Newark Regional Business Partnership
  • About NRBP
    • Who We Are
    • What We Do
    • Member Login
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Renaissance Newark Foundation
    • Public Policy
    • Contact
  • Member Directory
  • Events & News
    • Event Calendar
    • NRBP Webinars
  • Why Join
    • Member Benefits
    • Testimonials
    • Join
  • Blog

NRBP Blog

Hitting the Ground Running: My First Week as NRBP's New President and CEO

10/1/2024

0 Comments

 
Hitting the Ground Running: My First Week as NRBP's New President and CEO
written by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., President & CEO, NRBP

What an exhilarating first week I experienced as the new President and CEO of the Newark Regional Business Partnership! From the moment I stepped into this role on Monday, September 16, I was immersed in the vibrant business community that NRBP serves. Let me share some highlights from my inaugural week.

Teeing Off with NRBP Members
Picture
Picture

My journey began at NRBP’s 30th annual golf outing at the picturesque Roxiticus Golf Club in Mendham, New Jersey. This outdoor event provided the perfect setting to meet NRBP members, including several esteemed members of our Board of Directors. I was delighted to have my husband, Milford “Nick” Nixon, join us. (He now affectionately dubs himself the First Gentleman.) The day was made even more special by the presence of Phillip Woolfolk, a former colleague from the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, who came to show his support. NRBP member Turner Construction Company served as the Event Sponsor, adding to the day’s success.

A Warm Welcome from the City of Newark

On my second day, I received a heartwarming letter from the City of Newark City Clerk and the members of the Municipal Council, extending their best wishes for my tenure. Their support and encouragement set a positive tone for the work ahead.

Celebrating the Arts and Community
Picture
Picture
Midweek brought a focus on Greater Newark's thriving arts scene. Our team attended the groundbreaking ceremony for NRBP member New Jersey Performing Arts Center's campus expansion, which will include the Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center. This new development exemplifies the power of collaboration, bringing together public and private partners, including NRBP members Turner Construction Company, LMXD, Prudential Financial, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and showcases a significant investment in Newark’s cultural infrastructure.

Later that day, NRBP’s Vice President of Member Relations and Engagement, Kirsten Giardi, and I visited Luna Stage, an NRBP member based in West Orange. We learned about its current productions, programs, and offerings, as well as its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, eliminating barriers to participation in the arts, and nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences.
Newark: A Transportation Hub
Picture
This event brought together more than 500 transportation, business, and government leaders, featuring speakers from NRBP member organizations like The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, NJ TRANSIT, and Amtrak to share information about existing and new projects.

The week also highlighted Newark's significance as a transportation nexus: I participated in the inaugural kickoff reception of the New York Penn Station Working Advisory Group (SWAG) at Moynihan Train Hall in New York City on Tuesday. This initiative, organized by Amtrak, MTA, and NJ TRANSIT, aims to transform Penn Station into a world-class facility.

On Thursday, I, along with NRBP board members Monica Slater Stokes, Jennifer Mazawey, and Mary Makfinsky, attended the New Jersey Alliance for Action's 22nd annual transportation conference as guests of NRBP member United Airlines. (Thank you, Monica, for the invitation.)

Building Team Spirit

We capped the week with a birthday celebration for our team member, Nikki Drake, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the NRBP staff.

As I reflect on this action-packed first week, I am filled with excitement for the future of NRBP and Greater Newark’s business community. The connections made, the projects witnessed, and the collaborative spirit encountered all point to the incredible potential we have to make a positive impact. I look forward to working closely with our members, partners, and the community to strengthen and grow Greater Newark's vibrant business ecosystem.
0 Comments

Ferlanda Fox Nixon Esq., Named President & CEO of NRBP

9/3/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture

Newark, NJ -- September 3, 2024 – The Board of Directors of the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) announced today that Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq. is joining the organization as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 16, 2024. Nixon will fill the role currently held by Chip Hallock who is retiring after 25 years of distinguished service. As president and CEO, Nixon will serve as the senior officer of the organization, responsible for all administrative and management functions while executing NRBP’s mission to strengthen the greater Newark, NJ business community through connections, resources, and advocacy.

