Robert H. Doherty, state president for New Jersey at Bank of America, has been named chairman of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The move was confirmed by the Chamber Board on June 6. Doherty will serve a two-year term.
Doherty has been serving as the N.J. Chamber's first vice chair for the past two years. He has been a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors since 2006, and has been active with the Chamber since 2002.
"I have been inspired by the leaders of the Chamber that have come before me, and I feel lucky to come into this role at a time when I have never seen the Chamber so strong," Doherty said. "We have a strong voice representing business in New Jersey. Many of the state's biggest and best businesses and institutions are represented here. With changes in Trenton coming, it is important to continue to be that voice. I want to foster that."
Doherty succeeds Amy Mansue, president, southern region, at RWJBarnabas Health.
Doherty joined Bank of America's predecessor bank, Fleet Bank, in 2002. As state president, he works across the region to connect businesses, families and individuals to Bank of America's banking and investment teams. He also leads the effort to direct Bank of America's resources in the market and the region to address local priorities and help build strong communities. Doherty also serves as the credit products manager for the bank's Healthcare and Institutions Group for the northeast portion of the country.
Doherty serves on a number of boards and charitable organizations, including The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the Newark Museum, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the Community Foundation of New Jersey.
"We are extremely fortunate to have Bob's leadership at this crucial time of change in Trenton," said Thomas A. Bracken, president and CEO of the State Chamber. "A new governor is coming, and Bob's strong stature in the business community will help the Chamber forge an active and productive partnership with the new governor's administration. Bob's experience leading New Jersey's largest commercial bank will serve the N.J. Chamber and New Jersey well."
Bracken also thanked Mansue for her significant contributions to the Chamber and her advocacy. "Amy continues a long and impressive list of past chairs at the Chamber," Bracken said. "I thank her for her guidance and support. We faced challenges over the past two years, and with Amy's help, we fought, we persevered and much was accomplished."
In addition to Doherty, the board confirmed the slate of officers for the 2017-2018 term. First Vice Chair is Linda Bowden, regional president - New Jersey, PNC Bank; Second Vice Chair is Jim Fakult, president & CEO, Jersey Central Power & Light; Treasurer is Walter Brasch, partner & chief business development officer, PKF O'Connor Davies; Secretary is Gil Medina, executive vice president, CBRE | Brokerage Services, Global Corporate Services; and Past Chair/Nominating Committee Chair is Amy Mansue, president, southern region, at RWJBarnabas Health.
The State Chamber's Board of Directors provides the guidance necessary for the NJ Chamber to promote a vibrant business climate throughout the state and to develop proactive solutions that will solve the challenges facing New Jersey's business community.