About

I am honored and excited to lead Downtown New Jersey as President of the only statewide organization that is dedicated exclusively to New Jersey’s great downtowns. With over 100 members, we are a strong and vital organization focused on being your advocate and resource.

I want to start by thanking Past-President Bob Zuckerman for his dedicated service as President over the last four years. His leadership and commitment to advancing the goals of DNJ have been exceptional. I am especially grateful that Bob will continue to serve as a vice president.
Looking ahead, I would like the organization to focus on what’s next. By that, I mean focusing on what it will take for New Jersey’s downtowns to be successful. One area I am particularly ‘excited to focus on’ is our strategic plan for the next five years. Our strategic priorities will center on how we can better support New Jersey’s downtown areas with offerings and strengthen our organization to continue to do so.
When I joined DNJ in 2018, I was managing Small Business Services in Jersey City, where I gained first-hand knowledge of the concerns and troubles of downtown from business owners, special improvement districts (SIDs), business improvement districts (BIDs), and neighboring communities. I worked with City departments of Housing, Economic Development, & Commerce Department, including planning, zoning, and construction, and the Health Department advocating and troubleshooting to open new businesses. Working at the economic development organizations for the two largest NJ cities, I also understand the financial concerns of downtowns before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

I am thrilled to lead DNJ, working alongside accomplished Board members and all downtown professionals.

Best wishes,

Vanessa N. Quijano | President