Ralph A. LaRossa was elected chief operating officer of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., effective January 2020. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing all of the operating businesses of PSEG, including Public Service Electric & Gas, PSEG Long Island, PSEG Power and PSEG Services Corp. Mr. LaRossa is a member of PSEG’s Executive Officer Group.
Mr. LaRossa has been president and COO of PSEG Power since June 2017, a position he continues to hold. PSEG Power is a major, unregulated independent power producer in the United States with four main subsidiaries: PSEG Nuclear, PSEG Fossil, PSEG Energy Resources and Trade and PSEG Power Ventures.
In addition, Mr. LaRossa was appointed chairman of the board of PSEG Long Island in November 2020. PSEG Long Island is a New York subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG), which has been managing the electric transmission and distribution systems on Long Island and in the Rockaways since January 2014. PSEG Long Island serves 1.1 million customers.
Previously, he served as president and COO of PSE&G, PSEG’s regulated utility business, since October 2006.
Mr. LaRossa joined PSE&G in 1985 as an associate engineer and advanced through a variety of management positions in the utility’s gas and electric operations. In 1998, he received Gas Industry Magazine’s Outstanding Manager of the Year Award.
He is a graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology. In addition, Mr. LaRossa has completed the Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development and MIT’s Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives.
Mr. LaRossa is chairman of Choose New Jersey and serves on its board. In addition, he is a member of the board for Montclair State University and is a past chair of the American Gas Association.
Kim Hanemann was named president and chief operating officer of Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), effective June 30, 2021. Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, PSE&G is one of the largest combined electric and gas companies in the United States and is New Jersey’s oldest and largest publicly owned utility, serving approximately 2.6 million customers, nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the largest subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG). Ms. Hanemann is a member of PSEG's Executive Officer Group.
Previously, she had been PSE&G’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. In that role, she was responsible for PSE&G’s electric, gas and customer operations, as well as the company’s asset management and centralized services organization. She also oversaw the on-time, on-scope and on-budget execution of the company’s large construction projects.
Prior to being named chief operating officer in January 2020, Ms. Hanemann held numerous leadership positions in both electric and gas field operations and in utility support operations.
She is a member of the board of directors of Middlesex Water Co. and the board of trustees of Children’s Specialized Hospital.
A graduate of Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Ms. Hanemann also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Rutgers Graduate School of Management.
As Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer, Ms. Rostiac leads the Human Resources team in delivering a rewarding employee experience and inclusive culture that meets the evolving needs of a diverse workforce. She serves as a strategic partner to the business in developing a talent pipeline to drive organizational success. Ms. Rostiac also oversees the Corporate Communications function focused on enhancing corporate reputations with internal and external stakeholders, and advancing business objectives through strategic communications. In September 2022, she assumed responsibility for the Corporate Security & Properties organization, bridging the company’s real estate and security strategies to meet future workplace needs. Ms. Rostiac is a member of the Senior Executive Team.
Ms. Rostiac joined PSEG in 1997 and has held a variety of management positions across Finance and Human Resources. She also served as president of the PSEG Foundation.
Ms. Rostiac has held key roles in global human resource management at Schering Plough and financial roles with Jersey Central Power & Light and Arthur Andersen & Co.
Ms. Rostiac holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehigh University and a Master of Business Administration from Centenary College.
Ms. Rostiac was formerly a Certified Public Accountant and is a SHRM-certified senior professional in human resources. She sits on the boards of the Center for Energy Workforce Development and The Drumthwacket Foundation. Active in the local community, Ms. Rostiac has served as corporate executive sponsor for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and serves on the Trustee Emeritus Council for Imagine, a grief support center. She is a former board member and treasurer for Lead New Jersey. Ms. Rostiac was a NJ Biz Best 50 Women in Business honoree and is a Lead New Jersey fellow.
