Past Caren Franzini Capital City Award Honorees
Past Caren Franzini Capital
City Award Honorees
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2024
The Smith Family Foundation
In May of 2016, the Smith family — Pearlie Smith & her seven children — received a substantial financial blessing. Blessed with a new opportunity, the family made it their collective mission to improve the quality of life for residents in their hometown – thus the Smith Family Foundation was born. While the foundation allows the Smiths to support their community in ways previously unimagined, the family is no stranger to philanthropy.
The seeds for the foundation were planted decades ago in the South Side of Trenton, where Seamon and Pearlie Smith raised their children on values of hard work, love of God, and giving back. Living in an area plagued with poverty, dilapidated housing, and drugs.
Pearlie made sure her children attended church and understood the importance of education in creating a better life – all while working as a paraprofessional for Trenton Public Schools. The influence of her example and the values she instilled is seen in the educational path and career choices of all of the Smith children.
Despite circumstances, the son and daughters of Pearlie Smith have lived lives of service and excelled in their respective careers, having created community based programs, volunteered at local churches, and obtained degrees in their field or currently working toward one. With God at the forefront of their mission, the family plans to combine their individual talents and experience to transform lives in their community through the Smith Family Foundation.
2023
John D. S. Hatch, FAIA, LEED AP; Principal, Clarke Caton Hintz | David Henderson, Principal, Hx2 Development
Two long-time Trenton residents, David Henderson and John Hatch, have been involved in Trenton’s economic development and creative arts scene for decades. Henderson and his husband, John Hatch, have focused on both emerging and established artists while working to preserve the history and culture of this vibrant community. As they say, “…when the arts thrive, cities thrive.”
As Principal of Hx2 Development, Trenton’s preeminent commercial developer, David has spent many years perfecting the art of getting projects done in Trenton. Over the years, the principals have acquired a deep understanding of the Trenton micro-market and established trust-based relationships with the community and key decision-makers.
Building sustainable and vibrant communities is the passion that drives David Henderson’s real estate development career and informs the design of his projects. Roebling Center, a 385,000 SF mixed-use development in Trenton, comprises residential lofts, office, pharma lab/manufacturing, and restaurant/hospitality, all arrayed around a central courtyard programmed with arts and festival events. The first phase of Roebling Center, Roebling Lofts, opened in 2017 and has become a diverse, vibrant residential community, followed by Building 110 in 2022, configured to provide post-pandemic, re-thought office space.
Previous projects include the conversion of the Adam Exton Cracker Factory into residential lofts, the adaptive re-use of commercial buildings opposite Cure Insurance Arena into the Trenton Makes Arts Center, and the restoration of 37 residential units in the Mill Hill and Trenton Ferry Historic Districts. Before real estate development, David specialized in urban K-12 school facility development and design, working extensively in several school districts, including Bridgeton and Elizabeth, NJ. David is a Registered Architect in NJ, NY, and PA.
David received a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia, including a semester abroad in Venice, where he explored the workings of the pre-industrial, i.e., pre-auto, city. David received a Bachelor of Arts in Design of the Environment from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his development work, David is a member of the Newtown Friends School Committee, Treasurer of Newtown Friends School, Clerk of the Newtown Friends School Buildings Grounds & Technology Committee, member of the George School Physical Plant Committee, and member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Vestry. David and John are founding members of the Trenton Arts Fund, which provides grants to support Trenton-based arts, culture, and history organizations. David is a past Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Trenton Downtown Association, where he served on the Board for 18 years, and a past President of the Trenton Film Society and the Old Mill Hill Society.
John Hatch partners with Clarke Caton Hintz, a Trenton-based Architecture and Planning firm, and with HX2 Development, a company that focuses on redevelopment projects in Trenton. In his 35 years with CCH, John has managed the design of an array of architecturally significant buildings across the state and region. In Trenton, these projects range from the Roebling Mansion at 222 West State Street to Pruitt Hall for Thomas Edison State University. His work with Hx2 Development includes Roebling Lofts, Roebling Center, and Princeton Hydro’s new headquarters. All of John’s projects address issues of context, civic life, social justice, and sustainability. He has won numerous design and historic preservation awards, and in 2014, he became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
In addition to his design work, John has written and lectured about historic preservation, sustainability, structural racism, and urban redevelopment. John received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Virginia, and a Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. John is currently president of the board of the Capital Philharmonic of NJ, and he serves on the boards of the Trenton Historical Society and the Potteries of Trenton Society. In his 35 years living and working in Trenton, he has also served on the boards of the Old Mill Hill Society (including several years as president), the William Trent House, Passage Theatre (34 years on the board, twice as president) and the Princeton Area Community Foundation; and served for 34 years on the Trenton Landmarks Commission, including as Chair. Several years ago, he and his husband, David Henderson, created the Trenton Arts Fund, which provides grants to support Trenton-based arts, culture, and history organizations.
