The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA) unanimously approved (6-0) a $325,000 separation agreement with now former Executive Director Diana Jeffrey, while appointing Assistant Executive Director Chris Fiore to serve as the acting director at tonight’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The meeting itself was largely uneventful for members of the public, given that it was about 50 minutes and roughly 45 of those minutes were spent in closed session discussing personnel issues.
“I just wanted to take the time to thank our executive director, Diana Jeffrey, for her service in that time that she’s been here for the JCRA. She has been here quite some time, she has worked on some projects that have been very transformational to this city and beneficial to this city,” stated JCRA Board Chair Denise Ridley, who is also the City Council president.
“Large projects such as Bayfront and Loew’s, just to name a few, and we want her to know that we appreciate her service, we appreciate the time that she spent here, and she will truly be missed. We would also like to welcome and congratulate Christ Fiore in his new role, we look forward to working with you in a different capacity, as we’ve already had the pleasure of working with you for years.”
The resolution appointing Fiore acting executive director was amending to give him a $12,000 raise, though neither his or Jeffrey’s salaries were listed in their respective resolutions, nor were they discussed in public session.
According to the JCRA’s 2024-2025 budget, Jeffrey’s total compensation was $239,799.79, while Fiore’s was $230,620.86.
Sources familiar with the situation, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said that Jeffrey’s separation agreement was worth $325,000, which is consistent with her latest contract, which ran through August 2027.
She first joined the agency in July 2015 as general counsel and their departure officially goes on the books as a “mutual termination.” Meanwhile, Fiore has been an employee of the JCRA since 2001.
“Diana Jeffrey’s work as a public servant leading the JCRA has left a mark on Jersey City through projects like the Bayfront development, and we thank her for her service to the city,” Mayor James Solomon said in a statement.
“As my administration works to push the work of building new, affordable homes forward, we will support the JCRA board as they find a highly qualified and innovative leader to pick up the baton of progressive, community-focused development.”
Jeffrey, who did not attend tonight’s meeting, thanked the board, Fiore, and staff for their support during her over decade-long tenure with the JCRA.
“I extend my heartfelt best wishes to Mayor Solomon and his team, in this vitally important work and remain available to support his continued success,” she added.
