Newark, NJ | February 9, 2026 — The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is proud to announce the formation of its new Real Estate Council, an initiative designed to bring together a diverse group of NRBP members to create a trusted forum for candid, in-depth dialogue around real estate development in the Greater Newark region. In addition to sharing perspectives and surfacing challenges and opportunities, Council members will play an instrumental role in shaping NRBP’s annual Real Estate Market Forum, one of the organization’s signature events, helping to ensure its relevance, impact, and alignment with market realities.
 
“Real estate plays a critical role in shaping the future of Newark and our broader region,” said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President and CEO of the Newark Regional Business Partnership. “By launching the Real Estate Council, we are creating a space for industry leaders to come together, exchange insights, and help guide high impact programming. We’re excited to engage and learn directly from this community as we continue to build programs that support thoughtful growth and neighborhood transformation.”
 
NRBP’s Real Estate Council was initiated by NRBP members Frank Ferruggia, Partner, McCarter & English, LLP and NRBP Board Member; and Carissa Borraggine, Realtor & Business Broker. The Council includes the following NRBP member organizations, among many others:  

• Audible
• Carissa Borraggine, Realtor & Business Broker
• CBRE 
• CenterPoint Properties 
• Clinton Hill Community Action
• Connell Foley 
• CSG Law
• The Da Silva Team
• Edison Properties
• EqualSpace
• FBT Gibbons 
• K&L Gates
• Makerhoods
• McCarter & English, LLP
• MIG Real Estate
• Montclair State University
• New Community Corporation
• Newark Housing Authority
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• ONYX / One Gateway Center 
• OPEX CRE Management LLC
• PNC Bank
• Savills
• Turner Construction Co
• Turning Point Community Services
• University Hospital 

“The Newark business community and the Newark Regional Business Partnership have always been committed to the growth and development of our city and the greater region,” said Ferruggia. “The Real Estate Council will contribute to that mission by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, education, and advocacy for those interested in the success of real estate development in Greater Newark.”
 
The Real Estate Council is open to NRBP members whose work intersects with real estate, development, finance, design, construction, and related fields. Through ongoing engagement, the Council will help ensure that NRBP’s real estate programming continues to reflect the priorities and perspectives of those actively shaping the region.
 
The Real Estate Council joins NRBP’s growing slate of industry- and affinity-based councils, including Transportation, Nonprofit, Entrepreneur, and Women’s, designed to deepen member engagement and foster meaningful collaboration across the Greater Newark region and beyond. Together, these councils expand opportunities for NRBP members to build relationships with like-minded, industry-focused peers while contributing to dialogue and programming that supports the continued growth of Newark and the surrounding region.
 
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About Newark Regional Business Partnership
As the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region, the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, and community leaders to connect, expand their networks, strengthen their organizations, and contribute to a vibrant and competitive Greater Newark economic ecosystem. Through convenings, programs, and strategic partnerships, NRBP works to support business growth and advance Newark’s economic vitality. For more information about NRBP, visit www.newarkrbp.org.

The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is proud to announce the promotion of Kirsten Giardi to Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth & Member Experience. This elevation follows a period of significant programmatic expansion and the successful delivery of high-impact initiatives that have strengthened connections across the Greater Newark business community.
 
In her new role, Giardi will serve as the primary architect of the NRBP member value proposition. She will oversee the design of all summits, councils, and signature events, while leading efforts to secure corporate sponsorships and deepen the organization’s relationship with Newark’s vital anchor institutions.
 
"Kirsten has consistently demonstrated an ability to blend strategic vision with member-focused execution," said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President & CEO of NRBP. "Her leadership in conceptualizing our inaugural Leadership Summit and her impressive efforts to reignite our Transportation Symposium have set a new standard for how we serve our members. This promotion ensures that her talent for strategic growth remains at the heart of our mission."
 
Specifically:

• Inaugural Leadership Summit (January 2026): Giardi spearheaded a full-day convening of more than 150 business and nonprofit leaders. Designed to engage members of NRBP’s newly established Nonprofit, Women’s, and Entrepreneurs councils, the event featured tailored program tracks that addressed the distinct challenges and opportunities facing each group. Speakers included executive leaders of PSEG/PSEG Foundation, Victoria Foundation, Popular Bank, Prudential Foundation, Panasonic Foundation, and Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
• Transportation Symposium (November 2025): Giardi reignited this critical industry event after a multi-year hiatus, re-establishing NRBP as a central convener for regional infrastructure and transit dialogue. High-level leaders of Amtrak, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NJ Transit, United Airlines, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation gathered to exchange insights, discuss preparedness plans, and highlight the range of interagency collaboration in anticipation of FIFA World Cup 2026TM.

 
"I am honored to step into this expanded role as the Newark Regional Business Partnership enters a new chapter," said Giardi. "The Leadership Summit’s strong turnout underscored our members’ desire for deeper cross-sector collaboration, and I look forward to building thoughtful, inclusive opportunities that support shared economic growth across the region."
 
As part of the organizational realignment, Giardi will work closely with the executive team to ensure NRBP continues to provide a world-class member experience for all organizations domiciled within the partnership's 30-mile catchment area.
 
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About Newark Regional Business Partnership
As the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region, the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, and community leaders to connect, expand their networks, strengthen their organizations, and contribute to a vibrant and competitive Greater Newark economic ecosystem. Through convenings, programs, and strategic partnerships, NRBP works to support business growth and advance Newark’s economic vitality. For more information about NRBP, visit www.newarkrbp.org.