John, along with David and two other partners (Mike and Debbie Raab), founded Atlantis Historic Properties, which restored 19 houses and the former Labor Lyceum in their neighborhood of Mill Hill; Trenton Makes (with David and Roland Pott), which redeveloped historic commercial buildings on South Broad Street (now Trenton Social and the other adjacent buildings); and HHG Development (with David and Michael Goldstein), which redeveloped the Adam Exton and Sons Cracker Factory and other historic properties in South Trenton. David and John are working on the next phases of the Roebling Center in the Wirerope District.
2022
John E. Harmon
John E. Harmon, Sr. IOM has served as the Founder, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), since 2007. In this role he has the responsibility of establishing, implementing and executing the mission, as well as the fiduciary oversight and governance of AACCNJ in accordance with its Bylaws. In addition, he works to identify strategic partnerships in both the public and private sector to connect AACCNJ members and supporters to resources and opportunities to grow and sustain their goals and objectives. Moreover, Harmon serves as an advocate on behalf of the 1.1 million African American residents and the over 70,000 black owned businesses statewide to ensure that policy at the municipal, county, and federal level provides fairness, equity and access to a level playing field in the market place.
Harmon is the former President and CEO of the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce (MTAACC). Under his guidance, MTAACC grew its membership substantially, forged alliances with business associations/organizations and government, and forged strategic partnerships in the public and private sectors to benefit African American businesses throughout New Jersey.
John Harmon is a Board Member and the Former Chairman of the Board for the National Black Chamber of Commerce; there are 150 Affiliate Chapters of the NBCC and over fifteen international affiliates. Harmon was recently appointed to the US Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Economic Community Advisory Council (ECAC), Investors Bank Board of Directors, Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Directors. Harmon is also a Board Member of Digital Place Based Advertising Association, and is a member of the US Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100. He is the Founder and Chairman of the New York State Black Chamber of Commerce (NYSBCC). Additionally, Mr. Harmon is a Board member of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce (NJCC), New Jersey BPU, Supplier Diversity Development Council (SDDC), Opportunity New Jersey, Chairman of Crime Stoppers of Greater Trenton and a former Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), First Book, Minding Our Business (MOB), a youth entrepreneurial initiative in affiliation with Rider University.
Harmon was recently acknowledged by Return on Information-New Jersey (ROI), as the Number 1 Person of Color in New Jersey. Harmon was also acknowledged in South Jersey Journal’s list of the “Twenty-five Most Influential African Americans in New Jersey”, for the third consecutive year. Harmon was selected for ROI-NJ “2018 Power List of Influencers. Harmon is also recognized as a Center of Influence (COI) for the United States Army and was recently selected as a participant in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) hosted by the Secretary of Defense. The JCOC program is the oldest and most prestigious public liaison program in the Department of Defense. Harmon was selected as one of 40 individuals (out of 230 applicants) to attend JCOC18. In addition, Harmon was the only attendee from the State of New Jersey. Harmon was recently selected to NJBIZ2018 Power 10. The criteria for selection to the Power 100 were: Identify the people impacting business in New Jersey in a positive way whose primary mission is to foster growth in the state. Harmon was the first individual selected as a member of the host committee for NFL Super Bowl XLVII held in New Jersey 2014.
Mr. Harmon holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Mercer County Community College and Burlington County College, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1983. Mr. Harmon also successfully completed a one-year Fellowship on Regionalism and Sustainability sponsored by The Ford Foundation and completed the Minority Business Management Seminar at the University of WisconsinMadison, in 2009. Additionally, Mr. Harmon completed a four-year Chamber Executive Management Program, at Villanova University, sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in 2014.
