New Jersey Future Trustee Inducted Into Business Hall of Fame

January 19th, 2016 by Elaine Clisham

Caren Franzini, the former chief executive officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, was inducted in December into the NJBIZ Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors “individuals who have demonstrated the highest commitment to strengthening their industries, supporting their employees and giving back to their communities.”

“Everywhere you go in New Jersey, you see evidence of Caren Franzini’s outstanding and consistent work at the Economic Development Authority,” said NJBIZ Publisher Tom Curtin. “The number of businesses that have started here, grown here, stayed here or moved here as a result of Caren’s efforts is a testament to the depth of her commitment to an economically vibrant Garden State, and to her expertise in making that vision a reality.”

Ms. Franzini’s career includes time at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; at Public Financial Management; and at the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, where she was an assistant state treasurer. During her time at EDA, the organization provided between $600 million and $800 million annually in financial assistance to businesses, non-profits and public organizations in the Garden State. Her education includes an undergraduate degree in urban studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in business administration from the university’s Wharton School.

Among the many organizations with which she has involved herself since leaving the EDA is Greater Trenton, a new economic-development collaborative dedicated to promoting economic investment in New Jersey’s capital city. Ms. Franzini is an inaugural co-chair of the organization, which will serve as the coordinator for finding and moving priority projects forward in the city’s downtown; providing “one-stop” support and information for potential investors; and coordinating downtown stakeholders around a strategic revitalization plan.

“We’re delighted to have Caren’s guidance as a trustee,” said New Jersey Future Executive Director Peter Kasabach. “There is arguably no one in New Jersey with deeper knowledge of the levers that can be pulled to spark redevelopment and economic growth, and her counsel is invaluable to us as we continue to work to grow and improve the state’s urban and suburban areas. Her place in the Business Hall of Fame is richly deserved.”

Posted in Development and Redevelopment, Economic Development, Redevelopment

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2 Responses to “New Jersey Future Trustee Inducted Into Business Hall of Fame”

1. Robert Stack says:

   January 20, 2016 at 7:50 am

   This is so well deserved. Caren understands business and the importance of corporate stewardship, creativity, ethics and philanthropy. -Robert Stack President Community Options

2. Bill Best says:

   January 21, 2016 at 5:52 pm

   This recognition is so well deserved. Caren’s leadership, knowledge and experience showcase the ideal template for successful economic growth with long term impact in New Jersey. No doubt, she’s a significant asset to the Garden State.