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While New Jersey leans on the experience of its industry veterans, the state also relies on the innovation of the next generation to shape its economic future. 

And the 2025 honorees of the NJBIZ Forty Under 40 program are doing just that. 

Launched in 2006, this event recognizes 40 professionals under the age of 40 for their notable successes and strong leadership. 

For the second year in a row, NJBIZ also will honor 15 Rising Stars. This designation recognizes individuals who are 29 or younger with seven years or less of experience that show extreme potential to be an industry leader in the next few years. 

An independent panel of judges chose honorees following an open nomination process.

The individuals recognized this year contribute to their own industries – spanning health care, finance, real estate, law, education and more – as well as to the New Jersey community at large. The honorees are not only judged on their business accomplishments but also on their volunteerism, education and additional honors. 

All award recipients are required to be employed or self-employed living and working in New Jersey. 

NJBIZ will recognize these professionals, listed alphabetically below, during an Oct. 30 ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Somerset. Tickets are on sale now on our event page.  

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. For more information, please contact Associate Publisher and General Manager AnnMarie Karczmit at 732-246-5717 or [email protected].  

Congratulations to the 2025 NJBIZ Forty Under 40! 

Brian Anderson, executive managing director
Cushman & Wakefield

T. Itunu Balogun, vice president of innovation and engagement and deputy chief of staff
Kean University

Jeff Bergmann, senior manager
Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP 

Divya Bhatt, director of technical recruiting – global delivery
Rangam 

Rey Bolic, director of marketing
OOMC 

Stephanie DeCotiis, senior associate and department manager of water resources
H2M architects + engineers 

Ahmed Emara, partner
Emara Ghobrial Architects 

Greg Giardino, vice president, financial advisor
Wealth Enhancement 

Kristin Gummoe, senior associate
Hoagland Longo 

Qing Guo, managing member
Guo Law LLC 

John Haggerty, director
Gibbons PC 

Alicia Heinsen, senior associate
KSS Architects 

Adam Holzberg, partner
Sax LLP 

Chao Huang, assistant general counsel and investor relations specialist
Provident Bank 

Michael Hughes, account director
Gensler 

Michael Jakovcic, chief growth officer
Fusion Health 

Tiffany Johnston, project executive
HORNE 

Jeffrey Kornitzer, director, Division of Child Neurology
New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute (NJPNI) 

John Kowal, senior vice president, chief technology officer
Peapack Private Bank & Trust 

Christina Ku, partner and co-chair, Environmental Law
Connell Foley LLP 

Michael Lawson, principal
Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners 

Courtney Lopez, director of design
Russo Development 

Brendan Maron, executive director of Health Partner Services (HPS)
Holy Name 

Jonathan Mayer, associate
Stevens & Lee 

Jim McGuckin, vice president/regional manager
Marcus & Millichap 

Connor Montferrat, partner
Otteau Group Inc. 

Jared O’Connell, group president
Orion Group 

James Reuter, senior partner
New York Life 

Antonio Ribeira, principal
HBK CPAs & Consultants

Samantha Roman, president and CEO
Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey 

Scott Salmon, shareholder
Jardim Meisner Salmon Sprague & Susser PC 

Marc Schein, national co-chair, Cyber Risk Practice
Marsh McLennan Agency 

Stefan Schulz, president and co-founder
Orpical Technology Solutions 

Ryann Siclari, principal
Porzio, Bromberg, and Newman 

Vivek Singh, senior vice president of IT and strategic planning
Palayekar Cos. Inc. (dba PALNAR) 

Julia Solazzo, vice president, Americas head of marketing
Prologis 

Drew Stevens, vice president of operations
OPEX Corp. 

Brad Vander Vliet, vice president, Industrial
Crow Holdings Development 

Brittany Wheeler, vice president/director of government affairs
New Jersey Bankers Association 

Christina Zuk, political strategist
PPAG (Princeton Public Affairs Group) 

Congratulations to the 2025 Rising Stars!

Samantha Baccaro, associate
Bressler Amery & Ross PC 

Aleksey Burmistrov, land analyst
Lennar 

Aaron Chang, land analyst
Lennar 

Ross Childs, associate, Real Estate Group
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC (CSG Law) 

Chloey Cho, CEO and founder
Solis and Luna Arts Corp. 

CJ Coiley, vice president, commercial real estate relationship manager
Valley Bank 

Christopher DeCotiis, president and CEO
DeCotiis Strategies 

Dominique Elisano, director of design
Kushner 

William Ericksen, managing director, Institutional Services
NAI James E. Hanson 

Danielle Johnson, associate director
Tigger Stavola Foundation 

Bilal Meshanni, chief marketing and innovation officer
Envicon Strategic Solutions 

Anakh Sawhney, CEO
Rice Kids 

Dakota Silver, director of growth
EFK Group 

Erin Stewart, director of client experience
Segel Associates 

Blodin Ukella, founder and CEO
Ryl Tea 

Editor’s note: This story was updated following the original Sept. 16 publish date to correct Antonio Ribeira’s name and company; Alicia Heinsen’s title; and Christina Ku’s name.