Prior to his twenty three year career as a chamber executive, Mr. Harmon was previously employed at The Bowery Savings Bank in New York City where he managed the bank’s Residential Real Estate Department overlooking major mortgage loan transactions; and at Chemical Bank where he managed third party loan originations for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. While working at Chemical Bank, Mr. Harmon established The Affordable Housing Loan Program. Following his banking career, Mr. Harmon founded a transportation company in 1989, called Harmon Transfer, Corp. The company transported dry goods, perishable commodities, and produce throughout the Northeast United States and Canada. Mr. Harmon has three sons, John Jr., Joshua, and Justin.
2021
Dr. George Pruitt and Dr. Pamela Pruitt
Drs. George and Pamela Pruitt are experienced, passionate, and highly motivated educational leaders who proudly call the Trenton area their home, often noting its exciting proximity to both Philadelphia and New York City. Between the two, they have 50+ years of experience in higher education. They are noted for their leadership work at Thomas Edison State University and Rider University, respectively, where they have taken great strides to achieve climates of diversity, equity, and inclusion. George and Pamela are each well known for pioneering and leading successful new projects in and out of the education sector to achieve ambitious goals.
Dr. George A. Pruitt, president emeritus of Thomas Edison State University, was instrumental in the conception and formation of Greater Trenton and served with great distinction as President of the founding entity known as Capital City Partnership and as a founding member of the subsequent Greater Trenton Board of Directors. His exemplary leadership and guidance helped to shape and advance Greater Trenton’s mission to facilitate the development and revitalization of New Jersey’s Capital City. He has given selflessly of himself, serving as a committed champion of the community to provide alternative access to collegiate education and to promote economic growth by renovating historically significant properties and developing high-quality new buildings.
Grammy award winner, Dr. Pamela Pruitt, is President and Facilitator of THE NEXT LEVEL CONSULTING, LLC. She has an extensive and diverse background in media and marketing, having held significant positions at Motown Records/Jobete (Jo-bet) Music Company, CBS Television, Warner Bros. Records, Delta Air Lines, ABC Radio Networks, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, CBS/Westwood One, the Wall Street Journal Radio Network, and WIMG/Morris Broadcasting of NJ, Inc. Currently serving as Executive Director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, Dr. Pamela Pruitt is responsible for promoting unity, diversity, equity, and inclusion among the campus community through best practices, programs, training, celebrations, and community outreach. She is also an adjunct professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Communication and Journalism, at Rider, and a part-time lecturer at the School of Communication & Information (SC&I) at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.
2020
Anthony “Skip” Cimino
Anthony “Skip” Cimino, an instrumental leader in the conception and formation of Greater Trenton, serves as Executive Director of the NJ General Assembly Office.
Cimino represented the 14th legislative district in the Assembly from 1988 to 1992 and later served as Commissioner of Personnel during the Jim Florio administration. Currently serving as Board Chair of Princeton Area Community Foundation, Cimino was most recently a partner at the lobbying firm Kaufman Zita Group.
A native Trentonian and longtime friend of Caren Franzini, Cimino has dedicated his life’s work to improving communities in and around New Jersey’s State Capital. Prior to joining Kaufman Zita Group, Cimino was the president and chief executive of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton for five years. He’s also a former Mercer County freeholder and member of the Hamilton Township Board of Education.
A founding member of Greater Trenton, Cimino served the organization with distinction, passion and vision in various leadership roles including Board Chair, Corporate Secretary, and Chair of the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee.
An outstanding and deeply experienced corporate, community and political leader who shines as a committed champion for the revitalization of New Jersey’s Capital City, Cimino adds to a growing roster of outstanding individuals to receive the distinguished Caren Franzini Capital City Award.
2019
The Honorable Bonnie Watson Coleman
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, a long-time public servant and advocate for New Jersey families, was elected in 2018 to her third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The first African American woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, Watson Coleman is passionate about the issues affecting working families of all backgrounds, including criminal justice reform, building an economy that works for all families rather than a wealthy few, and rebuilding infrastructure to improve this country and support job creation. She focuses on these priorities and other critical issues as a member of the House Committees on Appropriations and Homeland Security. Bonnie Watson Coleman is the second annual 2019 recipient of Greater Trenton’s Caren Franzini Capital City Award.
