Chrissy Buteas is the President & CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ). Founded in 1997, HINJ serves as the trade association for leading research-based biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies in New Jersey.

Chrissy Buteas, a seasoned leader, has held significant positions in her career. Before joining HINJ, she served as the VP of Government Affairs at Optimum, a prominent broadband communications and video service provider operating across 21 states. She served as the Chief Government Affairs Officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), a role that enabled her to influence policies affecting the 1 million employees of member companies. She also led the NEW JOBS PAC, the State’s largest and most influential ideological business political action committee.

Before joining NJBIA, Buteas also served as president and CEO of the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey, representing New Jersey home health agencies, hospices, and healthcare service firms that provide care to the state’s Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay patients.

She serves on the boards of trustees of Middlesex College, New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), Thanexus, Inc. (a funeral service cooperative), the National Association of Corporate Directors NJ Chapter (NACD-NJ), South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University, the New Jersey Medical Assistance Advisory Council, Focus NJ, Junior Achievement of New Jersey, Women’s Political Caucus of NJ, and The Historic Village at Allaire. Buteas holds an MPA from the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University-Newark and a BA from Rowan University.

Buteas stated, “New Jersey’s innovation economy depends on strong collaboration among diverse partners—from academia and research institutions to private industry, state government, and economic development agencies. As HINJ works to strengthen the research ecosystem through ongoing partnerships, I am honored to have the chance to serve on the board of the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII). Together, we will continue to advance our state’s technology and innovation initiatives.”

Elisa Charters is a seasoned executive strategist with over 30 years of public-sector finance and transactional experience, specializing in the negotiations of major economic development and regional infrastructure. Her highlights include leading valuation of the Port Authority of NY & NJ’s 23 million sq. ft. of mixed-use portfolio, managing acquisitions in the redevelopment of One World Trade Center post 9/11 and assessing revenue programs as Assistant Comptroller of Port Commerce.

Elisa’s experience in government led to future appointments by three consecutive governors in the State of New Jersey, most recently, as Vice Chair of the NJ Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, and the NJIT Board of Trustees.

Elisa emerged from the government sector following her interests in entrepreneurship and service. In 2009, she founded EAC Business International LLC, a consultancy focused on LATAM wholesale imports, multi-national industrial technical sales, and government contracting. In 2023, she added Juegos AI Lab, a start-up effort on SMS/RCS communication innovations, mobile applications, SaaS platforms, and agentic human-centered AI modeling. In a world where we are so digitally connected, her team’s goal is to help eradicate the national epidemic of loneliness.

A passionate advocate for education and empowering underserved communities, Elisa serves several scholastic and commerce boards, including Latina Surge National non–profit, which she co-founded and scaled from a local grassroots organization to an international platform via the Lean In Latina Surge Network (Lean In has 170K+ global circle members).

Elisa is an alumna of NJIT (BS-CSLA ’92, MS-NCE ’93) holding dual degrees in Environmental Science. She also pursued her graduate degree in International Finance and Business from Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs (SIPA).

When asked about the future of NJII, Charters remarked, “The global AI race is progressing at extreme speed, and this is New Jersey’s AI moment. NJII is our East Coast Gateway to transformative growth across key innovation sectors, uniquely supported by NJIT, our premiere R1 translational research institution. State-of-the-art technology and the most prepared technical workforce will forge economic advancement and quality of life in New Jersey for decades to come.”

NJII President Michael Johnson, Ph.D., expressed enthusiasm about Buteas and Charters’ appointments: “We are thrilled to welcome Chrissy Buteas and Elisa Charters to the NJII Board of Directors. Their extensive backgrounds in healthcare and economic development will be invaluable as we continue to drive innovation and foster collaboration across New Jersey’s key sectors. Together, we will enhance our mission to accelerate technology and support our state’s growth, ensuring New Jersey remains at the forefront of the innovation economy.”

Under Johnson’s leadership, NJII has made significant strides, including the recent launch of the NJII Venture Studio, the state’s seventh Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) focused on high technology and IT. NJII has also strengthened its role in workforce development by expanding training programs in cutting-edge fields such as AI, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology, creating hands-on opportunities for students and professionals alike.