Christine Neely was named vice president, procurement, PSEG Services Corporation, effective July 2018. As head of procurement, Ms. Neely is responsible for the development and execution of the companywide procurement strategy and leads a diverse professional team that strategically secures PSEG’s nearly $5 billion annual spend.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Neely was vice president – internal auditing services for PSEG. In this role, she was responsible for establishing annual audit plans for the corporation and overseeing independent reviews and evaluation of the company’s financial and operating controls, while ensuring the company’s compliance with Sarbanes Oxley and other key regulations. Ms. Neely’s prior role also included the corporate environmental health and safety audits, investigations and environmental governance functions, as well as internal audit services for PSEG Long Island.
Previously, Ms. Neely served as the director of regulatory affairs where she was responsible for strategic direction, governance and oversight of nuclear regulatory programs for the Salem and Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.
Ms. Neely joined PSEG in 1991, as an environmental attorney and held a number of positions in environmental policy and planning. In 2001, she became director-fossil environmental affairs and in 2007, she was named general environmental counsel. Before joining PSEG, Ms. Neely was an environmental/litigation associate for Edwards & Angell.
Ms. Neely currently serves on the PSEG Pride Executive Board. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of New Jersey.
Ms. Neely is a graduate of Union College and graduated Cum Laude from New York Law School with a JD.
Michael K. Hyun was named vice president for Procurement and deputy general counsel in February 2022. In this role, Mr. Hyun serves as the chief procurement officer for the company and is responsible for development and execution of PSEG's procurement strategy and leads a team that secures PSEG's nearly $5 billion annualspend. As deputy general counsel, he oversees the corporate counsel group and is responsible for corporate, securities, disclosure, mergers and acquisitions, and ESG matters. He is a member of the company's Sustainability and ESG Council.
Prior to his current role, Mr.Hyun was deputy general counsel and Corporate Secretary, responsible for supporting the PSEG Board of Directors and administering its meetings and processes as well as overseeing thecorporate counsel group.
Mr.Hyun joined the company in January 2015 as associate general commercial counsel and was later named Corporate Secretary and associate general counsel.
Prior to joining PSEG, Mr. Hyun was a corporate associate at Cravath,Swai'ne & Moore.
Mr.Hyun graduated from Columbia Law Schoolwith a Doctor of Law and has a Bachelor of Laws degree from Seoul National University.
Bio details coming soon
Gus Penarandais alongtime member inthe LGBT sports scene,and is actively involved with the International Gay & Lesbian FootballAssociation (IGFLA) and the New York Gay F ag Football League (NYGFL) since 2000.He also enjoysvolunteering and championing support for advocating the importance of mental health and wel nessissues that the LGBT community faces.
In Penaranda'sprevious role as the PIO o the NJ Oivision of Consumer Affairs,he served directly under the former-Oirector PaulRodriguez, who now serves as the U.S.Oepartment of Health's deputy general counselin President Joseph Biden's administration.
Prior o this role,Gus served as the Chief &ternal Relations Officer for the American Red Cross (ARC) of the New Jersey regionin Princeton, where he designed dynamic programming, oversaw the organization's key awareness campaign rollouts,and served as the Latino Media spokesperson.Though deploying to both Florida and Texas for hurricane Irma and Harvey tested his ski lsasa bilingualcommunicator and disaster volunteer,his most rewardingwork to datewas during hurricane Maria and Puerto Rico. Working via satelUte phonewith ARC's North Jersey Regional CEO Ana Montero,they successfully provided information and directed resources to help those affected by the devastating hurricane during a time of almost total communication blackout.
Gus earned a Master of Science degreein International Re ationsand Public Policy from Wil iam Paterson University of New Jersey; anda Bachelor of Arts degreein PoLitical Science from William Paterson University of New Jersey.
Heis a Paterson native and now resides in Jersey City.
Richard T. Thigpen was named senior vice president – Corporate Citizenship in July 2018. Mr. Thigpen is also chairman of the PSEG Foundation. He is responsible for areas of the business that drive public policy through advocacy, including federal, state and local government affairs, sustainability, charitable activities and corporate social responsibility. Mr. Thigpen is a member of PSEG’s Executive Officer Group.