Nixon comes to NRBP from senior leadership roles with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, where she most recently served as Chief of Policy and External Affairs. Nixon and Hallock will work together during her initial weeks to ensure a smooth organizational transition.

“I am excited and honored to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership team as president and CEO,” Nixon said. “Newark is a terrific regional business community with unlimited potential. I’m looking forward to working with the Board, staff and members as we proactively engage with businesses of all sizes to positively impact the community and the region.”

Jennifer Mazawey, NRBP’s Board Chair, is delighted that Nixon has accepted the role. “We are very excited that Ferlanda will be leading NRBP and helping us to forward our mission. Ferlanda brings an outstanding record of success in partnering with a wide variety of constituents and is recognized as a collaborator. We look forward to her leadership now and in the years to come.”

“It is a pleasure to have Ferlanda take the reins,” said Chip Hallock, NRBP outgoing president and CEO. “She is the consummate professional and I am confident that she will successfully execute and expand on NRBP’s mission and vision. Her leadership will help continue to grow NRBP’s impact on and in the greater Newark business community.”

Nixon brings over 30 years of leadership experience as a corporate attorney, independent business consultant, nonprofit leader, and chamber of commerce executive. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Syracuse University and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. She also holds the professional certification of Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The NRBP Board of Directors retained Waverly Partners, a national executive search firm, to assist in the recruiting effort. Waverly Partners contacted hundreds of executives at chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other public and private sector leaders over the course of the search. Nixon was selected following a comprehensive process undertaken by a committee of the NRBP Board.

About the Newark Regional Business Partnership
Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is a diverse membership organization whose mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. NRBP connects its members to partners and resources that can help strengthen their business and increase the economic competitiveness of Newark and the region. More than 300 corporations, small businesses, organizations, and professional service firms are members of NRBP.


0 Comments

Job Alert: NRBP President and CEO Position Summary

4/26/2024

0 Comments

 
NRBP has retained the services of Waverly Partners to conduct the search for the organization's next President and CEO.

Waverly Partners serves chambers and economic development organizations throughout the country and is the preferred provider of executive search services of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Jennifer Mazawey, Partner, K&L Gates and NRBP Board Chair, will Ms. lead a 6-member search committee that will work with Waverly Partners to identify qualified local, regional and national candidates.


Click here to view the position summary.

If you are aware of an outstanding chamber, association or business executive who meets the profile requirements, please contact [email protected]. A full Position Profile is available upon request.
0 Comments

NRBP Announces Executive Search and Retirement of Longtime President & CEO

4/25/2024

0 Comments

 
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEAS
E 
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
Contact: Maya Curry, VP, Communications & Programming, [email protected]


Newark, NJ – Newark Regional Business Partnership (“NRBP”) announced today that Chip Hallock has decided to retire as the organization’s President and CEO. Mr. Hallock has been with the organization since 2000 “developing a strong and distinguished chamber organization through his stellar reputation and thoughtful leadership”, said Jennifer Mazawey, Partner with K&L Gates, LLP and current NRBP Board Chair. “Chip’s tireless dedication and leadership has strengthened our organization and sustained it through challenging times. As he embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we extend our deepest gratitude for his diligent commitment to our mission and the Newark community.” Hallock will continue to serve as the organization's President and CEO until a new leader begins later this year. 

The organization has begun the search for the organization’s next President & Chief Executive Officer, retaining Waverly Partners as its executive search firm. Waverly Partners serves chambers and economic development organizations throughout the country and is the preferred provider of executive search services of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Ms. Mazawey will head up a 6-member search committee that will work with Waverly Partners to identify qualified local, regional and national candidates.

“Our committee has developed a Position Profile with the experience and leadership characteristics of our preferred candidate,” said Mazawey. “We are open to executives with backgrounds in chambers of commerce, economic development, business associations, other kinds of nonprofits, private sector or related experience with a commitment to our mission of economic growth and business advocacy in our region. We are excited to welcome a new leader who will guide the advancement of our mission to strengthen our business community through connections, resources, and advocacy.”

