Ferlanda Fox Nixon NRBP President and CEO
BY CANDACE WALLER
After an extensive search that included contacting hundreds of executives at chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other public and private sector leaders, Ferlanda Fox Nixon has been named the new president and CEO of Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP). Nixon succeeds Chip Hallock, who retired after 25 years.
“It is a pleasure to have Ferlanda take the reins,” said Hallock. “She is the consummate professional and I am confident she will successfully execute and expand on NRBP’s mission and vision. Her leadership will help continue to grow NRBP’s impact on and in the greater Newark business community.”
The NRBP works with other groups such as Invest Newark to make the city attractive to companies. Newark can do this by leveraging its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and impactful programs offered by Invest Newark, the city’s economic development corporation. NRBP complements these efforts by fostering connections, advocating for pro-business policies, and promoting Newark’s assets to enhance its appeal to corporations and entrepreneurs.
Nixon says her top priority is to increase NRBP’s membership roster to reflect the diversity of the Greater Newark region’s business sectors. She plans to accomplish this by fostering a strong community among nonprofit organizations and companies of varying sizes, focusing on enhancing member engagement.
“I am excited and honored to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership team as president and CEO,” Nixon said. “Newark is a terrific regional business community with unlimited potential. I’m looking forward to working with the Board, staff, and members as we proactively engage with businesses of all sizes to positively impact the community Leaders and Legends and the region.” She has already implemented several initiatives including what she is calling “Engage & Exchange” which features:
- CEO Updates & Member Forum: a members-only, virtual networking series held on the last Thursday of every month.
- Weekly Update Newsletter: a weekly publication including three dedicated sections for members to share information.
- In-Person Events: special events, lunches, happy hours, or dinners, to provide opportunities for members to interact and expand their network.
Her next project is to launch an Engage & Exchange podcast series that will feature interviews with NRBP members, providing a platform to promote their businesses and organizations to a broader audience. Nixon has extensive experience bringing innovative events that build networks within the business community. She comes to the NRBP after serving in senior leadership roles with the African American Chamber of Commerce NJ (AACCNJ). The AACCNJ is among the top 3% of all chambers in the U.S. that are accredited, is the only accredited chamber in New Jersey, and is the only accredited African American chamber in the U.S.
In addition, she has more than 30 years of leadership experience as a corporate attorney, independent business consultant, nonprofit leader, and chamber of commerce executive. She received her undergraduate degree in political science from Syracuse University and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. She also holds the professional certification
of Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Jennifer Mazeway, NRBP board chair said she is delighted that Nioxn is filling this role and is looking forward to
working with her to make a smooth transition.“We are very excited that Ferlanda is leading NRBP and helping us to forward our mission. Ferlanda brings an outstanding record of success in partnering with a wide variety of constituents and is recognized as a collaborator. We look forward to her leadership now and in the years to come.”
