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Choose New Jersey President and CEO Wesley Mathews will leave the organization in December to join PSEG as vice president for state government affairs in the corporate citizenship organization.
Mathews has led Choose New Jersey since February 2022, overseeing a number of initiatives for the state’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, including:
Murphy said Mathews’ leadership and global experience have been instrumental in positioning New Jersey as a major player on the international investment stage.
“During his tenure, he cultivated and deepened strong international relationships by organizing several successful economic missions, expanding New Jersey’s global network of offices at home and abroad, and fostering meaningful investment that will benefit the Garden State for years to come,” said Murphy. “His work has strengthened our reputation as a destination for innovation and opportunity.
“We are deeply grateful for his many contributions and wish him continued success in his next chapter.”
‘A lasting impact’
Ralph LaRossa, Choose New Jersey chairman and chair, president and CEO of PSEG – described Mathews as a proven leader.
“Under his leadership, Choose New Jersey has strengthened the state’s global business presence by supporting over 180 company relocations and expansions, resulting in over 14,000 new and retained jobs and an estimated $6.7 billion in economic impact for the state,” said LaRossa. “His vision and dedication elevated our mission and created a lasting impact for businesses and communities across the state.”
Mathews said serving in this role with Choose New Jersey has been the most rewarding chapter of his professional journey.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to collaborate with a remarkable team committed to advancing New Jersey’s prominence on the global stage,” said Mathews. “Together, we have unlocked new opportunities, forged international partnerships, and bolstered the state’s global competitiveness.
“I’m deeply grateful to Gov. Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, our Board of Directors, and our partners at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and Business Action Center for their unwavering support and collaboration as part of the state’s economic development team. This has truly been a collective effort, and I’m thankful to have played a role in it. With deep appreciation for all we’ve accomplished together, I’m excited to take on my next opportunity.”
What’s next
Choose New Jersey said its board of directors will launch a search for its next president and CEO. Jennifer Lenhardt, chief administrative officer, will serve as interim president and CEO during the transition.
At PSEG, Mathews will oversee both state and regional governmental affairs. He will report to Rick Thigpen, senior vice president for corporate citizenship. In this role, Mathews and his team will support ongoing efforts with the state to help analyze and develop solutions to tackle energy affordability and ensure reliability while supporting economic growth, workforce development, and the state’s policy objectives.
“Wes is an experienced and accomplished leader, and we are pleased to welcome him to the Corporate Citizenship team,” said Thigpen. “Wes’ knowledge and strategic insight will be invaluable additions to our very strong state government team. I am pleased that he will join the team while we work to further strengthen our engagement and collaboration with the public sector and our stakeholders throughout the state.
“As the exiting CEO of the state’s leading business attraction entity, Wes will help us continue to navigate the increasingly dynamic public affairs environment and support the governor-elect to ensure a seamless transition for New Jersey.”
