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Michael Affuso

New Jersey Bankers Association

When Affuso speaks, officials in Trenton, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere listen. Affuso took over as president and CEO of the New Jersey Bankers Association in 2022, after serving as the organization’s chief lobbyist. As the voice of the financial services industry in New Jersey, Affuso and his team tackle issues like increasing consolidation within the sector, regulatory uncertainty, flip-flopping interest rates, and a big federal budget bill that could affect New Jersey banks and their customers in positive and negative ways.

He’s also helping shepherd financial institutions through tech changes, like artificial intelligence applications that are improving operations and customer service, ensuring that NJBankers members remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. With Affuso at the helm, NJBankers has also stepped up community engagement and corporate social responsibility activities, championing programs that support local businesses, promote financial literacy and contribute to the overall economic development of New Jersey.

Affuso’s efforts have earned him recognition and respect within the industry and among community leaders.

Amid these and other initiatives, the NJBA continues to advocate for “more thoughtful, less dogmatic regulations,” said Affuso, who knows it’s up to him try to protect the interests of New Jersey banks while maintaining their central role in the state.

Michael Allen

Hackensack Meridian Health

Allen was named CFO and president, Financial Services Division, of Edison-based Hackensack Meridian Health in December 2024. He oversees the financial services, revenue operations, purchasing and materials management, and investment management teams at the integrated health system. HMH generates more than $9 billion in annual revenue and has $12 billion in assets, including academic medical centers, children’s and community hospitals, a school of medicine, a research division and a physician division. Allen also manages HMH’s short- and long-term financial plans, serves as a strategic business partner to the CEO, and advises the board of trustees on all financial-related matters.

Besides helming all of the financial services for the health system, Allen is actively leading the integration of financial and strategic planning, modernizing the analytics platform, and integrally involved in various partnership and M&A activities.

He brings over 35 years of experience in business and health care, including 28 years as a CFO for health systems. Allen most recently served at OSF Healthcare System, where he oversaw all financial operations and led a team of 1,600 finance professionals. During his tenure, he also served as a voting committee member of the $250 million venture fund OSF Ventures, which achieved an impressive internal rate of return exceeding 25% on portfolio exits.

Karen Artasanchez

WilkinGuttenplan

A WilkinGuttenplan shareholder in the CPA firm’s tax department, Artasanchez is a seasoned tax advisor with more than 35 years of experience helping businesses and their owners navigate complex tax planning and transactional matters. She advises clients across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, life sciences, professional services, real estate and technology.

As the practice leader for the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group, her client base includes both funded startups and multigenerational, closely held businesses — all of which benefit from her ability to provide highly tailored, strategic tax solutions. She has deep experience with buy-side and sell-side deal structuring and regularly collaborates with the firm’s International Tax Practice Group to address cross-border complexities.

Known for her ability to translate technical tax concepts into clear, actionable guidance, Artasanchez aligns her advice with each client’s goals and operations. She has been a mainstay on this power list over the last few years, reflecting her contribution to the state’s accounting sector and beyond. In addition to her client work, she is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of accountants.

Artasanchez actively coaches emerging professionals within the firm, helping them strengthen their technical expertise, develop their client service skills, and build meaningful, purpose-driven careers.

Dan Borok and Vaughn Crowe

nvp capital

Through nvp capital, Borok and Crowe have made significant contributions to the state’s economy, backing visionary founders building vertical AI-powered software to transform influential industries. They focus on real-world problems, supporting founders and their startups from pilot to scale.

With extensive experience investing up and down the venture maturity curve, Borok has consistently focused on B2B software, driven by a belief that good software creates value by driving productivity and improving the lives of employees. He has invested in notable companies like Vydia, which was acquired by Gamma, and serves as a board member/observer at several companies. His leadership has been instrumental in securing significant capital infusions for the fund.