Mr. Thigpen joined PSEG in March 2007 as vice president –State Governmental Affairs of PSEG Services Corp. He has been a public affairs consultant since 1999 and was a co-founding partner of 1868 Public Affairs, which provides lobbying, strategic planning, public relations and government relations services to clients in New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C.
Previously, Mr. Thigpen served as an associate at the New York law firm of Thacher Proffitt and Wood in the mortgage-backed securities practice group (1988 to 1990), was district director for U.S. Rep. Don Payne (NJ-10) (1990 to 1996) and executive director of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee (1996 to 1999). He also has served as a political analyst for New Jersey Network and as an academic associate for PublicMind, Fairleigh Dickinson University Polling and Survey Research Institute. Mr. Thigpen was also a former assistant to the president of the NAACP State Conference for Public Affairs. He is currently a member of the board of the Regional Plan Association, a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy’s (AABE) National Board, chair of the Legislative Issues and Public Policy Committee, a member of the board of New Jersey Climate Change Alliance, the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, a member of the board of trustees for New Jersey Television, a member of the Brown University Alumni Association board of directors and a member of the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund board of directors.
Mr. Thigpen holds a Doctor of Law degree from Columbia University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Brown University.
Terrence Clark serves as the President and CEO of the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council. At The Council, Terrence provides operational oversight and carries out full management and operational responsibilities for The Council staff including personnel, administration, work delegation and performance evaluations. He also provide supervision and direction related to The Council program areas and activities in The Council’s market areas which are the State of New York and New Jersey up to the Trenton area.
Prior to this position, he served as the Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Business Development for the National Urban League, where he was responsible for the management of all of the small business and entrepreneurship programs. Terrence also served as the Senior Vice President, Knowledge Sharing for Opportunity Finance Network, where he was responsible for the management consulting, training and annual conference lines of business for community development financial institutions nationwide.
Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of leadership positions for community and economic development organizations over the past twenty five years. He served as the Executive Director of the 47th Street Business Improvement District for nine years assisting the 2,600 business owners in New York’s Diamond District in improving economic conditions in the district and marketing its services to a wider client base. He also served as the Executive Director of the ManhattanMinorityBusinessDevelopmentCenter, BronxSmallBusiness Development Center and the Pace University Minority and Women Business Development Center, where he managed and provided management consulting and business training services to small, minority and women business owners.
Terrence began his career with the United States Small Business Administration, where he served as the Assistant District Director for Management Assistance managing and providing management consulting and training services to SBA clients in the downstate 14 counties of New York. He is a graduate of HunterCollege of the City University of New York, with a bachelor’s degree in Economics
Brian K. Oglesby is the Interim President/CEO of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) as of July 11, 2022. He returns to EMSDC, where he previously served as Vice President, after several years in private practice as a consultant and a partner in a startup.
A Philadelphia native, Brian has a career that spans multiple industries, government, public service, economic and Workforce Development, and the founding of a private consulting practice as an economist and business developer and planner. Known for formulating strategies and solutions that draw from a broad range of disciplines, Brian has had the privilege of engaging organizations at all levels and creating long-standing relationships. He has always been driven by the pursuit of equality and equity through economics, business development, policy, and civic engagement.
An avid recreational athlete and “outdoorsy” type, you’ll probably run into Brian running, hanging in a gym, playing in any number of local sports leagues, hiking, or cycling along the riverfront. When not playing, Brian roots for all things Philly.
Brian resides in Philadelphia with his son, who just may be the greatest and smartest kid ever. Most of the time, and most importantly, he is simply known as “Miles’s Dad.”
A facilitator of business opportunities and a champion for equitable diversity and inclusion, Valarie boasts over 30 years of advocating at the highest levels of government and industry, assisting private companies in developing their supplier diversity business strategies, and public entities in implementing economic development initiatives. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), Valarie sparks and facilitates business partnerships between EMSDC’s corporate members and its certified Minority Business Enterprises. With invaluable experience in contract negotiations, strategy development and opportunity identification, Cofield works to prepare MBEs to successfully engage with the supply chains of EMSDC’s corporate and institutional members. Cofield ensures that they are positioned to bring value and solutions to the procurement process, while actively and consistently making the case for supplier diversity across all industries.