“Serving with the members, volunteer leaders and staff of NRBP has been an extraordinary privilege for 25 years” said Hallock. “Whether I was connecting members for their mutual benefit or advocating for public policy, I have found my time here in Newark to be the most interesting and satisfying of my working life. I plan to enjoy my retirement with family and friends while always following news of Newark’s continued revitalization.”

A summary of the CEO position is available on the NRBP website at www.newarkrbp.org.

For more information about the search, or to express interest in the position or make a recommendation, please contact Waverly Partners consultants Eric Peterson and Debbie Galbraith at [email protected]; all inquiries will be held in confidence.

Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is a diverse membership organization whose mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. NRBP connects its members to partners and resources that can help strengthen their business and increase the economic competitiveness of Newark and the region. More than 300 corporations, small businesses, organizations, and professional service firms are members of NRBP.

Waverly Partners is a nationwide retained executive search firm and the preferred provider of executive search services of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The firm has also been named by Hunt-Scanlon Media as one of the Top 60 Non-Profit Search Firms in the nation. In addition to chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, Waverly Partners serves a wide variety of clients including Fortune 500 manufacturing and service corporations, nonprofits, privately held entrepreneurial growth companies and professional service firms across the country.

0 Comments

NRBP Announces New Board Leadership and Members

1/9/2024

0 Comments

 
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
Contact: Maya Curry, VP, Communications & DEI, [email protected]

Picture
NEWARK, New Jersey --- Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP), the greater Newark region’s leading business membership organization, is pleased to announce that the following members of the Board of Directors have assumed leadership roles on the Executive Committee: Jennifer Mazawey, partner, K&L Gates is now board chair; Mary Makfinsky, SVP regional manager, Popular Bank, is now vice-chair; Kevin Collins, chief financial officer, Invest Newark is now treasurer; and Sarah Jones, director of government affairs, Horizon BCBSNJ is now secretary.

“I was thrilled to serve as vice-chair of NRBP’s board and I am honored to continue my service to the organization as its chair”, said Ms. Mazawey.  “NRBP has significant plans for the new-year, and I look forward to working with the Board and NRBP staff as they bring the organization’s goals to fruition.”

Additional Executive Committee members include past chairs Calvin Ledford, president, PSEG Foundation and director of corporate social responsibility, PSEG; Darrell K. Terry, Sr., president and CEO, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center/Children’s Hospital of NJ; Frank Ferruggia, partner, McCarter & English LLP; and Monica Slater Stokes, managing director – corporate & government affairs, United Airlines.  The at-large members are Renard Barnes, general counsel and chief risk officer, PS&S and Mitch Cahn, owner, Unionwear.

NRBP honored outgoing board chair Ms. Slater Stokes at its end of year holiday celebration on December 5. Ms. Slater Stokes served a two-year term leading NRBP’s board in partnership with her vice-chair, Ms. Mazawey.  Her time as board chair coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and Ms. Slater Stokes provided skilled and inspired leadership to the organization.

Ms. Slater Stokes had this to say regarding her time as board chair: “It was my pleasure and honor to serve as NRBP’s board chair.  I am proud to have worked in collaboration with my fellow board members and NRBP’s staff to guide the organization through challenging pandemic and post-pandemic periods.  As immediate past chair, I look forward to working with Ms. Mazawey and all NRBP stakeholders to build upon the good groundwork laid for continued strong progress and growth.”

The following NRBP members and Newark-area business leaders are new members of the board: Marlene Bauer, president, InGroup; Sam Caucci, founder & CEO, 1Huddle; Stephanie Park, rail operations manager, Bechtel Corporation; Silvia Pereira, business banking relationship manager, Citizens Bank; Naomi Stevens, operations coordinator, SOSV/HAX; and Dr. Suffiyah Webb, owner, Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.  

“NRBP’s board of directors provides valuable governance and leadership to our organization”, said Chip Hallock NRBP’s president and CEO. “Our board represents the diversity of our membership, the City of Newark, and the larger business community. We are excited to have 6 new board members join us this year and we are grateful for the continued support and engagement of our executive committee and existing board members.”

