New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Supplier Diversity Development Council Announces Recipients of SDDC President’s Awards

Supplier Diversity Development Council Honors Member Companies for Their Exemplary Work amongst Minority, Women, Small, Disadvantaged, and Veteran-owned Businesses and Utility Companies. 

Trenton, NJ – February 16, 2023 – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Supplier Diversity Development Council (SDDC) proudly announces the recipients of the 2022  Supplier Diversity Development Council (SDDC) President’s Awards. These awards recognize the achievements of board members, and member companies, who have shown exemplary leadership in the realm of supplier diversity. Recipients are selected based on their impact on the growth of certified diverse suppliers and the creation of policies, procedures, or initiatives that increase opportunities for diverse companies.

The SDDC serves as a resource to identify best practices and to promote related support activities and seminars for both companies and M/W/SDVBEs in order to enhance the advancement of mutual goals. The SDDC’s commitment to its mission will enhance supplier diversity amongst New Jersey companies, resulting in the development of a strong economy and a productive environment for the growth of business throughout the state.

“Over the last year these winners have stood out as leaders of exemplary work in the diverse industries they serve,” said SDDC Vice President Megan Carton-Poole. “We are proud to have them as a part of our council.”

Jeff Cantor, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, was honored with the Ovation Award for his exceptional external accomplishments that expand opportunities for certified diverse business enterprises.

John Harmon, President and CEO, and Jacqueline E. Baptiste, Executive Assistant, of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey earned the Stellar Award which honors Board Members who have consistently displayed leadership and advocacy for the growth of the SDDC’s mission.

Lisa E. Chowansky, President of H.C. Constructors, Inc., received the Best of the Best Award for effectively and efficiently participating as the Supplier Development Committee Co-Chair to foster change.

Cristina Pinzon, CEO of Stateside Affairs, was the recipient of the Epic Award for displaying excellence in business leadership and accomplishments.

PSEG was honored with the Economic Impact Award for being a non-diverse business that has displayed excellence in Tier two opportunities and community leadership accomplishments.

Robin Robinson-Still, Buyer at New Jersey American Water, received the Change Agent Award for significantly contributing to the award of Agreements to diverse suppliers and has implemented impactful process improvements to their company’s supplier diversity program.

AT&T was granted the COVID-19 Responder Award for displaying consistent communications, solutions, and opportunities to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Supplier Diversity Development Council (SDDC)

The SDDC is dedicated to forging effective working relationships amongst minority, women, veteran, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (M/W/SDVBEs), New Jersey public utilities, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) on matters relating to methods of reporting, measuring, and assessing the development of these relationships. For more information about the SDDC, visit www.njbpusupplierdiversity.com.