Caren Franzini, former CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and one of the founders of Greater Trenton
Join us on December 4, 2023 at 5 p.m. as we come together for an evening of cocktails and conversations to reflect on Trenton’s past, reimagine its future, and make connections with some of the most influential leaders impacting the Capital City.
The celebration honors Caren Franzini, former NJEDA CEO and one of the founders of Greater Trenton, by presenting the Caren Franzini Capital City Award to John Hatch, Principal at Clarke Caton Hintz, and David Henderson, Principal at Hx2 Development.
For information on how you can join the effort to memorialize Caren’s extraordinary leadership while helping Greater Trenton reboot, refresh, and reinvigorate our Capital City, please reach out to Bryan Evans at bevans@greatertrenton.org or call 609-473-2837 x102.
As the Executive Director, Medical Cardiovascular Business Development Strategy Early Assets and Cross-TA at Bristol Myers Squibb, Letícia brings a unique experience that spans from working as a physician in the pharmaceutical industry across different global markets such as Brazil, Canada, and the United States; as a physician scientist at the University of São Paulo and University of Toronto; and as a clinician specializing in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine.
Letícia’s research and academic training includes an MD, Master of Science from Maringá State University in Brazil; Master of Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Toronto in Canada; and a PhD from the University of São Paulo in Brazil. She most recently graduated in 2019 with her MBA from Cornell University.
Her career at Bristol Myers Squibb started in 2010 in Brazil. Later she was working in BMS Canada and since 2013 she has been in New Jersey working across various functions on medical affairs teams at BMS. She currently lives in Skillman, NJ with her husband, Mauricio, and daughter, Valentina. Leticia has been appointed as the full time lead for OLA at BMS in June 2019.
Mike Van Wagner, Event Committee Co-Chair
Mike Van Wagner is the Vice President of Public Affairs for NJM Insurance Group, one of New Jersey’s leading property/casualty insurers, and a company recognized throughout the region for its outstanding service to policyholders. As a company that operates in a mutual fashion, NJM has paid dividends to policyholders – not stockholders – for more than 100 years, for a total of over $6 billion. NJM employs approximately 2,500 people with offices in West Trenton, Parsippany and Hammonton. A 38-year veteran of NJM, Mr. Van Wagner has served in a number of roles including leadership positions in Underwriting, Marketing, Communications, Government Affairs, Corporate Giving and Reinsurance. From May 2012 to October 2013, he served as Executive Director of New Jersey’s Business Action Center (BAC), requiring an 18-month leave of absence from NJM. While at the BAC, Mr. Van Wagner oversaw a veteran team of economic development professionals helping companies stay, grow, or locate in New Jersey. In 2014, he was recognized by NJBiz as one of the “Top 100 Business Leaders in New Jersey.” Mr. Van Wagner shares his experience and expertise with a number of nonprofit and leadership organizations. These include Lead New Jersey, where he served as Chair and now serves as Board Member; HomeFront as Board Member; the Morris County Chamber of Commerce as a member of its Business Cabinet; the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County as a Trustee; Greater Trenton as a Board Member; and New Jersey Audubon as Board Member. He is also a member of the Glendale Civic Association, and the Ewing Township Recreation Commission, as well as a member of the Mooch Myernick Soccer Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Event Committee Members
Letícia Ferri, Bristol Myers Squibb, Event Co-Chair Mike Van Wagner, NJM Insurance Group, Event Co-Chair Elijah Dixon, Equity By Design John Goedecke, Citizens Bryan Evans, Greater Trenton Reggie Hallett, 1911 SmokeHouse Duncan Harrison, Princeton University Pat Hartpence, NJM Insurance Group Karen Klim, Rider University Jeannine Frisby LaRue, Kaufman Zita Group Shirley Michael, Greater Trenton Aquatia Owens, PNC Wealth Advisors John Rogers, NJM Insurance Group George Sowa, Greater Trenton Andy Zalescik, Columbia Bank
Greater Trenton is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses private funding and a network of collaborative relationships to advance economic revitalization efforts in the state’s capital city.
Led by Chairman Kevin Cummings and CEO George Sowa, Greater Trenton’s Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from Bristol Myers Squibb, Capital Health, Investors Bank, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, NJM Insurance Group, Princeton Area Community Foundation, Princeton University, PSEG, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, St. Francis Medical Center, TD Bank, Thomas Edison State University, and Wells Fargo Bank. The organization’s Board of Directors has made a multi-year commitment to fund this important initiative.
Formed in the fall of 2015, Greater Trenton’s key objectives include coordinating downtown economic development projects; providing one-stop support and information for investors interested in taking on new projects; reaching out to potential residential, commercial and/or retail investors and tenants; supporting and promoting existing downtown initiatives; engaging downtown stakeholders in a strategic economic development plan; and developing investment marketing strategies.
Mike Van Wagner, Event Committee Co-Chair