Educating, Transforming, and Empowering our State's Next Generation of Leaders

Welcome to Lead New Jersey

Lead New Jersey (LNJ) opens challenging possibilities to a highly select group of Fellows to learn the cutting edge issues that shape our lives, to link directly with talented leaders who are making improvements around New Jersey, and to lead as a champion of their own most cherished ideas and values. LNJ makes it happen for those unique individuals who are taking charge in our State!

About LNJ

Lead New Jersey creates and hosts a network of motivated and informed Fellows who work to improve the quality of life in our state. Lead New Jersey is dedicated to developing well-informed leader Fellows who are prepared to cross boundaries between sectors, work effectively with people of all backgrounds, find common ground with those who may think differently about the issues, and work in a spirit of shared commitment to our state’s success.

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Interested in LNJ?

2027 Schedule & Application are Now Available!

The application period for for LNJ's 2027 class is now open! The Seminar Schedule and Application are available, as well as Virtual Information Sessions for prospective applicants to learn more about participating in an LNJ class. Please contact LNJ Vice President Jen Bredehoft with any questions about the 2027 class or future classes.

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Upcoming Seminars

Criminal Justice & Corrections

Thursday October 15th and Friday October 16th, 2026

Trenton

The LNJ 2027 class convenes for the Criminal Justice & Corrections seminar at the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, where they will hear from leaders in various subsets of the field, including alternative and community response, juvenile justice, and criminal justice, as well as visit the New Jersey State Prison.

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Upcoming Events

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What LNJ Fellows are Saying

Lead New Jersey's been very important in my career in things that I've accomplished…once you join the LNJ family, you have lots of potential folks out there to help you, so I have leveraged the contacts and LNJ fellows over the years many times. Moreover, the program itself, when we tackle each of these big issues facing New Jersey or facing society, you get a perspective you didn't have before.

Dennis Bone

LNJ '92, Director, Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship at Montclair State University, retired President and CEO, Verizon

What LNJ really did is expose me to both a spectrum of people that I probably would not have interacted with otherwise, and I met some other smart people who thought differently than I did. I had no real appreciation for environmental concerns, and I remember [LNJ] took us to the Pinelands. I saw that pristine water; it was a very peaceful, sacred space, and I remember saying to myself, ‘You know, this really should be preserved.

Gwendolyn Harris

LNJ ’88, Executive Director, Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University, Camden

I am truly grateful for my participation in LNJ. It is the BEST leadership program! LNJ has provided value beyond my expectations and has been a key influence on me as a leader in the “for purpose” industry. In my work, I have secured key partnerships with corporations and community organizations that move my organization's mission forward and were made possible because I am an LNJ Fellow.

Denise Andersen

LNJ ’10, Vice President, National Kidney Foundation, Northeast Region

Lead NJ provides a first-rate, interactive education on NJ. It understands that knowledge is power and each of its seminars is expertly crafted to provide itsFellows with a 360-degree view of an issue. One of the most impactful seminars for me thus far has been the two days we spent at HomeFront Family Campus in Ewing learning about the organization’s incredible work to end homelessness in Central NJ by harnessing the caring, resources, and expertise of the community. Spending time at HomeFront gave me unique perspective and insight I couldn’t have possibly gained from just reading facts or hearing a lecture. I am so grateful to be part of the 2024 class of Lead NJ.

Raquel Rivera

LNJ ’24, Counsel, Porzio Bromberg &Newman

LNJ exposed me to a variety of high-impact sectors in New Jersey’s policy landscape. This experience was instrumental in my transition from the nonprofit sector to government, helping me develop strong relationships with leaders in my field.

Henry Gajda

LNJ ’21, Deputy Chief of Staff, NJ Board of Public Utilities

Although 15 years ago, my deeper understanding of the issues facing New Jersey and amazing relationships developed during my year (and beyond) continue to shape and benefit me in myriad ways.I am also pleased to report as of this year I have resumed eating peanut butter....Go Red!