NRBP values the support and participation of its esteemed board of directors and looks forward to working with them in the new-year on initiatives which will support the growth and vitality of NRBP, its membership, and the business community.

(Photo caption: Incoming NRBP board chair Jennifer Mazawey (center) and president Chip Hallock (right) present outgoing board chair Monica Slater Stokes (left) with the chairperson's appreciation gift. Photo credit: NRBP/Carlos Alayo.)


###
About Newark Regional Business Partnership
Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is a diverse membership organization whose mission is to strengthen our business community through connections, resources, and advocacy.  NRBP connects its members to partners and resources that can help strengthen their business and increase the economic competitiveness of Newark and the region. More than 300 corporations, small businesses, organizations, and professional service firms are members of NRBP.  www.newarkrbp.org


0 Comments

NRBP Announces New VP

3/20/2023

0 Comments

 
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023
Contact: Maya Curry, VP, Comms. & DEI, [email protected]

Picture
NEWARK, NJ --- The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is pleased to announce that Kirsten Giardi will join the professional staff as Vice President, Member Relations and Engagement, effective March 20.

“Kirsten has been an active member and volunteer ambassador of NRBP for many years and we have always appreciated her enthusiasm for our organization and ability to connect with community stakeholders,” said Board Chair Monica Slater Stokes, Managing Director, Corporate and Government Affairs, United Airlines.  

Giardi comes to NRBP from her role as Assistant Director for Development at the Newark Public Library where she was also executive director of the Newark Public Library Foundation. During her extensive career, she has served as an independent strategic consultant to non-profits, worked as a policy analyst in state government and in senior leadership positions with Goodwill Industries.

“Given her ability to build business relationships, demonstrated success in a career in the non-profit world and familiarity with key people and organizations in Newark, Kirsten has the qualities to help grow our membership and enhance the member experience,” said Chip Hallock, President & CEO, NRBP. “We look forward to having her on our team to serve our members’ interests and deepen their involvement with NRBP.”

“NRBP is a terrific organization, and I am so excited about the opportunity to work with its members,” said Giardi “The past several years have demonstrated the importance of staying connected through active and essential organizations like NRBP. My goal is to increase engagement through vital programs and events while attracting more members. I can’t wait to get started!”

###
About Newark Regional Business Partnership
Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is the pre-eminent member-based organization connecting businesses in the Greater Newark region. By CONNECTING, INFORMING and ADVOCATING on behalf of its members, NRBP strengthens the region’s business infrastructure and REVITALIZES New Jersey’s largest city.  NRBP leverages its deep experience to bridge sectors and foster individual and collective success for its broad-based and diverse membership, which includes nearly 400 corporations, professional firms, small businesses, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations. www.newarkrbp.org

0 Comments

Barbara E. Kauffman Stepping Down From Full-Time Duties

7/12/2022

3 Comments

 
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022
Contact: Maya Curry, VP, Comms. & DEI, [email protected]
Picture

NEWARK, New Jersey ---  Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) announced today that Barbara E. Kauffman has decided to step down from her responsibilities as executive vice president and COO in Fall 2022. 

Barbara has been with NRBP for 34 years, beginning as a project manager for NRBP’s predecessor organization, Renaissance Newark, Inc. (RNI).  When RNI merged with the Metro Newark Chamber in 1993, Barbara took on an economic development role as a vice president.  She was later elevated to executive vice president and chief operating officer.   

Monica Slater Stokes, Chair of the NRBP Board of Directors and Managing Director, Corporate and Government Affairs at United Airlines said, “We are grateful to Barbara for her many years of service and dedication to our members. Barbara has made countless connections across industry sectors, and established long-lasting partnerships that created many opportunities to grow and expand business.”

NRBP President & CEO Chip Hallock lauded Barbara for her consistent efforts to support NRBP’s members and her work to produce hundreds of high quality events that included expert speakers and supportive sponsors.  “Barbara has an extraordinary combination of intelligence, passion and work ethic that has served our members well. She has been a statewide resource for countless business acquaintances in helping to build their networks and careers – we can’t applaud Barbara enough and wish her well as she continues her civic engagement.”

