Chris Edwards Named President/CEO of Business Partnership
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Executive Committee of the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) today endorsed the recommendation of the Search Committee and Board of Directors, naming Chris Edwards, former Vice-President of Business Services, as President/CEO, succeeding Mike Kerwin who will be retiring March 13, 2020.
Edwards has served in his current position at the SCBP since May of 2018 following his tenure as SCBP Director of Business Development fom March, 2013 to May, 2018.
“Chris was a valuable additon to the Business Partnership staff from the day of his hiring,” commented current Board Chairman Ed Dolan. “He immedialy understood the culture of the Partnership and was able to communicate that culture to businesses throughout the county. We have not only experienced a significant increase in the number of members of the organization but also have experienced an increase in member participation and renewals over that time.”
Prior to his hiring at the Business Partnership Edwards served as Director of Resource Development at United Way of Ocean County and as a Congresssional Staffer for Congressmen Adler and Pallone, focusing on government relations.
Upon joining the SCBP, Edwards created the Nonprofit Council and reorganized the Young Professionals Division. As Vice President of Business Services he was charged with providing value to membership to achieve the goals of the Strategic Plan. In that capacity, he led a task force that created a new website featuring a Business Resource Hub and worked closely with the Economic Development and Tourism divisions to develop a toolkit of services to support Somerset County employers.
“Chris Edwards represents a new generation of leadership for the Business Partnership,” commented Kerwin. “His goals are to work with our Board of Directors, Somerset County Freeholders, membership, and our community partners to widen and strengthen our culture of collaboration, to be the “one stop shop” for business resources, and to give our employers tools to attract and retain talent.“
For information on the programs and activities of the SCBP, visit www.scbp.org, email cedwards@scbp.org, or call 908-218-4300.