Cofield currently serves on Governor Tom Wolf’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities. She is a member of the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild Oversight Board, as well as serving on the Office of Economic Opportunity’s Advisory Council. Cofield serves on numerous Boards and committees, but she is most proud of the ten years she served as a Girl Scout Leader. Her many achievements include 2019 Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Distinction Award, 2019 Philadelphia Business Journal Most Admired CEO, 2016 SmartCEO Philadelphia Brava Award, DiversityPlus Magazine 2015 Top 30 Supplier Diversity Professionals, and MBN USA 2015 Champions of Supplier Diversity.
John E. Harmon, Sr. IOM, has served as the Founder, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), since 2007. In this role he has the responsibility of establishing, implementing and executing the mission, as well as the fiduciary oversight and governance of AACCNJ in accordance with its Bylaws. In addition, he works to identify strategic partnerships in both the public and private sector to connect AACCNJ members and supporters to resources and opportunities to grow and sustain their goals and objectives. Moreover, Harmon serves as an advocate on behalf of the 1.1 million African American residents and the over 70,000 black owned businesses statewide to ensure that policy at the municipal, county, and federal level provides fairness, equity and access to a level playing field in the market place.
Harmon is the former President and CEO of the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce (MTAACC).Under his guidance, MTAACC grew its membership substantially, forged alliances with business associations/organizations and government, and forged strategic partnerships in the public and private sectors to benefit African American businesses throughout New Jersey.
John Harmon also is the Former Chairman of the Board for the National Black Chamber of Commerce; there are 150 Affiliate Chapters of the NBCC and over fifteen international affiliates. He is the Founder and Chairman of the New York State Black Chamber of Commerce (NYSBCC). Additionally, Mr. Harmon is a Board member of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce (NJCC),New Jersey BPU, Supplier Diversity Development Council (SDDC), Opportunity New Jersey, Better Choices Better Care NJ, Chairman of Crime Stoppers of Greater Trenton and a former Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), First Book, Minding Our Business (MOB), a youth entrepreneurial initiative in affiliation with Rider University. Lastly, he is a member of The US Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, Harmon was recently acknowledged in South Jersey Journal’s inaugural list of the “Twenty-five Most Influential African Americans in New Jersey”, for the second consecutive year. Harmon was selected for Return on Information-New Jersey (ROI-NJ) “2018 Power List of Influencers. Harmon is also recognized as a Center of Influence (COI) for the United States Army, and was recently selected as a participant in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference(JCOC) hosted by the Secretary of Defense.The JCOC program is the oldest and most prestigious public liaison program in the Department of Defense. Harmon was selected as one of 40 individuals (out of 230 applicants) to attend JCOC18. In addition, Harmon is the only attendee from the State of New Jersey. Harmon was recently selected to NJBIZ2018 Power 10. The criteria for selection to the Power 100 were: Identify the people impacting business in New Jersey in a positive way whose primary mission is to foster growth in the state.Harmon was the first individual selected as a member of the host committee for NFL Super Bowl XLVII held in New Jersey 2014.
Mr. Harmon holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Mercer County Community College and Burlington County College, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Fairleigh Dickinson University,1983. Mr. Harmon also successfully completed a one year Fellowship on Regionalism and Sustainability sponsored by The Ford Foundation and completed the Minority Business Management Seminar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in 2009. Additionally, Mr. Harmon completed a four year Chamber Executive Management Program, at Villanova University, sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in 2014.
Prior to his twenty year career as a chamber executive, Mr. Harmon was previously employed at The Bowery Savings Bank in New York City where he managed the bank's Residential Real Estate Department overlooking major mortgage loan transactions; and at Chemical Bank where he managed third party loan originations for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. While working at Chemical Bank, Mr. Harmon established The Affordable Housing Loan Program. Following his banking career, Mr. Harmon founded a transportation company in 1989, called Harmon Transfer, Corp. The company transported food stuff, perishable commodities, and produce throughout the Northeast United States and Canada. Mr. Harmon has three sons, John Jr., Joshua, and Justin.
