(PRINCETON, NJ – May 1, 2018) — The Board of Directors of Choose New Jersey, Inc., today announced that Jose Lozano, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Corporate Services and Governance of Hackensack Meridian Health, will join the economic development organization as its President and CEO on June 1. Lozano will succeed Michele Brown, who served as President and CEO of Choose New Jersey since February 2015.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that Choose New Jersey will endure with the full endorsement of Governor Phil Murphy’s Administration, and will continue to support the State’s economy by attracting new business to our State,” said Ralph LaRossa, Choose New Jersey Board Chair and President and COO of PSEG Power. “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.”

“Building the foundation for a stronger and fairer New Jersey begins with jump-starting our economy,”said Governor Murphy. “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.”

Following the 2017 gubernatorial election, Lozano was chosen by Governor Phil Murphy to lead his transition team. In his position at Hackensack Meridian Health over the last five years, Lozano managed corporate and board efforts to establish and execute the long-term vision for the health care provider. He headed the communication and rollout of the 2016 merger between Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health, one of the largest mergers in New Jersey which includes 13 hospitals, 6,000 physicians and 28,000 team members.

“I am thankful that the Choose New Jersey Board of Directors – a strong and dedicated group of business leaders, academic institutions and labor organizations – has asked me to join the organization as the new President and CEO,” said Lozano. “I am excited about the opportunity to build upon Choose New Jersey successes and continue to attract new business and jobs to our state.”

Prior to joining Hackensack University Medical Center as chief of staff to CEO Robert C. Garrett, Jose was appointed by the Obama Administration as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Jose also worked for former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine in a variety of roles, including as a policy advisor to then U.S. Sen. Corzine, as a member of the gubernatorial campaign, serving next on the transition team and later as director of operations.

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About Choose New Jersey

Choose New Jersey is a privately funded 501 (c)(3) economic development organization with a mission to stimulate job creation and attract capital investment to New Jersey. Choose New Jersey markets New Jersey both domestically and internationally as the best place to grow a business in the United States. Knowledgeable, experienced staff, supported by a network of State agencies and private partners, provide free, confidential assistance to guide companies in establishing operations in New Jersey. By harnessing the power of business, labor, academic and government leaders, Choose New Jersey enables growth across all sectors of the State’s economy, aspiring to build a stronger and more prosperous New Jersey for all. To learn more, visit www.choosenj.com.