Board names Kirschner as successor.
New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) President Joseph E. Gonzalez Jr. will retire on April 1 and Executive Vice President Philip Kirschner will become president of the 19,000-member-company organization, NJBIA Board of Trustees Chairman Bart Luedeke has announced.
Since both Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Kirschner have had long careers at NJBIA and in New Jersey politics, a smooth transition is expected.
"On behalf of all NJBIA members, I express deep gratitude to Joe Gonzalez for his thoughtful, tireless and effective service, particularly during his seven years as president," Mr. Luedeke said. "His leadership has enabled the association to serve the business community with distinction. I wish Joe good health and much happiness in his well-earned retirement."
In choosing Mr. Kirschner as Mr. Gonzalez’s successor, the board has found someone who understood the needs of employers, Mr. Luedeke said.
"I am genuinely delighted that Phil Kirschner will be assuming the leadership of NJBIA," Mr. Luedeke said. "Phil brings to the position a deep knowledge and understanding of the many important issues facing New Jersey employers. His long experience with the association and its 19,000 members, as well as long-standing relationship with members of the New Jersey Legislature, will ensure a seamless leadership transition.
"We are very fortunate to have someone of Phil’s integrity to step into this role at a pivotal moment in the state’s history," he said.
Mr. Kirschner will become the ninth president in the association’s 93-year history.
"Joe Gonzalez has set a very high standard as president of NJBIA," Mr. Kirschner said. "I greatly appreciate the board’s confidence in me to continue the high standards of service to members for which NJBIA is known.
"With the help of an outstanding staff, NJBIA will provide our members with the very best legislative representation, seminars, and member benefits and continue our stellar growth. I am proud to represent employers who create jobs and participate in their communities," he said.
Mr. Kirschner joined NJBIA in 1990 and has directed NJBIA’s Government Affairs department since 1995. In 2001, he was promoted to executive vice president, taking on the added responsibility of the association’s day-to-day administration. He also is executive director of the Employer Legislative Committees (ELCs).