Crowe has a unique background that includes working at philanthropist Ray Chambers’ family office, Wesray Social Investments. Crowe was a founding limited partner of nvp on behalf of the family office and transitioned to running the firm. He has leveraged connections to the business community, adding value to many of its portfolio founders. Under his leadership, nvp has amassed over $200 million in assets under management and continues to raise funds.

James Bourke

Withum

Serving as a partner and managing director of Withum’s Advisory Services practices, Bourke is deeply involved in management consulting, cyber and information security, business advisory, transactions/M&A advisory and other areas.

He is a member of the firm’s board and its Operations Committee and he serves as the global advisory and technology leader for HLB International, responsible for helping guide 52,000 members in 1,100 offices in over 150 countries around the globe in the areas of technology and expansion of all types of advisory services.

Bourke embraces change, speaking at global conferences and playing a pivotal role in Withum’s expansion beyond traditional audit and attestation services. Bourke has also led the firm’s continued technological advancement for most of his career — from the early days of automation to migration to the cloud to determining the role artificial intelligence will play for years to come.

Bourke is also a familiar name to readers of Forbes magazine, which named him to its Top 200 CPAs in America list; and Accounting Today, which has recognized Bourke as a Top 100 Influential People in Accounting year after year.

An active member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and the AICPA, Bourke has served in leadership roles for both organizations, including as a past president for the NJCPA.

James Cadet

Bank of America

Cadet is Bank of America’s market executive for Merrill Wealth Management in the greater Paramus area, leading nearly 200 employees and managing more than $20 billion in client assets and liabilities. He fosters a collaborative environment where advisors are empowered to support clients through their most important financial decisions.

In addition to the tangible business successes under Cadet’s leadership, he played a critical role in building the firm’s financial advisor pipeline following the pandemic, recruiting some of the best talent in the industry.

A graduate of West Point who spent five years in active military service, Cadet is a leader inside and outside Merrill. He is recognized for leading with authenticity and challenging his team to be the best version of themselves, working one-on-one with returning service members to incorporate their skillsets to the civilian workforce and begin the next stage of their careers.

Cadet uses his role on the company’s Black Executive Leadership Council to promote entrepreneurship and financial literacy and also serves on the board of the U.S. Vets Organization, which seeks to reduce homeless veterans nationwide. Cadet has also served on the Red Bank-based Count Basie Center for the Arts.

Harry Carpenter

Citrin Cooperman

Carpenter joined Citrin Cooperman in 2012 and is the firm’s Cannabis Advisory Services Practice co-leader and an audit partner, primarily serving manufacturing and distribution clients. He brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm’s Florham Park office.

His specialized knowledge of the issues related to the emerging cannabis industry has made Carpenter a featured speaker and panelist at some of the industry’s top national events and a sought-after news source and industry specialist.

Carpenter has been recognized in Forbes’ inaugural Best-in-State CPAs list, on this Power Finance list, and with NJBIZ’s Leaders in Finance Awards in 2025 alone. Furthermore, Carpenter was named to the NJBIZ Accounting Power 50 list for five consecutive years (2020-2024).

Citrin Cooperman’s Cannabis Advisory Services Practice was named best Accounting and Consulting Firm among seven nominees, at the NJ Cannabis Insider Gala and was named Accounting Firm of the Year at the EMJAYS, an international cannabis awards show in Las Vegas.

Carpenter’s continued leadership and industry recognition underscores his pivotal role in shaping both Citrin Cooperman’s growth and the evolving landscape of the industry.

Jacques Chappuis

PGIM

Chappius is president and CEO of PGIM, the $1.4 trillion global investment management business of Prudential Financial Inc. With nearly 30 years of investment management experience, Chappuis joined PGIM in May from Morgan Stanley, where he was most recently co-head of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. At MSIM, he played a key role in the transformative and successful integration of Eaton Vance, a leading provider of advanced investment strategies and wealth management solutions with over $500 billion in assets under management.

