the bar for health care coverage in his community.
- Barry Ostrowsky, RWJBarnabas Health: Ostrowsky has led RWJBH to exponential financial and educational growth, highlighted by a $1 billion public-private partnership with Rutgers University.
- Carlos Rodriguez, ADP: Rodriguez, who has led some of ADP’s most successful divisions before ascending to the top role in the company, is a leader both of his company and other business organizations.
- John Schreiber, New Jersey Performing Arts Center: Schreiber has overseen an unprecedented period of financial success at NJPAC, as well as breathing life into its arts programming.
The winners of the small company category (alphabetically) are:
- Douglas Forrester, Integrity Health: The health care innovator is founder of the health plan management firm — and chairman of prominent entrepreneur development organization Rising Tide Capital.
- Lara Nikola, Smart Sips Coffee: This entrepreneur has grown her business from her own kitchen to a $2 million national brand, shipping products nationwide and winning top women-in-business awards.
- Suuchi Ramesh, Suuchi Inc.: Ramesh has grown her fashion technology business from three employees to more than 200 in three years, bringing critical jobs to the Garden State.
- David Rosenberg, AeroFarms: The serial entrepreneur has built his vertical farming business into a company that is recognized as one of the most innovative in the country.
- Lydia Sarfati, Repêchage: Sarfati, who founded Repêchage more than 30 years ago, has built the skin care company into a groundbreaking and award-winning business with products highlighted nationwide.
- Debra L. Wentz, N.J. Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies: Wentz has transformed her organization from a small, almost unknown group into a prominent health care trade association.
Winners in categories that also include CFO/CRO Champions, CIO/CTO Champions, CMO Champions, CDO/CHRO Champions and Chairman/Board Member Champions were chosen by the ROI-NJ Editorial Board and an independent panel of judges.