The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) announced on Friday the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees. The appointments, made during the NJBIA board meeting on July 17, expand the board to 20 members and bring significant expertise in higher education, engineering, manufacturing, and small business growth.
The new trustees are Gary Fisch, founder and CEO of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace; Teik Lim, Ph.D., president of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT); and Sarah Switlik, chief operating officer of Switlik Survival Products.
“NJIBA is fortunate and grateful to have these outstanding trustees join our expanding board,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “The valuable input and experience they bring to our highly engaged board further supports our mission to advance the competitive excellence of all New Jersey businesses.”
Gary Fisch opened a small wine shop in Madison in 1987 that has grown into one of the largest fine wine businesses in the New York metropolitan area. His company now operates three stores in northern New Jersey and offers a wide range of products including cheese, meats, chocolates, desserts, giftware, wine, beer, and spirits. The company also ships nationwide through its website GarysWine.com.
Dr. Teik Lim is NJIT’s ninth president and holds the title of Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He is NJIT’s first Asian-American president and previously served as interim president at the University of Texas at Arlington from 2020-2022. Dr. Lim's career spans both private sector work and university administration.
Sarah Switlik represents the fourth generation in her family-owned business that began as a canvas and leather manufacturer in 1920. Switlik Survival Products has since become a leading innovator in safety and survival equipment for aviation, marine, and military markets. Switlik has held various roles within the company before becoming COO.
The full list of NJBIA Board of Trustees includes:
- Clifford F. Lindholm III: Chairperson; President & CEO; Falstrom Company
- Lori Roth: Vice Chairperson; Co-Managing Partner; Prager Metis
- Denise Beckson: VP Human Resources & Government Relations; Morey’s Piers
- Marcy Bliss: Strategic Advisor & Board Member; Wedgewood Pharmacy
- Tim Corriston: Managing Partner; Connell Foley
- Gary Fisch: Owner; Gary’s Wine & Marketplace
- James W. Horne Jr.: President & CEO; Junior Achievement of New Jersey
- Anthony Iacono: President; County College of Morris
- Jaclyn Kator: Regional Vice President External Affairs; AT&T
- Teik Lim: President; New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Rebecca O’Connell: EVP Head NY Metro Corporate Banking; Citizens Bank
- Nick Rafanello: President & CEO; Eastern Janitorial Company
- Celestina S. Quintana: Owner/Operator McDonald’s restaurants
- Michael Reagan: Senior Vice President Consulting Services; CGI
- Michael Renna: President & CEO South Jersey Industries
- Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich: CEO & Co-Founder ZAGO Manufacturing
- Deanna Sperling MAS RN NE BC :President & CEO RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center
- Sarah Switlik COO ;Switlik Survival Products
- Rick Thigpen Senior Vice President-Corporate Citizenship ;PSEG
- Dave Vitali Manager Public Policy DE/NJ/PA Amazon