Chappius is well known for his deep commitment to clients, leadership in acquisitions, and breadth of expertise across public and private market solutions. At PGIM – one of the key growth engines of Prudential – Chappius’ expertise is allowing the firm to identify opportunities to accelerate its continued growth through new markets, innovative products and comprehensive solutions across a wide range of asset classes.

He received his B.A. in finance from Tulane University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Chappius also gives back to the community, with volunteer activities that include serving as a member of the New York Board of Advisors of Teach For America and a board member of Centro para la Nueva Economia, a Puerto Rico-based think tank focused on policy matters related to the island’s economy.

Susan Coffey

AICPA

Coffey was “first in line” to see the Ben Affleck action thriller “The Accountant,” but she admits that a Hollywood treatment alone won’t solve the profession’s challenges. As CEO of Public Accounting at the AICPA, Coffey is guiding the association and supporting CPA firms as they enter a new era: developing ways to attract more people to accounting while increasing diversity and helping to guide firms as they integrate artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other technology into their activities.

Under her leadership, the AICPA is also addressing independence and other issues as firms evolve their own business models, looking to private equity, M&A, and other solutions as ways to meet growth and capital needs.

During Coffey’s tenure, the organization continues to adapt in real-time to regulatory, tax, trade and other changes; along with developing emerging initiatives that include rethinking requirements to be licensed as a CPA while maintaining high levels of experience and education; giving exam-takers paid time off from work so they can study for the CPA exam; enticing firms to offer financial incentives to individuals as they pass each section of the exam; and letting undergrad and younger students meet with seasoned CPAs who can tell them about all the opportunities that the profession offers.

Under her watch, the AICPA remains committed to staying nimble and forward-looking.

Andrew Coombs

Coombs CPA PC

A “Big Four” alum, Coombs started his own firm in Newark with fewer than 10 clients but has since expanded to more than 1,000. He also expanded the firm’s footprint, purchasing two buildings in the Brick City.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Loyola University of Chicago, a master’s in Taxation from Bentley University, and recently earned an MBA at Columbia Business School. Coombs is on the board of advisors for Caldwell University and Loyola University Chicago. He is also a member of the National Association of Black Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Urban League of Essex County.

Beyond his commitment to clients, Coombs works hard to enrich local communities. In addition to establishing his base of operations in the South Ward, Coombs provides financial literacy in the community, letting local children know that there are achievable career options – including becoming a CPA – that offer better odds than trying to be a sports star.

Toward that goal, Coombs has supported local initiatives aimed at financial literacy, helping residents better understand budgeting, taxes and long-term planning. He also established a three-year, $30,000 scholarship at his Chicago alma mater, Loyola University, aimed at accounting majors who would otherwise struggle to pay tuition there.

Joseph Damiano

Sax LLP

As CEO and managing partner of Sax LLP, Damiano has been a driving force behind the firm’s impressive growth and innovation. Earlier this year, Accounting Today recognized Sax on its Top 100 firms list for the fifth-consecutive year, leaping five spots to No. 66.

Under Damiano’s leadership, Sax has made significant strides in organic growth, strategic acquisitions and technological advancements. The firm’s work with closely held, middle-market companies and ultra-high net worth individuals and families drove a substantial increase in assets under management, which is projected to reach close to $4 billion.

Damiano has also been instrumental in expanding the firm’s geographical footprint, with operations in two countries: the U.S. and Mumbai, India. His forward-thinking approach also led to the integration of advanced technologies within the organization.

The establishment of the Sax Technology Group, led by Rob Owen, is a prime example. Under Damiano’s guidance, this group aims to grow significantly, contributing to the firm’s overall revenue.

In addition to these achievements, Damiano has fostered a culture of excellence and professional development within Sax. His efforts in hiring top talent and maintaining a low turnover rate ensure that the firm will remain a hub of expertise and innovation.

