The Hoboken Business Alliance just launched their inaugural 22-member community advisory board, which was a part of their 2024 strategic plan.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The committee will meet at least twice per year (they first met on May 20th) and provide regular review and input on the plan’s implementation and completion in addition to focusing on building a thriving and connected local economy.
“It was a wonderful experience to bring everyone together and connect our collective expertise in support of the Hoboken Business Alliance and its priorities and goals,” HBA Community Advisory Board Co-Chairs Mario Fini and Hany Ahmed said in a joint statement.
“The HBA is an essential organization here in Hoboken – one that not only advocates on behalf of businesses and our local economy, but that also serves to bring people together to leverage the expertise and passion of the community as we work to move the city forward.”
The Hoboken Business Alliance Strategic Plan is a first-of-its-kind long-term plan for the HBA that includes key findings and recommendations on how to best facilitate positive change throughout Hoboken as the city moves into its next phase of economic prosperity.
“This is a group of passionate, driven individuals whose voices offer incredible insight into how the Hoboken Business Alliance can best serve the community as we begin implementing our Strategic Plan,” noted HBA Executive Director Roxanne Earley.
“It’s encouraging to see the collaboration that’s already begun to take place to achieve a shared vision, and I look forward to working with the Community Advisory Board and fellow community members, advocates and elected officials to make Hoboken a destination for businesses.”
Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu was one of several who expressed enthusiasm about serving on the volunteer board.
“As a proud member of the Hoboken community, I am honored to join the HBA Community Advisory Board in amplifying the voices of our residents,” she stated.
“The library has long been a cornerstone of this city, and I am excited to work with the HBA and continue to contribute to initiatives that enrich the cultural fabric of Hoboken and support its economic vitality.”
The 22 advisory board members are as follows:
Mario Fini, Co-Chair, Maridian Properties
Hany Ahmed, Co-Chair, Pegasus Partners
James Runkle, HBA President, Drummond Street Strategies
Kennyth Montes de Oca, HBA Trustee, Ken Pilates
Mark Stehli, HBA Trustee, Keller Williams City Life Realty
Jennifer Gonazalez, HBA Trustee, Hoboken Director of Climate Action & Innovation
Dini Ajmani, Hoboken resident
Diana Aviles, Hoboken Department of Parks, Recreation, & Public Works director
Jennifer Fiorca Delgado, Hoboken resident
Chris Ender, W Hoboken & The Westin Jersey City Newport
Robert Foster, Hoboken Historical Museum
Kevin R. Free, Mile Square Theatre
Jessica Giorgianni, Hoboken Office of Community Development
Kate Jacobs, Little City Books
Alyson Landers, Hoboken Shelter
Nora Martínez DeBenedetto, Hoboken Office of Constituent Services director
Chesleigh Meade, Hoboken Community Center
Jennie Pu, Hoboken Public Library
Marc Recko, Hoboken Housing Authority
Ryan Sharp, City of Hoboken Transportation and Parking
Gregory Townsend, Stevens Institute of Technology
Victor Lopez Jr., What Hoboken Sounds Like