Barbara stated that her greatest accomplishment has been helping members make connections that fostered new business and opportunities. “I enjoy the challenge of making a meaningful introduction and providing assistance through our wide network of member contacts.  I am fortunate to have members who are so willing to use their networks to respond to other members and provide assistance.”  She continued, “I intend to continue making connections after I step back from NRBP.  I will be pursuing opportunities to continue my commitment to the City of Newark, in part through work at NRBP, the NJIT Martin Tuchman School, Rutgers Business School, and by continuing to serve on boards such as the University Hospital Foundation, the Newark Museum Business and Community Council, and more.”

###

About Newark Regional Business Partnership
Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is the pre-eminent member-based organization connecting businesses in the Greater Newark region. By CONNECTING, INFORMING and ADVOCATING on behalf of its members, NRBP strengthens the region’s business infrastructure and REVITALIZES New Jersey’s largest city.  NRBP leverages its deep experience to bridge sectors and foster individual and collective success for its broad-based and diverse membership, which includes nearly 400 corporations, professional firms, small businesses, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations. www.newarkrbp.org

3 Comments

A Message from NRBP Regarding COVID-19 + Resource List

3/12/2020

0 Comments

 
For the latest COVID-19 information and list of resources, please click here.

​Our business, government and community leaders have been clear that containing COVID-19 will require a united effort to protect our citizenry and that it is in everyone’s best interest to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Our thoughts are with the individuals and families of those who continue to be stricken during this pandemic.

NRBP is here to support your organization. Our office is closed until at least March 27, with staff working remotely, in support of nation-wide efforts to curtail community spread. During this time you may hear from us as we will be using this opportunity to increase our member care efforts. You're welcome to contact any member of our staff should you have questions or immediate needs. We will respond to email and voice mails.

Additionally, we have postponed our March 24 Partners & Leaders Dinner honoring RWJBarnabas Health CEO Barry Ostrowsky and Newark Mayor Ras. J. Baraka. Working with our Board of Directors, honorees, sponsors and supporters, we intend to reschedule the dinner and will advise our members accordingly.

There are numerous professional resources available online that provide valuable information including:
  • Center for Disease Control
  • New Jersey Department of Health
  • World Health Organization

Resources for business owners:
  • NJ State website dedicated to business concerns - cv.business.nj.gov 
  • The US Chamber of Commerce's "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" was passed by the House of Representatives on Saturday, and is expected pass the Senate sometime this week. Click here to learn more.
  • New Jersey Business Action Center’s Helpline, available from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. seven days a week, 1-800-JERSEY-7  
  • EWMA has launched COVID-19 Mitigation Services

Additional information:
  • Public Service Electric & Gas Co., is continuing to operate normally. As of Friday, March 13, the company has suspended shut off notices. Click here for more information.
  • On Sunday, Mayor Ras Baraka signed an Executive Order providing relief for residents. Click here for more.
  • Recording of City of Newark's Virtual Town Hal RE: COVID-19
  • Recording of Invest Newark's Small Business Webinar ​
We urge you to heed the advice of professionals to maintain good health for all.

We are aware that our event schedule may require further modification based upon COVID-19 activity but for now we intend to maintain an active calendar so that you can plan ahead to be with us. NRBP is also considering webinars and other media as resources to share information that we might otherwise present at an event. We will keep you informed of any changes and suggest that you visit our event calendar from time to time.
 
We look forward to continued dialogue with all of you and it is our sincerest hope that COVID-19 will be contained effectively and quickly. We extend our best wishes for good health in the weeks and months ahead.

- Chip Hallock
President & CEO
NRBP

UPDATES as of March 23, 2020
  • IRS extends the tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy issues stay at home order
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy issues executive order closing all non-essential businesses
    • ​NJ Business Action Center explains how the executive order affects businesses
  • NJ now has four Community Based Testing Centers
  • Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka issues shelter in place order for three neighborhoods

UPDATES as of March 19, 2020
  • City of Newark announces 8pm curfew
  • ​Small Business Administration launches Disaster Loan Assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19
  • Updates to the US Chamber of Commerce's Families First Coronavirus Response Act

0 Comments

Dewberry Intern's Diverse Study Abroad Experience Shaped Him For the Workforce

1/6/2020

0 Comments

 
PictureJohn White
John White, a Dewberry intern studying architecture, recollects his experience traveling out of the country for the first time and how having visited nine countries and 47 cities in only 78 days impacted his contribution to the workforce. 