About NJII

The New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit wholly owned by NJIT. Founded in 2014, NJII leverages the vast resources of an R-1 research university, deep industry and government partnerships, and a proven track record of building industry-centric ecosystems to accelerate technology, foster innovation, and drive workforce development. With over $330 million in revenue across four divisions—AI/ML, Defense, Entrepreneurship, and Healthcare. NJII delivers measurable economic impact across New Jersey and beyond. Learn more: NJII

About NJIT

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is the leading producer of technological talent and knowledge in New Jersey, serving as a nexus of innovation. NJIT is the only polytechnic university classified as an R1 (highest level) Carnegie Classification research university and is designated as both an Asian American and Hispanic-serving institution. The New York Times college ranking tool rates NJIT No. 1 nationally among all public universities for high alumni earnings, economic mobility, and academic profile. Additionally, NJIT is ranked among the top 100 universities in the country for alumni mid-career earnings and is recognized as a Best Value College by The Princeton Review.

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This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to accelerate innovation and startup creation across New Jersey. Cornucopian Capital will work closely with the NJII Venture Studio team to evaluate venture concepts, provide investment oversight, and guide early-stage companies through funding and scale-up. 

By combining NJII’s strengths in technology commercialization and academic collaboration with Cornucopian’s deep investment expertise, we’re strengthening our ability to transform high-potential ideas into thriving, fundable startups. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cornucopian Capital to the table,” said Michael Van Ter Sluis, Vice President of Entrepreneurship at NJII. “Their experience and insight will be key as we build the next generation of New Jersey-born companies.” 

This collaboration aligns with our commitment to building a systematic and scalable startup ecosystem—one that is grounded in real-world technology and focused on solving critical challenges in healthcare, IT, defense, and beyond. 

It also reinforces NJII’s broader goal: to position New Jersey as a national leader in innovation by linking academic research, entrepreneurial talent, and capital under one strategic vision. 

Learn more about the NJII Venture Studio: https://www.njii.com/venture-studio/

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David holds an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and a Certified Personal Investment Advisor. 

“David’s deep expertise in finance, risk management, and wealth advisory will be invaluable as NJII continues to grow and expand its impact across New Jersey and beyond,” said Dr. Michael Johnson, President of NJII. “We are thrilled to welcome David to the Board and look forward to the leadership and strategic insight he brings to our organization.” 

In his role on the Board, Mr. Spicka will help guide NJII’s efforts across its five divisions focused on Healthcare, Defense, AI, Professional & Corporate Education and Entrepreneurship. 

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The NJII Venture Studio is the latest addition to New Jersey’s growing network of Strategic Innovation Centers (SICs). Over the next five years, the NJII Venture Studio aims to launch 10 companies, each with the potential to receive up to $1 million in funding. Startups will benefit from hands-on venture support, including expert mentorship, operational guidance, office space, and access to NJIT’s vast research infrastructure.

“The NJII Venture Studio represents our unwavering commitment to fueling innovation through meaningful collaboration between academia, industry, and government,” said Dr. Michael Johnson. “It’s a platform where transformative ideas can become real-world solutions.”

At the heart of this initiative is the desire to accelerate the commercialization of research developed by NJIT, NJII, and their corporate and academic partners. This effort directly supports NJIT’s 2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“The NJII Venture Studio,” explains Michael van Ter Sluis, Vice President of Entrepreneurship at NJII, “is the purest manifestation of the NJII’s primary mission – to accelerate technology translation from of host institution, NJIT.”

The NJII Venture Studio offers a unique model that integrates corporate collaboration at the earliest stage of development, a differentiator emphasized by NJIT Board of Trustees Chair and NJII Board Member Robert Cohen, President of Digital, Robotics & Enabling Technologies at Stryker. By merging NJIT’s R1 research capabilities, NJII’s operational excellence, and NJEDA’s public-private infrastructure, the NJII Venture Studio is positioned to become a national exemplar of innovation-led economic growth.

“Our goal is to provide startups with more than funding — we’re providing a foundation. We’re giving them a team, a roadmap, and a direct line to industry insight from day one,” said Mary Jane (MJ) Durkin, Director of the NJII Venture Studio.

Located in Newark, a thriving urban hub with access to the largest port on the East Coast and a strong academic and tech ecosystem, the NJII Venture Studio joins HAX as the city’s second SIC. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka praised the collaborative spirit driving this initiative and highlighted the long-term economic ripple effect it will have across the region.