Francisco Cortes is the Chairman & CEO & of the global multicultural communications firm The Setroc Group which is headquartered here in NJ. He is a proud U.S Army veteran, having served at the elite National Training Center in Ft. Irwin California and the U.S National Guard. Mr. Cortes currently serves as the President of the NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce and was recently appointed by Governor Murphy to the Restart and Recovery council to assist with New Jersey’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and recently to the newly created Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy.
The Setroc Group, Inc. is an Award-winning federally certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Nationally certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) firm that offers more than 20 years of digital and broadcast experience working for companies such as the Associated Press, ABC News, CNN Español and News Corporation.
#TeamSetroc is compromised of talented storytellers who specialize in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Video Production, and Multi-Cultural communications. Since launch in 2017 Setroc Group has seen rapid success, becoming the first Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) to be awarded a multi-year marketing, advertising contract with the State of NJ. They have also been awarded several federal contracts with the U.S Veterans Affairs, U.S Army and currently serve as the agency of record for RWJ Barnabas Health's social impact campaign in Puerto Rico.
Francisco takes great pride in giving back, spending most of his free time participating in races and marathons to raise money for veterans causes, even climbing up the stairs of the Freedom Tower. Francisco also serves on the Community and Economic Development for the City of Paterson, NJ.
Carlos Medina is a Graduate of Rutgers Newark and Rutgers Law School Newark. He is the President of a firm, with a long and rich history in New Jersey, Robinson Aerial, Inc., specializing in mapping and engineering.
An advocate for volunteerism, Mr. Medina also serves on various non-profit boards.
In January 2019, Mr. Medina became President and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), having served as Chairman since 2012. The SHCCNJ is the voice of the 119,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in New Jersey that contribute over $20 billion annually to the State’s economy. To raise awareness, and promote diversity in entrepreneurship, Mr. Medina regularly discusses issues important to the members of SHCCNJ and the business community, during appearances on various TV Networks including ABC 7, WWOR 9 and NJTV.
Mr. Medina serves as Corporate Board Member of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ. With sales in excess 13 billion dollars annually, Horizon is one of the country’s premiere health insurance companies. Mr. Medina serves as a member on the following subcommittees: Governance, Audit, Personnel and Compensation
Mr. Medina has received many awards for his company’s achievements, community service and leadership. They include:
Tamara Linde has been executive vice president and general counsel for Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) since July 2014. She is also the executive vice president and general counsel of Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Services Corporation.
As PSEG’s chief legal officer, Ms. Linde has responsibility for all of the company’s legal and regulatory functions for the office of corporate secretary, compliance and claims. Ms. Linde is a member of PSEG’s Executive Officer Group.
Previously Ms. Linde was vice president – regulatory, PSEG at which time she led the company’s federal and state regulatory functions, as well as managed corporate, environmental and labor/employment legal practices within the company as well as federal and state government affairs and security. Ms. Linde served as regulatory counsel on many of the company’s most important initiatives in recent years.
Ms. Linde joined the law department of Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), as an attorney in 1990 handling a variety of natural gas and electric regulatory and transactional matters. After holding several other legal positions at PSE&G, she became general solicitor in 2000. In that position she was responsible for the regulatory affairs of the PSEG companies including electric, gas and nuclear matters. She has had significant experience working on regulatory matters before various state and federal regulatory agencies on industry issues relating to electric transmission and distribution and energy markets.
Ms. Linde is a member of the bars of New Jersey, New York, District of Columbia and Texas. She currently serves on the Boards of the PSEG Foundation, the Community Foundation of New Jersey and Mater Dei Prep High School. In addition, Ms. Linde is a member of the General Counsel Steering Committee of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and the American Arbitration Association. She is past President of the Northeast Chapter of the Energy Bar Association and has served as chair of the Energy Bar Association Electricity Regulation and Compliance Committee. Ms. Linde received her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University.