Elissa Frank, currently serving as the Vice President of Government Affairs at NJBIA, has been appointed as the Executive Director of Focus NJ Center for Economic Research & Workforce Solutions. This independent nonprofit organization is known for conducting nonpartisan research on economic and workforce issues.
Frank takes over from Kyle Sullender, with her appointment made by the Focus NJ Board of Trustees on February 5th. The decision is effective immediately.
Michele Siekerka, NJBIA President & CEO and Chair of the Focus NJ Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Frank's abilities: “As NJBIA’s point person on all employer and labor law issues, Elissa is well-respected for her intellect, research capabilities and the passion that she brings to her work.”
Siekerka added that Frank will significantly contribute to Focus NJ's mission: “Elissa will be a great asset to Focus NJ and its mission to provide timely, innovative, nonpartisan economic and workforce research that is the foundation of sound public policy that enables New Jersey businesses and their workers to thrive.”
Focus NJ provides insights into New Jersey's economy through detailed reports and an Economic Tracker dashboard. This tool monitors indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates, and income levels. It uses interactive maps, charts, and tables updated with data from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The organization also offers an online Workforce Development Map cataloging over 400 training programs across New Jersey. This map aims to connect workers with employers and training providers while offering valuable information for academia, business sectors, government officials, current workers, and future job seekers.
Before joining NJBIA in 2023, Frank served as New Jersey state director for the Humane Society of the United States. Her previous roles include working at Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle as an associate and law clerk from 2019-2021. She was also director of legislative affairs for former Assemblyman Reed Gusciora.
A resident of Cherry Hill, Frank graduated from Rutgers Law School in Newark in 2021 where she was editor-in-chief of the Rutgers Law Record.