“This is a prime example of what we need to be doing to make our state successful,” said Mayor Baraka. “The relationship between the academic community, the private sector and the public sector is the right combination. Because I believe if you build in Newark, it affects the entire region.”

With its launch, the NJII Venture Studio marks a new chapter in New Jersey’s innovation story — one where research-driven startups are cultivated with purpose and launched with impact.

To learn more or inquire about the NJII Venture Studio, visit https://www.njii.com/venture-studio/.
To explore New Jersey’s Strategic Innovation Centers, visit https://www.njeda.gov/strategic-innovation-ce.

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With a thriving ecosystem of startups, major corporate investments, and a strong pipeline of talent, Newark is increasingly being compared to Silicon Valley. Michael Johnson highlights the city’s strategic advantages, including its proximity to major markets, commitment to emerging technologies, and collaborative efforts between industry and academia.

Could Newark be the next major tech hub? Read Michael Johnson’s insights in the full Forbes article here.

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We are proud to share that Jennifer D’Angelo, NJII’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Healthcare, has been named to the 2025 NJBIZ Health Care Power List. This recognition reflects her unwavering dedication to improving patient care, advancing healthcare technology, and fostering industry-wide progress. As a leader at NJII, Jennifer continues to play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare delivery, ensuring better outcomes for patients and strengthening healthcare systems across the state.

Her inclusion on this esteemed list is a testament to her leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the field. She joins an inspiring group of professionals who are making a lasting difference in healthcare policy, administration, innovation, and patient care.

Want to see the full list of honorees and learn more about their contributions? Read the full article here.

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With a strong emphasis on AI governance, transparency, and real-world impact, this partnership is set to accelerate AI adoption in hospitals and healthcare systems. NJII’s deep industry connections and Cognome’s cutting-edge AI models, including the ExplainerAITM governance platform, will ensure seamless integration with electronic health records (EHRs) and compliance with industry regulations. Read more.

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NJII is proud to join forces with partners to implement a transformative Community Information Exchange (CIE) that strengthens interconnectivity among social service organizations, improving the lives of individuals and families facing housing instability.

The Illinois Public Health Institute, in partnership with 4medica®, has launched the Chicago Regionwide Community Information Exchange®—an initiative aimed at advancing health equity and improving care coordination for underserved populations.

By leveraging advanced tools for data sharing and precise identity matching, 4medica enables seamless collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations. Supported by partners like Wellconnected and NJII, this initiative addresses critical social determinants of health, such as housing and food insecurity, while driving more effective care coordination and better outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Read the full story here

“This collaboration represents a first-of-its-kind initiative to unify care delivery in Chicago, laying the groundwork for a scalable framework that can enhance public health and care coordination across communities nationwide.”

Jennifer D’Angelo, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President of Healthcare, New Jersey Innovation Institute, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the partnership’s synergistic alliance.

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This new Memorandum of Understanding builds on a longstanding partnership between Choose New Jersey, T-Hub, and NJIT. In 2019, Choose New Jersey and T-Hub signed a tripartite agreement with VentureLink, the community hub for technology companies at NJIT, to advance startup innovation, funding, and entrepreneurship. This earlier collaboration laid the groundwork for the continued exchange of ideas and resources, further solidifying the relationship between New Jersey and India as global leaders in fostering technological advancements and economic growth.

Read the full article here.

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Thomas Murphy, Director of Defense Manufacturing Technology at NJII said, “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Foundry Lab to reshore metal casting and aid the limited foundry/casting houses in the U.S. There are many casting applications for our partners and a key element is energizing a new workforce that has limited, hands-on experience with casting. We pride ourselves on being in the early adopter program to bring Foundry Lab’s technology to the Northeast and our partners.”   

“The defense team at NJII is an ideal partner as they’re pushing forward the boundaries of what’s possible in additive manufacturing and have a long history of fostering advanced innovation. Together, we’re setting a new standard for speed and efficiency in metal casting,” says David Moodie, founder and CEO of Foundry Lab. 

A year after demonstrating its innovative technology at Formnext 2023 and launching their DMC-3 system commercially in the U.S in June of 2024, Foundry Lab has successfully transitioned from prototype to commercial application. Its digital metal casting technology empowers manufacturers to create production-quality metal parts within a single day, without the expense and time demands of traditional foundries. 

To read the full press release click here.

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