Luis De La Hoz

PNC Bank; New Jersey Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

As a Community Development Banking professional at PNC, De La Hoz – who is also chairman and board member at the New Jersey Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and sits on the New Jersey Small Business Development Center board – has been a driving force. He leads multiple initiatives that have significantly benefited underserved communities and the bank’s clients.

De La Hoz has spearheaded programs aimed at educating communities about financial management, helping individuals improve their personal financial credit reports and budgeting skills — empowering them to build a more secure future. He also works closely with micro- and small minority business owners, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. His efforts include offering financial education and access to capital, which are crucial for the growth and sustainability of Main Street businesses.

Among his other activities, De La Hoz has been involved in promoting affordable housing through a variety programs, such as incorporating innovative tax credit equity financing solutions for qualifying Low Income Housing Tax Credit developers, while offering homebuyer education. De La Hoz has developed strong relationships with nonprofits and other organizations, participating in conferences and industry-specific events. His efforts have not only strengthened PNC Bank’s reputation but also made a positive impact on the communities they serve.

Enrico A Della Corna

PNC Bank

As regional president of PNC Bank, Della Corna is responsible for providing executive leadership, supporting client relationships and business development across the institution’s lines of business, as well as supporting community-based activities in Central and North Jersey, New York City and Connecticut.

Della Corna was appointed to the post in 2021 following the retirement of longtime regional president Linda Bowden, bringing two decades of management and leadership experience in commercial banking to the executive team. Just prior to his promotion, Della Corna was regional executive for commercial banking in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, based in Washington, D.C.

Della Corna’s background with PNC goes back to 1989 when he joined the bank’s management training program. He’s also served on PNC’s corporate & institutional banking diversity council, leading the group’s talent management and recruiting efforts.

A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Della Corna went on to earn a master’s in international management degree with honors from Thunderbird (the American Graduate School of International Management).

He’s also involved with the boards at Choose New Jersey, New Jersey Performing Arts Center and New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

Mike DePrisco

Institute of Management Accountants

In April 2023, DePrisco began work as president and CEO of the Institute of Management Accountants, a global association for accounting and finance professionals. Based in Montvale, the enterprise has a network of about 140,000 members in 150 countries and 200-plus professional and student chapters.

As president and CEO, DePrisco oversees all of IMA’s strategies, initiatives and operations, as well as works with senior staff and the board of directors to advance the organization’s mission to serve the global management accounting profession.

Before IMA, DePrisco was chief operating officer of Project Management Institute, a nonprofit professional organization for project management with more than 2 million certification holders, 680,000 members and 300 chapters from over 200 countries. He initially joined PMI in 2013 as vice president of academic and educational programs before expanding his scope and responsibility to vice president of global membership & chapters and vice president of global solutions. Before PMI, DePrisco spent 20 years in various leadership & executive roles in higher education in the U.S.

In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, DePrisco holds a certificate in company direction from the Institute of Directors.

Nicole DeRosa

SKC & Co. CPAs

A director of tax at Boonton-based full-service accounting firm SKC & Co. CPAs, DeRosa has more than 15 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in taxation for closely held businesses and individuals.

Because of her extensive tax knowledge, DeRosa is considered a valuable resource for all things tax and regularly speaks at industry events on various tax and non-tax topics.

She also wants to inspire the next generation. In hopes of spreading awareness of the CPA designation to aspiring accountants, DeRosa is a brand ambassador for UWorld, a comprehensive platform known for its CPA exam prep materials.

Additionally, she’s a discussion leader for Surgent CPE, an online continuing professional education offering for CPAs, tax professionals and financial experts, and presents various courses.

DeRosa’s honors include five-consecutive years on NJBIZ’s Accounting Power 50, and being named as one of its Forty Under 40 award winners.

On a national level, DeRosa has been recognized as a Forbes Top 200 CPA in America as well as an Outstanding Young CPA Award recipient by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Andrea Diaz

SKC & Co. CPAs

A partner at Boonton-based full-service accounting firm SKC & Co. CPAs, Diaz specializes in working with entrepreneurs in all aspects of their businesses.

