Jersey Business Publication Names 43 Financial Leaders for 2026 Awards

A business publication has recognized 43 New Jersey financial professionals for their industry achievements and community involvement, according to an announcement made this week.

The 2026 Leaders in Finance awards span five categories: banking, corporate, investment, professional and blockchain, according to the publication’s announcement. An independent panel of judges with financial industry experience selected the honorees following an open nomination period.

The awards ceremony will take place from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on April 28 at The Marigold in Somerset, with Provident Bank serving as the presenting sponsor, according to the announcement.

Among the honorees are executives from major healthcare systems, regional banks, and professional services firms across New Jersey. Michael Allen, president of the Financial Services Division and chief financial officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, received recognition alongside Christopher Maher, chairman and CEO of OceanFirst Bank.

Several credit union and community bank leaders made the list, including Kevin Brauer, president and CEO of Affinity Federal Credit Union, and Jorge Gomes, president and CEO of Lusitania Savings Bank. Patrick Ryan, president, CEO and director of First Bank, also received honors.

The professional services sector saw significant representation among the honorees. Partners from major accounting firms including CliftonLarsonAllen, Ernst & Young, Citrin Cooperman, and CohnReznick were recognized for their contributions to New Jersey’s financial landscape.

Healthcare finance executives featured prominently in the selections. Beyond Allen from Hackensack Meridian Health, the list includes Michael Keevey, senior vice president of state and federal programs at RWJBarnabas Health, and Sandra Weiss, chief financial officer and vice president of finance at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

Investment and wealth management professionals also earned recognition. Michael Feiler, a partner in Private Wealth Management at Palisade Capital Management, was honored alongside Sean Cole, an investment advisor at Green Ridge Wealth Planning, and Tanya Walliser, a partner and senior financial advisor at Condor Capital Wealth Management.

The technology and innovation sector received acknowledgment through Carlos Ivan Merino, founder and executive director of the New Jersey Innovation and Technology Alliance. Rajae Eltemawi, chief financial officer at Mazza Recycling Services, represents the environmental services industry among the honorees.

Major national financial institutions with New Jersey operations saw their local leaders recognized. Kevin Morrison, managing director and New Jersey market manager for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, and Mannie Sidhu, executive director of New Jersey Commercial Banking at Wells Fargo, both made the list.

The selection process emphasized nominees’ professional achievements alongside their involvement in their industries and communities, according to the announcement. This dual focus reflects the publication’s recognition that financial leadership extends beyond corporate performance to include community engagement.

Industry associations were represented through Sean Stein Smith, a member of the New Jersey Society of CPAs Board of Trustees, and Jenn Zorn, executive vice president of the New Jersey Bankers Association.

The diversity of organizations represented spans from large healthcare systems and major banks to specialized consulting firms and technology companies. This breadth illustrates the varied landscape of New Jersey’s financial sector and the range of professionals contributing to its growth.

The April ceremony will provide an opportunity for New Jersey’s financial community to gather and celebrate these achievements. With more than 40 honorees representing different sectors and specialties, the event reflects the depth of financial expertise operating throughout the state.

Tickets for the recognition ceremony are available through the event’s dedicated webpage, according to the announcement.