Panel 5: Labor Shortage and Workforce Development
President & CEO , Meadowlands Chamber
Moderator, Panel 5: Labor Shortage and Workforce Development
Since June of 2002, Jim Kirkos has been the top executive at the Meadowlands Regional Chamber. His business career began in 1980 with the opening of a family restaurant. Kirkos expanded into the special event catering and the food service management industries. Kirkos has been appointed to serve on many public, private, industry and community nonprofit boards and advisory groups including appointments by Gov. Phil Murphy.
President , Greater Atlantic City Chamber
Panel 5: Labor Shortage and Workforce Development
As an Atlantic City native, Michael Chait is honored to lead the area’s unified voice for the business community, fostering economic vitality and a higher quality of life in the region. Prior to joining the Greater Atlantic City Chamber in 2017, Chait spent three years as the director of marketing for The Press of Atlantic City, three years as the assistant director of marketing, communications and events for the City of Cape May, and eight years as the corporate advertising and sponsorship manager at Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center. Chait and his wife Kimberly of 13 years have two children.
New Jersey Market President , Bank of America
Panel 5: Labor Shortage and Workforce Development
Alberto Garofalo is responsible for connecting companies, families and individuals to the banking and investment resources offered through Bank of America’s eight lines of business, while addressing social and economic concerns, and building strong communities in New Jersey. He joined Bank of America in 2003 and has held various leadership positions, including regional multicultural executive, business support executive, contact center site executive, business controls executive and division executive.
President , Rowan University
Panel 5: Labor Shortage and Workforce Development
Dr. Ali A. Houshmand was born and raised in Iran and holds master’s and doctoral degrees in industrial and operations engineering. Under Houshmand, Rowan University has evolved from a well-regarded state school to a rising Carnegie-classified national research university with two medical schools. Enrollment has grown from 11,000 students in 2012 to 22,640 in fall of 2021, making Rowan the fourth fastest growing research university in the U.S. It is also ranked 88th among public research universities in the nation.
President & CEO , NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association
Panel 5: Labor Shortage and Workforce Development
Dana Lancellotti took the reins of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association in spring 2021 while the hospitality industry faced overwhelming challenges entering the second year of COVID-19. She brought more than 25 years of experience to the table, having worked in the private and public sectors, with a diverse background that ranged from restaurant service to multi-media advertising sales, hotel room sales management and, most recently, Jersey Shore tourism marketing and business development for Ocean County.
President & CEO , MZM Construction & Management
Panel 5: Labor Shortage and Workforce Development
Raised in Newark, Marjorie Perry rose – through hard work, talent and persistence – to become the top executive at Newark-based MZM, and she has grown the company into a thriving multimillion dollar enterprise. More than that, she is a tireless proponent for the New Jersey business community, and a strong voice for Black citizens and Black business owners.