She concentrates on developing strong relationships with her clients so she can fully understand their business models and how to keep them profitable. While focusing on growth strategies, Diaz ensures that her clients’ personal goals are in line with their business outcomes.

Before joining SKC in 2016, the certified public accountant held positions at Weinberg Lieberman & Co., Bank of America, KPMG, Sebak and Monner Associates, and Merrill Lynch.

In addition to being a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, Diaz also holds the designation of Accredited in Business Valuations from the AICPA.

She has a Masters in Taxation from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Monmouth University.

The recipient of multiple awards from the NJCPA and NJBIZ, Diaz is active in the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, and serves on the board of Girls on the Run New Jersey East.

Paula Ferreira

Forvis Mazars

Ferreira is the assistant managing partner for the New York Metro Area at Forvis Mazars, a leading global accounting, tax and consulting firm formed through the 2024 merger of Mazars USA and FORVIS.

With over 20 years of experience, she was appointed to her current leadership role in 2024 and previously served as office managing partner for Mazars USA in New Jersey.

She specializes in accounting, advisory and tax services for privately held businesses across multiple industries. Ferreira also advises individuals, business owners and family groups on tax planning, estate and gift strategies.

Known for her solution-driven approach and commitment to collaboration, she builds strong, lasting client relationships.

Ferreira is also active in the New Jersey business community, serving as vice chairperson of the New Jersey CPA Political Action Committee and engaging in various community initiatives.

John Fitzgerald

Magyar Bank

Fitzgerald is the president and CEO of Magyar Bank, a New Brunswick-headquartered, community bank.

He joined the financial institution in 2001, initially establishing its Commercial Lending Department, and was named CEO in 2010.

Under his leadership, Magyar Bank has expanded across Central Jersey, operating branches in several communities and offering a full range of personal and business banking services.

Fitzgerald is also a respected leader in the banking industry, having served as chair of the New Jersey Bankers Association (2021-22). His leadership has contributed to Magyar Bancorp being named to the 2025 KBW Bank Honor Roll, recognizing consistent earnings growth over the past decade.

“We are honored to be recognized for the second consecutive year as one of KBW’s top performing banks,” said Fitzgerald.

“Community banking is not just our business, but our business strategy, and it has produced consistent earnings growth and a positive return for our shareholders. The dedication of our employees and leadership in the communities we serve has Magyar prepared to build upon this success for years to come.”

Gilles Gade

Cross River Bank

Gade is the founder and CEO of Cross River Bank, a Fort Lee-based financial technology institution that launched in 2008 during the financial crisis.

With a mission to increase financial inclusion and modernize banking infrastructure, Gade built Cross River into a leading provider of embedded financial solutions, serving fintechs, enterprises and millions of consumers globally.

Cross River boasts more than $8.5 billion in assets, over $6.5 billion in deposits, and more than $1 billion in equity. The bank has originated over 100 million loans, processed nearly 1 billion payment transactions and partnered with more than 120 technology platforms.

Recent highlights include the launch of a Request-for-Payment solution with Plaid, a new International Payments platform, and over $1 billion in commercial real estate financing within 12 months.

“Our mission remains clear and even more urgent: build the financial infrastructure of the future, for all,” said Gade in January. “We’ll continue expanding into new markets, launching new products, and embedding cutting-edge technology into every aspect of our operations.”

Alberto Garofalo

Bank of America New Jersey

Garofalo is the president of Bank of America New Jersey, a position he has held since 2019.

He leads the bank’s eight lines of business across the state, driving responsible growth and delivering the full scope of global financial services to local individuals and businesses.

With more than 11,000 employees in New Jersey, Garofalo is focused on making Bank of America a “Great Place to Work.”