"I stood atop the Alps, tried escargot in Paris, ate the most amazing pizza in Italy, and attended my first professional soccer game in Munich. I had, without a doubt, the experience of a lifetime. But aside from all the fun, this trip allowed me to grow exponentially as an architecture student." Read more here.

0 Comments

Thinking Outside the Box: U.S. Immigration Options for Cybersecurity Experts

9/5/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lin Rose Walker, Esq.
Picture
Scott Malyk, Esq.
A decade ago, very few people outside of the Information Technology (IT) industry knew what cybersecurity was or even considered it something worth worrying about. Many of us naively believed that with the right passwords, encryption software and firewalls, our data and information would be secure.
 
In recent years, however, our world has become far more technologically advanced and, as a consequence, technologically dependent. Nearly every occupation and industry has developed some use for artificial intelligence, a big data platform, or web-based application, whether it is banking, retail, pharmaceutical, medical, legal or agricultural. Most organizations that generate significant data store work product/files on servers or in the “cloud”.  With the advent of e-commerce and electronic file storage, we can now share photos and documents as well as make financial transactions from our phones, computers, and other smart devices.
 
While these advances in technology have made our lives easier in many respects, they have also created significant opportunities for individuals and organizations to use the same technology to commit cybercrimes. Although cybersecurity is neither a new or emerging field, there has been something of a collective epiphany in the United States regarding the essential and significant role it plays in our everyday lives, particularly since 2016. Since that time, there have been daily reports of cybersecurity crimes, ranging from denials of service, to hacks and breaches of personal, financial and confidential information, to election meddling. Some of the most noteworthy examples of these damaging crimes include:
 
  • September 2017 – Equifax announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people in the United States;
 
  • March 2019 – Capital One Bank experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of nearly 106 million of the bank’s customers and credit card applicants;
 
  • April 2019 – Facebook experienced a data breach that exposed 540 million user records on Amazon’s cloud computing service; and
 
  • June 2019 – American Medical Collection Agency, a third party billing collections firm which provides services for LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics experienced a data breach in which the personal, financial and medical data of 7.7 million LabCorp patients and 12 million Quest Diagnostics patients were disclosed.
 
In addition to these hacks and breaches, the use of ransomware has dramatically increased as well.  Ransomware is a type of cyberattack that encrypts a computer’s files (and makes unavailable to the owner/user of such data), in which the owner/user of the data must pay the attacker a “ransom” often in bitcoin or some other untraceable cryptocurrency to release the files. Since 2013, more than 170 U.S. county-, city- and state-government systems have been attacked using ransomware, including at least 45 law enforcement offices. (https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/politics/ransomware-attacks-us-cities/index.html) Most recently, on August 20th, the State of Texas reported that twenty-three (23) towns were struck by a coordinated ransomware attack. (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/19/alarm-in-texas-as-23-towns-hit-by-coordinated-ransomware-attack.html) 
 
            The prevalence of cybersecurity crimes, and their significant impact, became abundantly clear in the wake of the 2016 Presidential election, which experienced malicious hackings and massive breaches of campaign voter data, including hacking of election systems. (https://cdt.org/issue/internet-architecture/election-cybersecurity/) As our election and voting systems become more data-driven and electronic, our nation becomes more susceptible to such cyberattacks, which have and will continue to impact our voting practices and democratic norms. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-cybersecurity-202/2019/07/15/the-cybersecurity-202-here-s-an-overlooked-election-cybersecurity-danger-outdated-software/5d2bc0321ad2e552a21d53d4/)
 
In an effort to protect our financial, personal, medical, and otherwise confidential or personal data, as well as our election systems, we need to continue to attract and employ the services of the most qualified cybersecurity experts from around the world. However, at present, there is a dire shortage of such qualified experts in the United States. On January 10, 2019, Jon Oltsik, Chief Security Officer of Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) and a world renowned cybersecurity expert wrote:
 
At the end of each year, ESG conducts a wide-ranging global survey of IT professionals, asking them about challenges, purchasing plans, strategies, etc. As part of this survey, respondents were asked to identify areas where their organization has a problematic shortage of skills.
 
