On July 10th, 2014, the New Jersey Technology Council, one of the state’s top non-profits which supports NJ tech companies and startups, announced the appointment of James Barrood as the company’s new CEO.
Barrood will be replacing Maxine Ballen, NJTC founder and now former CEO. Since its founding by Ballen over eighteen years ago, NJTC has grown to a membership of over 975 member companies. Ballen will be leaving behind an organization that has touched all areas and layers of technology in New Jersey that has included hosting expos, conferences, workshops, and award competitions. All championing the role of technology in New Jersey’s business sector and funding opportunities.
Barrood departed his position as Executive Director of the Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University that he joined in 1997. As Executive Director, he championed many outreach programs for entrepreneurship that often overlapped with technology.
Ballen says she is both optimistic and hopeful of the organization’s new direction under a new leader, “I know the council is in good hands with the appointment of Jim Barrood. It’s an exciting time for the council.”
Simon Nynens, Chairman of the Board, has a similar outlook. “…I look forward to seeing what’s next as the NJTC transitions into NJTC 2.0.”
Barrood has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity he has had to work with the New Jersey entrepreneurial community and now his move to an organization focused on technology. “It is an extraordinary privilege to lead NJTC… Our ecosystem of cooperation, collaboration, and innovation represents a real competitive advantage. As the global marketplace gets even tougher, we need to make that ecosystem even stronger and more resilientand together, we will.”
