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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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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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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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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In this episode of From Lab to Patient, Garage to Market, Phil Crowley speaks with Dr. Michael Johnson, President of the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) and the former CEO and Co-Founder of Visikol, a leading biotech company. NJII is focused on accelerating technology and fostering innovation in order to have a positive economic impact in New Jersey.

• Watch the episode on YouTube.
• Listen to the episode on Spotify. (stay tuned for link)
• Listen to the episode on Apple. (stay tuned for link)
• Listen to the episode on iHeart Radio.(stay tuned for link)
• Read the whole transcript.

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This year, NJBIZ is recognizing more than 50 organizations and three individuals who have made significant contributions to help the state’s business community grow and prosper. 

NJII has been named on this years list in the Non-Profit company 100+ employees category.

To view the full list of companies honored click here.

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The winners were scored by experts based on competitive advantage, impact, utility and socio-economic value of the innovation, and significance of the problem solved.

The judge panel of experts included NJII Assistant Vice President of AI and Machine Learning, Thomas Villani, Ph.D., along with NJII Proposal Writer, Grants and Restricted Funds, William Reichert.

Learn more About the Rutgers Innovation Awards and see the full list of winners.

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Now in its second year, the Empowering Women – Companies Leading the Way awards program recognizes New Jersey-based organizations for their tangible and innovative efforts to advance women in the workplace and community.

To read the full article click here.

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The honorees listed in these pages excel at providing all of those tools. This year, the Education Power 50 pays particular homage to those who not only provide traditional lessons through time-tested methods, but also, through their work, provide sterling examples for all of us.

NJII Appearance:

NJII President, Michael Johnson is featured on the NJBIZ Education Power 50 List

To read the full article click here.

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COO and Executive VP of Healthcare, Jennifer D’Angelo, has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of the 60 professionals honored with the 2024 Leading Women in Business Awards. This prestigious award highlights women who have made a significant impact on business in New Jersey as well as in their communities.

Jennifer’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in advancing our initiatives, and this recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her contributions. Please join me in congratulating Jennifer on this outstanding achievement! We’re incredibly proud to have her on our team and look forward to the continued success and innovation she will bring to NJII.

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