Laureen Boles, founder and president of E4Progress, joins the board after serving as the executive director of the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance. Boles has focused her career on public-private partnerships on green infrastructure, renewable energy, climate change, environmental justice, green jobs, and transit-oriented development. “New Jersey Future’s commitment to creating great places for everyone to live, work, and play, make me excited to join the Board. It is more important than ever to support efforts to integrate communities, which will make them healthier and stronger.”

Christopher Brown, director of community development for the City of Hoboken, oversees the city’s redevelopment and master planning, zoning office, land use boards, affordable housing, Community Development Block Grant Program, and various other community development initiatives such as the 2020 Census and the City’s Homelessness Task Force. Chris has volunteered in previous years with the American Planning Association-New Jersey Chapter, as well as the Planning Accreditation Board. “New Jersey Future is a leading advocate for holistic and equitable, urban revitalization within the State of New Jersey, whether through advocating for sustainable infrastructure investments, promoting targeted tax credits, or helping towns plan for resilience. I am honored to be joining the Board.”

Kenneth Esser, senior vice president and chief of staff of corporate services, governance and government relations at Hackensack Meridian Health, leads the external relations strategy for the hospital. He previously developed strategies and programs that helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions for PSE&G. He also served as chief energy advisor to Governor Jon Corzine. “New Jersey Future approaches growth holistically and encourages a culture of health, whether by advocating for complete and green streets, lead-free water systems or reduced transportation emissions. It’s an honor to work with an organization that promotes healthy communities for residents and businesses alike.”

Todd Gomez, North Region market executive for Community Development Banking at Bank of America, leads a team that provides financing solutions to developers of affordable multifamily housing in the Northeast and Midwest. In addition to a 25 year career in affordable housing finance, Todd previously served as the chief financial officer for the Chicago Housing Authority. “New Jersey Future has been an advocate for inclusive communities that make space for every person and where they all can thrive. Making sure that my New Jersey neighbors have adequate infrastructure and safe, affordable housing is critical to this mission and I look forward to supporting this work.”