The Edge for April 2021
We asked New Jersey executives to tell us when - in this period of COVID-19 - they will feel comfortable resuming a normal lifestyle. How will they know they are ready to go back to concerts, ballgames, weddings, meetings, office parties and other things that were once second nature. Here is what they said:
We Need Consistent Policy from Our Leaders
There needs to be balance and consistency with our policy. The CDC announces that we are in mortal danger but governors are opening up their states. The cognitive dissonance causes everyone to have to decide individually how they should behave. How do you get comfortable in this scenario?
– Jeff Scheininger, President, Flexline Inc.
We Need a Return to Authentic Compassion
When I see a majority of people caring enough to consistently take precautions, and delay their own temporary gratification that comes from things such as participating in large gatherings. That's when I will have confidence the worst of the pandemic is behind us. We need a return to authentic compassion for one another and an understanding that the precautions are for ourselves and for others.
– Bishop David G. Evans, Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church
The Sufficient Availability of Vaccines, Childcare and In-Class Instruction will Go a Long Way
Getting vaccinated will provide a level of comfort, but it would still not create a sense of normalcy. The pandemic has changed some social norms and work practices for the longterm. I don’t imagine going anywhere without a mask and sanitizer nearby. As COO of the NJCPA, it’s my job to ensure a safe return to work for all employees. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve adapted tremendously well and we’ll continue to adapt on the fly, but the availability of vaccines, childcare and in-class instruction at schools will ultimately determine when we are all back in the office.
– Theresa Hinton, COO, New Jersey Society of CPAs
It Won’t be a Flick of a Switch
It will be a gradual acceptance, rather than a flick of a switch. There will be a concert here, a ballgame there. Getting myself and my family vaccinated is an enormous step toward normalcy. I’ll continue to listen to public health experts, particularly when it comes to wearing masks and social distancing. I lost my mom to COVID-19 on December 21, 2020, and it’s extremely important and meaningful to me that I remain vigilant.
– David Plaskow, Senior Manager, Marketing, EisnerAmper LLP
Bristol Myers Squibb announced appointment of Cari Gallman to serve as executive vice president, general counsel and chief policy officer. She succeeds Sandra "Sandy" Leung, who is retiring after a 33-year career at the company. Gallman has held leadership positions at Bristol Myers Squibb for 10 years, most recently serving as executive vice president, corporate affairs.
Kevin R. Gibala, senior vice president and regional vice president at TD Bank, will become chair of the Inspira Health Foundation Board of Trustees after serving as vice chair in 2024, Inspira Health announced.