Gil Medina, executive vice president at CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has been elected chair of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His two-year term was voted on by the full Chamber Board at its June 4 meeting in Florham Park.
Medina, who previously served as the Chamber Board’s first vice chair, has been an active member of the Board of Directors for over 25 years.
“It’s an honor to be chosen to lead this organization’s Board at such a pivotal time for our country and our state,” Medina said. “New Jersey has all the ingredients to thrive — talent, infrastructure, and innovation. The Chamber will continue to push for policies that unlock that potential: a business-friendly environment, employment opportunities for our citizens, lower taxes, and less red tape. Together, we can create an environment that supports economic growth, quality of life and economic prosperity for our citizens.”
Medina succeeds Gary Dahms, president, CEO and chairman of T&M Associates, who led the N.J. Chamber Board through a period marked by post-pandemic recovery and economic uncertainty.
“I commend Gary for his strong and thoughtful leadership during a challenging time for our business community,” Medina said. “I look forward to building on the momentum he helped create.”
Medina: A Respected State Leader
Medina is well-known in New Jersey as an economic development leader due to his in-depth private sector experience and his government service.
At CBRE, he currently provides strategic real estate advisory services to clients in the corporate, government, nonprofit, and higher education sectors. He is also a licensed attorney, certified public accountant, and a recognized expert in economic development. As former New Jersey Commerce Secretary, Medina was the point-person in the creation of incentive, finance and regulatory programs that constituted the state’s core economic growth policies.
Medina has served on the boards and advisory boards of leading organizations, including St. Joseph’s Health; the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University; the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust; Solix Corporation; Thomas Edison State University; and Rutgers University School of Business.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Gil’s caliber leading our board,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “His experience, energy, and commitment to New Jersey’s business community will be a tremendous asset as we work to strengthen our economy.”
2025–2027 Board Officers
In addition to Medina’s election, the Chamber Board approved the following officers for the 2025 to 2027 term:
- First Vice Chair: Lisa Chowansky, President, HC Constructors Inc.
- Second Vice Chair: Sam Donelson, Executive Vice President, East Region Chief Executive, AECOM
- Treasurer: Diane Wasser, Partner-in-Charge, New Jersey, EisnerAmper
- Secretary: Ted Zangari, Chair, Redevelopment Law & Public Policy Practice, Sills Cummis & Gross
- Immediate Past Chair: Gary Dahms, President, T&M Associates
Board Executive Committee Members
The Chamber Board also confirmed the members of its 2025 to 2027 Board Executive Committee:
- Walter Brasch, Chief Success Officer, Prager Metis CPAs
- Bill Hagaman, CEO Emeritus, Withum
- Kim Hanemann, President & COO, PSE&G
- Ali Houshmand, President, Rowan University
- Steve Klein, Chairman & CEO, Northfield Bank
- Chris Lepre, EVP, Commercial Business, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
- Doug Mokoid, President, Jersey Central Power & Light
- Braxton Plummer, Director of State and Local Government Affairs – NJ, Verizon
- Dennis Toft, Member of the Firm, CSG Law
Dr. Houshmand becomes chairman of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation succeeding Steve Rose, President, Passaic County Community College, who served as Foundation chairman for six years.
New Board Members
New members elected to the Board at the June 4 meeting include:
- Nick Dinallo, Senior Vice President, New Jersey Brokerage Team, JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
- Sean Kennedy, New Jersey Director – Consulting Services, CGI
- Jeffrey M. Knight, Office Managing Partner – Short Hills, KPMG LLP
- Jason A. Pucci, Esq., Chief Executive Officer, Kislak
- Eduardo Villa, New Jersey Office Managing Partner, Tax Partner, Ernst & Young
- Wesley Wilcox, Partner, G.S. Wilcox & Co.
The New Jersey Chamber Board of Directors provides guidance to chamber staff on policy issues affecting New Jersey’s short- and long-term economic growth. There is a special emphasis on matters involving Economic Development & Taxation; Education and Workforce Development; Environment and Energy; Government Reform; Health Care; and Transportation.