He has led significant investments in the state, including a 550,000-square-foot lease at Jersey City’s Newport Tower – the largest commercial lease in New Jersey in a decade – and sponsorship of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Garofalo also serves on the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce board and was named to NJBIZ’s 2025 Power 100 list earlier this year.

“There isn’t anything that cannot happen or cannot be done in the state of New Jersey,” he says. “New Jersey is one of the major markets for our firm. It’s critical, it’s important. And I think we’re just getting started here.”

Victor Garrido

GG CPA Services

In 2017, Garrido launched GG CPA Services in Marlton – growing the firm from revenue of $47,000 in its first year to $1.3 million.

The firm offers tailored tax, accounting, and consulting services to individuals and businesses, combining a holistic approach with domestic and international expertise.

GG CPA Services’ team includes CPAs, enrolled agents and other professionals who provide customized solutions to meet clients’ diverse financial needs while fostering long-term relationships and community development.

Beyond his own firm, Garrido has played a key role in tripling revenue at Greenberg and Associates. He was recently recognized as a Metro Philadelphia Latino Power Player, appointed to the Philadelphia Tax Reform Committee, and recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 200 CPAs.

Serving on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and mentoring nonprofit organizations, Garrido is committed to supporting underserved communities and small businesses across New Jersey.

Timothy Gearty

Gearty & McIntyre LLP; Becker Gearty Continuing Professional Education

Gearty is Managing Partner at Gearty & McIntyre LLP and national instructor and editor-in-chief of the Becker Gearty Continuing Professional Education program.

Known as the “Dean of CPA Review,” Gearty has helped thousands of professionals succeed on the CPA Exam through engaging instruction and signature mnemonics like “BAE BAE.” At Becker, he leads curriculum development for CPA and CPE programs, with a strong focus on ethics and practical application.

He has been recognized previously with the 2025 NJBIZ Leaders in Finance Award and the 2024 NJCPA Ovation Award for Impact, highlighting his influence in accounting education and his contributions to the broader business community.

His role spans practice, public speaking, and professional development.

Gearty’s advice for CPAs: “Never stop learning and developing. The best investment you can ever make is in your own education and training.”

Dan Geltrude

Geltrude & Co.

Geltrude is the founder and managing partner of Geltrude & Co., a Nutley-based independent accounting firm with a dedicated team of 50 professionals. Known nationally as “America’s Accountant,” Geltrude regularly appears on cable news programs, offering expert analysis on financial, tax, economic, market and political matters. His frequent media presence has made him one of the most recognized CPAs in the country.

A longtime advocate for reform in the accounting profession, Geltrude has been instrumental in driving changes to CPA licensing requirements both in New Jersey and nationwide. He spearheaded the Work for Credit pilot program, which aims to lower the traditional 150-credit educational threshold, creating new pathways to licensure.

“This is a significant step in removing unnecessary obstacles to become a CPA in New Jersey,” Geltrude told NJBIZ. “Adopting additional pathways to CPA licensure was long overdue. New Jersey has been a catalyst for innovative change for the accounting profession nationwide.”

Geltrude is the longest-serving member of the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy, appointed by Govs. Chris Christie and Phil Murphy. He is an alumnus of Rider University and an inductee into its Business Hall of Fame. He is also the author of a new book, “Dogs Taught Me Everything I Know About Business.”

Phillip Goldstein

Goldstein Lieberman & Co. LLC

Goldstein is the CEO of Goldstein Lieberman & Co. LLC, one of the region’s largest CPA firms — and now ranked among the top 1% of accounting firms nationwide by revenue.

Earlier this year, the firm expanded with the acquisition of Rockland County-based Teich, Beim & Moro PC.

And the firm also moved into a new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Park Ridge, reflecting its continued growth and commitment to in-person collaboration.

With decades of experience, Goldstein leads the firm’s Audit Department and Construction Services Group as well as plays a central role in advising clients across industries including real estate, manufacturing, law and health care. His approach emphasizes proactive strategy and real-world business insight.