The daughter of legendary state legislator John S. Watson, Watson Coleman has continued a family legacy of public service, fighting for women, economically and socially disadvantaged populations, ad other vulnerable groups in our society. Prior to her election a Representative for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, Watson Coleman served eight consecutive terms in the New Jersey General Assembly and shattered racial and gender barriers to become the first Black woman to serve as Majority Leader, and as the Chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. During her time as Majority Leader, Watson Coleman convened a year-long series of public hearings on reforms to prisoner re-entry programs while shepherding legislation through the Assembly that the New York Times called “a model for the rest of the nation,” on prisoner rehabilitation and release.
Since coming to Congress, Watson Coleman has continued champion protections for vulnerable Americans including authoring the Healthy MOM Act, which would allow women to enroll in, or change their health coverage if they become pregnant; the End For-Profit Prisons Act, which would prohibit the federal government from contracting with for-profit prison corporations; the SAFER Pipelines Act that would reform the gas pipeline approval process overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and the Customer Non-Discrimination Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in “public accommodations,” such as schools, recreational facilities and retail stores.
In 2016, Watson Coleman founded the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls alongside two of her colleagues, the first caucus aimed at bringing both the tremendous challenges and incredible successes of Black women to the fore in Congress’s policy debates. Watson Coleman is an active member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Watson Coleman’s belief in equality is one of the main reasons she first decided to run for Congress and extends to all the matters that shape working families’ lives, including the notion that neither income, social status, occupation nor lack thereof should determine someone’s access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. Her fight for that access for all Americans became deeply personal in 2018 when a small, cancerous spot was removed from one of her lungs. She is blessed to be cancer-free today, after undergoing treatment and receiving and lifting many prayers. Her experience strengthened her resolve to make healthcare a right in this country.
Watson Coleman is a graduate of Thomas Edison State College, and has received honorary doctorate degrees from the College of New Jersey, Rider University, and Stockton University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and co-chair of the Girl Scouts of America Capitol Hill Honorary Troop. She resides with her husband, William, in Ewing Township. The two are blessed to have three sons: William, Troy and Jared; and three grandchildren: William, Ashanee and Kamryn.
2018
Anthony R. Coscia, Esq.
Anthony R. Coscia, a close friend and mentor of the late Caren Franzini, is a partner at Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP, where he focuses on corporate, commercial, and real estate matters, with a concentration on the financial elements of these transactions. In addition to his private practice, Mr. Coscia also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). Previously he served as Chairman of Amtrak’s Finance and Audit Committee. Anthony Coscia is the inaugural 2018 recipient of Greater Trenton’s Caren Franzini Capital City Award.
Mr. Coscia is the Chairman of Suez North America Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Suez Environnement SAS. He is a Director of OceanFirst Financial Corp. and OceanFirst Bank and has served as a director of several public and closely held corporations in the construction, financial services, investment banking, real estate and manufacturing sectors. In April 2020, he was named to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s 21-member Restart and Recovery Commission, which is tasked with guiding the State’s transition from COVID-19 quarantine to recovery. In addition, he serves as a trustee of Georgetown University and the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, and is a member of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Council of Trustees, The Partnership for New York City, The Economic Club of New York and the Regional Plan Association.
Mr. Coscia served as Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for over eight years, stepping down from the Board on June 30, 2011. During his tenure, the longest in modern Port Authority history, he served four New Jersey Governors and three New York Governors. As Chairman, Mr. Coscia oversaw the restoration of the agency after 9/11 as a key player in the region through development of a long term capital program, assuming the lead role in the redevelopment of the WTC site rebuilding, spearheading multi-billion dollar mass transit improvements, port expansion, modernization of aviation facilities and the most significant corporate governance and financial management reforms adopted by the Port Authority in over two decades.
From February 1992 to March 2003, Mr. Coscia served as Chair of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (“NJEDA”), one of the largest state-sponsored development banks in the United States.
Mr. Coscia is a member of the Executive Committee of Windels Marx and has been with the Firm for over 25 years. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Rutgers Computer and Technology Law Journal while attending Rutgers University School of Law. In 2007 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.