CHAMBER NEWS

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce today named Thomas A. Bracken its new president effective early February.

Bracken has 40 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, serving most recently as president of TriState Capital Bank's New Jersey operation, located in Princeton. Bracken is a former chairman of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors and has been involved with the Chamber for more than 30 years.

"Tom brings the balance of leadership skills and experience that the Chamber needs at this critical time," said Dennis Bone, chairman of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors and president of Verizon New Jersey. "No industry was hit harder by the recession than banking, and Tom's demonstrated leadership in meeting those tough challenges makes him ideal for this position. In addition, Tom has been actively engaged with the Chamber for many years, so he clearly understands how to galvanize and use our resources to members' benefit." 

"I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of leading the Chamber into its second century," said Bracken, noting 2011 is the Chamber's centennial anniversary year. "New Jersey is at a crossroads economically. It is more critical than ever that the business community supports with one voice the initiatives of Gov. Christie and the state Legislature to restore fiscal responsibility, improve the business climate and create desperately needed jobs," Bracken said. 

Bracken joined TriState Capital Bank, which serves mid-market businesses in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey, in January 2008. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of Sun Bancorp, Inc. (2001 to 2007). He also held executive positions with First Union Bank. He is a former chairman of the Economic Development Corporation of Trenton and former chairman of the New Jersey Bankers Association.

He is currently the chairman of the Finance Committee of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation; the chairman of the New Jersey Alliance for Action Foundation; and the vice chairman of New Jersey Network Foundation.

Bracken is a graduate of Bucknell University and resides in Skillman.

He replaces Joan Verplanck, who retired last July.

 
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization that represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues. Based in Trenton, the organization also links the state's local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network. For more information, visit www.njchamber.com.