“The financial statement is only the beginning—not the end result,” Goldstein says. “Our goal is to equip clients with the tools they need to make smarter business decisions.”

His focus on long-term client success has helped make Goldstein Lieberman a trusted firm with a global reach.

Bernel Hall

New Jersey Community Capital

Hall is president and CEO of New Jersey Community Capital, the state’s largest community development financial institution. It is headquartered in New Brunswick and has nearly $700 million in assets under management.

Since joining NJCC in October 2021, Hall has steered the organization through a pivotal era, executing a strategic shift toward self-sustainability amid federal funding uncertainty. Under his leadership, NJCC has deepened its impact across New Jersey, New York and Florida — most recently closing an $8.5 million New Markets Tax Credit loan for the forthcoming Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx and a $1.9 million loan for athletic facilities serving New York City charter school students.

Hall brings more than 25 years of experience across investment banking, public housing and real estate, having overseen $5 billion in transactions in 36 states. A Harvard MBA and Coro Fellowship alumnus, he previously led Invest Newark and held key roles at Goldman Sachs, UBS and the New York City Housing Authority.

“We’re evolving into a comprehensive, socially responsible investment company — one that sustains itself financially while advancing equity and opportunity where it’s needed most,” said Hall.

Aiysha “AJ” Johnson

New Jersey Society of CPAs

Since taking the helm as CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs in 2023, Johnson has led efforts to strengthen the accounting profession and expand access to future CPAs.

A champion for talent pipeline development, Johnson has been a key advocate for a bill moving in Trenton to establish an alternative pathway to CPA licensure in New Jersey.

“The introduction of an additional path to CPA licensure will allow for greater flexibility in the licensure process without compromising the rigorous educational and experiential requirements that ensure CPAs remain trusted advisors,” said Johnson. “Keeping the profession open and accessible to promising young professionals is crucial, not only to the accounting field itself but to the communities CPAs serve.”

Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including the top ranking in NJBIZ’s Accounting Power 50 (2023, 2024), Power 100 (2024), Leaders in Finance (2025), People to Watch in Finance (2023), and more.

Johnson also serves on the boards of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement of New Jersey, the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, and Together for Youth.

Al-Nesha Jones

ASE Group

Jones is the founder and principal of ASE Group, a West Orange-based full-service accounting, tax and advisory firm dedicated to helping small business owners thrive — particularly in underrepresented communities.

Her work challenges traditional norms in the CPA profession, promoting sustainability, accessibility and inclusion.

Jones’ leadership has garnered both state and national recognition. In this publication, she was honored as one of the 2021 NJBIZ Forty Under 40 and as a 2024 Leading Woman in Business. Nationally, she has been named among Forbes’ 2024 Top 200 CPAs, a Top 100 ProAdvisor (2023), and a Top 50 Woman in Accounting by Ignition (2023, 2024).

ASE Group was also awarded the NJCPA Ovation Award for its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Jones serves on the Intuit Tax Council, mentors through the National Society of Black CPAs and is an inaugural member of the CHIP Professionals Council.

Leading a 100% female team, she has implemented flexible scheduling and a four-day workweek to prioritize well-being and opportunity. A Montclair State University alumna, Jones remains committed to reshaping the profession and lifting up the next generation of accounting leaders.

Brian Jones

The First National Bank of Elmer

Jones is president and chief executive officer of The First National Bank of Elmer, where he leads all bank-wide initiatives and strategic operations. With decades of experience in community banking, Jones previously served as senior vice president and chief lending officer at Newfield National Bank, overseeing lending operations and credit policy.

Earlier this year, he was elected to the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia where he serves on the Executive Committee and as vice chair of the Audit Committee.

His election reflects his deep expertise and respected leadership within the banking sector.

Jones is actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations, serving on boards including Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business, The Franklin Institute and the Jefferson Health Foundation of New Jersey.

He has received multiple honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Risk Management Association and Humanitarian of the Year from the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation.