New Jersey Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Tom Bracken was named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100, the state chamber announced Monday.
The committee advised the U.S. Chamber’s board of directors, enhances lobbying and other work, recommends programming and more.
“The CCC100 has a longstanding reputation as one of the most prestigious appointments in the chamber community,” Sara Armstrong, vice president and managing director, political affairs and federation relations, U.S. Chamber, said in a prepared statement. “These new members reflect our continued dedication to naming diverse, high-profile leaders to serve on this important committee.”
Bracken, who also serves as a member of Greater Trenton’s Advisory Committee, became the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO in February of 2011, taking the reins of the state’s business advocacy organization as it celebrated its 100th year.
The former bank executive served as chairman of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors from 2005 to 2007 and has been involved in the Chamber for four decades. In 2017, Bracken helped establish and became co-chair of Opportunity NJ, a coalition of major state business organizations supporting government policies that pave the way for job growth, affordability and prosperity in the state. In 2014, Bracken was named chairman of ForwardNJ, a coalition promoting investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Also in 2014, Bracken was inducted into the New Jersey Business Hall of Fame. Prior to taking the reins of the NJ Chamber, Bracken spent 40 years in the banking and financial services industry, serving as president of TriState Capital Bank’s New Jersey operation from 2008 to 2011. He was president and CEO of Sun Bancorp, Inc. from 2001 to 2007. He also held executive positions with First Union Bank and Corestates Financial Corporation. He is a former chairman of the Economic Development Corporation of Trenton and of the New Jersey Bankers Association.
Bracken, a Bucknell graduate, is the chairman of the New Jersey Alliance for Action Foundation; and a board member for Junior Achievement of New Jersey, the New Jersey Hall of Fame, Public Media NJ, Solix Inc. and South Jersey Industries.
Last year, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey leader, John Harmon, was named to the Committee of 100.
In addition to Bracken, eight other executives from around the country were named the committee Monday. The additional members include Rob Black, President and CEO, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce; Katie Capozzi, President and CEO, Alaska Chamber; Jeremy Harris, IOM, ACE President and CEO, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce; Tony Howard, IOM, CCE, President and CEO, Loudoun County (VA) Chamber of Commerce; Chris Kershner, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, Dayton Area (OH) Chamber of Commerce; Sandra McDonough, President, Oregon Business and Industry; Beth Rhinehart, IOM, President and CEO, Bristol (TN/VA) Chamber of Commerce and Chad Warmington, President and CEO, State Chamber of Oklahoma.
