Business in New Jersey Everyday (BINJE) has named Bob Sommer and Michael Soliman to its 2026 Power Players list, recognizing influential leaders across the state. The annual list highlights CEOs, executive directors, managing partners and principals from a range of sectors.
Bob Sommer serves as CEO of Awsom Associates, LLC. He is also a lecturer at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University and sits on the school’s advisory board. BINJE described him as someone who “not only is the ultimate connector, he also is a master of marketing, brand building and, when needed, crisis communications.” The publication added: “A one-man show? Sure. But he’s leaving a legacy by teaching a popular course at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University.”
Michael Soliman was also recognized for his role as Partner and New Jersey Office Lead for Mercury Public Affairs. He teaches in the graduate Public Policy program.
Both Sommer and Soliman are affiliated with the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, which operates within Rutgers University as an entity focused on education and research in planning and public policy to promote equitable and sustainable communities (official website). The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as public policy, health administration, urban planning and public informatics while maintaining several research centers dedicated to topics like transportation, health, workforce development and energy policy.
The Bloustein School holds accreditations for its graduate public policy program and Master of Health Administration program from relevant national organizations (official website). Its academic offerings have earned national rankings including third place for its graduate urban planning program (official website).
Sommer’s involvement includes membership on the school’s advisory board, which supports various initiatives across these educational areas.
The recognition by BINJE reflects ongoing engagement between business leaders in New Jersey and higher education professionals who contribute to both academic instruction and industry practice.