In 2018-2019, cybersecurity skills topped the list — 53 percent of survey respondents reported a problematic shortage of cybersecurity skills at their organization. IT architecture/planning skills came in second at 38 percent.
 
The cybersecurity skills shortage is nothing new. Alarmingly, the cybersecurity skills deficit has held the top position in ESG’s annual survey every year... Furthermore, the percentage of organizations reporting a problematic shortage of cybersecurity skills continues to increase.
****
Now, people like me have been talking about the cybersecurity skills shortage for years, and there are a lot of worthwhile industry and academic programs in place to address this issue. Despite these efforts, however, research from ESG and others indicates that the cybersecurity skills shortage is getting incrementally worse each year. (Emphasis added.) (https://www.csoonline.com/article/3331983/the-cybersecurity-skills-shortage-is-getting-worse.html)
 
Our technology and data infrastructure need significant work to keep them safe from hacks, breaches and ransomware attacks, but there are simply not enough qualified professionals in the U.S. to fill this need. In this regard, our business leaders and corporations must be open to recruiting and retaining qualified foreign nationals who possess the requisite skills, education and expertise to perform these duties.
 
In addition to the standard-issue H-1B and L-1B visa classifications, there are a variety of immigration options available to U.S. employers who seek to hire foreign nationals with cybersecurity expertise. One of these options is the O-1A nonimmigrant classification for individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences or business. This often overlooked nonimmigrant visa classification is available to a foreign national who can demonstrate a level of expertise among a small percentage who have risen to the top of the field. Individuals who have made original, documented contributions to the field, as evidenced by patents and/or publications, and have served as the judge of the work of others (journal reviewers/editors) or in essential/critical capacities can readily qualify for the O-1A visa classification.
 
Another option available, which leads to permanent resident status in the United States, is the National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition. NIW petitions are typically granted to those who have exceptional ability and whose employment in the United States would greatly benefit our nation. Cybersecurity has proven to be an endeavor that is in the national interest of the United States. Thus, individuals seeking a NIW can establish exceptional ability through documented evidence confirming that they possess at least a Master’s degree in a specialized field of study related to cybersecurity; possess at least ten (10) years of full-time employment experience in the field of cybersecurity; are recognized for their achievements in cybersecurity; and have publications in the field.
 
It is clear from the daily reports of cybersecurity crimes, that our nation is in dire need of cybersecurity experts who possess the resources and advanced knowledge, skills and experience required to combat these crimes. In this regard, as there is currently a shortage of U.S. workers who possess these qualities, U.S. corporations and governmental agencies should consider thinking “outside the box” as it relates to these immigration options in order to attract and recruit foreign nationals with this expertise.
 
While there are many immigration options available for both temporary and permanent employment of cybersecurity experts, it is best to plan ahead and consult with an attorney in advance to identify which options best meet the goals of U.S. employer, the foreign national and most importantly, the national interests of our country.
_______
 
Lin Walker is an Associate and Scott Malyk is a Partner at Meyner and Landis LLP | Counsellors at Law, Newark, New Jersey. (www.meyner.com)
​
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Archives

    May 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    April 2024
    January 2024
    March 2023
    July 2022
    March 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017

    RSS Feed

Copyright Newark Regional Business Partnership.  All Rights Reserved.
60 Park Place, Suite 1016  | Newark, NJ  07102
Phone: (973) 522-0099 | [email protected] | sitemap

MemberClicks
  • About NRBP
    • Who We Are
    • What We Do
    • Member Login
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Renaissance Newark Foundation
    • Public Policy
    • Contact
  • Member Directory
  • Events & News
    • Event Calendar
    • NRBP Webinars
  • Why Join
    • Member Benefits
    • Testimonials
    • Join
  • Blog