Name

Title, Org

Bio

Mairin Bennett 
Executive Director, Red Bank RiverCenter 

Mairin Bennett became the Executive Director of Red Bank RiverCenter in January 2025, succeeding Bob Zuckerman following his retirement.

Before joining Red Bank, Mairin served as the Executive Director of the Downtown Toms River Special Improvement District from 2020 through December 2024. Returning to her roots in Monmouth County, she is excited to bring her experience and passion for downtown revitalization back to the community where she grew up.

Mairin brings an extensive background in state government, transportation, and government relations. Her diverse experience and strong leadership have consistently supported economic growth and community development throughout her career.

Erin Bush
Director of Marketing snd Communications, Hoboken Business Alliance 

Erin Bush— is a brand messaging empath, content strategist, and capacity builder who helps small businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations tell their stories with heart and strategy.

With over a decade of experience in marketing and communications, She’s developed product and educational content along with communication strategies for multimillion-dollar companies like fresh, Kipling, and Bed Bath & Beyond, and created digital storytelling at ESSENCE and Digital Trends. But her passion truly lies in helping people grow—whether it’s a small business, a brand, or an entire community.

That passion led her to economic development, where she served as Director of Community at Makerhoods—a $30M urban revitalization project in Newark supporting 75+ micro-entrepreneurs. There, she designed training programs, built strategic partnerships with companies like Audible and Prudential, and helped local founders access the tools and networks they need to thrive.

Now, as Director of Marketing & Communications at HBA, she leads strategic campaigns that spotlight local businesses, events, and developments—connecting with new audiences and strengthening community engagement every step of the way.

At the heart of everything she does is a commitment to meaningful storytelling, sustainable growth, and building brands that feel human.

Nathaniel Diskint 
Founder and Executive Director of COHOME, INC. 

Nathaniel Diskint is a leader in advancing innovative supportive housing models in New Jersey. He has pioneered mainstream housing opportunities for adults with disabilities, developed a multi-family resident-directed model, and led the creation of the state’s largest inclusionary supportive housing development. As Principal of Diskint & Associates, he partners with developers and municipalities to optimize affordable housing opportunities. Nathaniel is also the Founder and Executive Director of Cohome, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to inclusive housing solutions for adults with disabilities. His work focuses on real estate strategies and supportive housing development that build more inclusive communities.

Jaime Izurieta
Founder Storefront Mastery

Jaime helps urban districts become vibrant, engaging destinations by guiding business owners, developers, and place managers to create spectacular storefronts and memorable customer experiences. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of creative strategy and economic revitalization, he bridges the worlds of public and private development to turn investments into assets that deliver real returns. His expertise spans from Michigan to California, transforming downtowns and business improvement districts through innovative design, storytelling, and community-focused strategy.

As the founder of Storefront Mastery, Jaime has developed a unique methodology that connects strategic urban planning, retail design, and placemaking. His work goes beyond traditional consulting to elevate the retail journey, integrate aesthetics with economic strategy, and craft spaces that truly resonate with their communities. A Montclair, NJ–based entrepreneur and author of Main Street Mavericks and The Ten No-BS Rules for Successful Storefront Design, Jaime inspires stakeholders nationwide to move beyond conventional development approaches and create destinations that don’t just survive—but thrive.

Robin Lapidus 
Executive Director, Flemington Community Partnership

Robin Lapidus is the Executive Director of the Flemington Community Partnership, where she leads the revitalization and economic development of New Jersey’s historic borough through strategic placemaking, destination marketing, and cultural programming. With more than two decades of experience directing renowned Business Improvement Districts and cultural destinations—including Harvard Square, Central Square, and Provincetown—Robin has earned a reputation for transforming downtowns into vibrant, visitor-ready districts. Her leadership in Flemington has resulted in award-winning festivals such as the Corn, Tomato & Beer Festival and the Hunterdon Harvest Fest, as well as the creation of the Stangl Arts and Cultural District. She has successfully secured funding through state and county agencies and fostered strong public-private partnerships that continue to elevate the borough’s economic vitality.

A graduate of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education and Eugene Lang College at The New School for Social Research, Robin brings an exceptional blend of creativity, strategic insight, and community engagement to her work. Her efforts have been recognized with distinctions including NJBIZ’s Best 50 Women in Business Award and the Hunterdon County Partner of the Year Award. A passionate advocate for arts, culture, and small business, Robin continues to build bridges between entrepreneurs, institutions, and municipalities—helping communities across New Jersey thrive through collaboration, innovation, and local pride.

Dawn Mackey
Executive Director, Metuchen Downtown Alliance 

Dawn Mackey is the Executive Director of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, a position she has held since October of 2022. During her tenure she achieved her MSARP, and is now one of only two downtown professionals in New Jersey to hold that designation. Mackey served as Councilwoman on Westfield’s town council for 7 years serving as the liaison to the special improvement district and during which time she created AddamsFest – now in its 8th year. 

During her 3 years with the Alliance, Mackey has worked closely with the Borough to implement business friendly practices, has attracted several experiential businesses including Yestercades and Acting Out, created a new annual pop art festival, a summer concert series and added 5 new murals to the landscape. And during this time, thanks to a robust group of excellent volunteers, has had the honor of accepting the Great American Main Street Award in 2023 and the NJ Best’s Destination of the Year in 2024.

Stefanie Mandelberg & Kelsey Di Meglio
Co-Founders, Charmed & Bound

Stefanie and Kelsey, co-founders of Charmed & Bound, are two moms-turned-entrepreneurs who built their business around a shared love of reading and connection. What began as a friendship over books grew into a mission to create a space where romance readers feel seen, celebrated, and completely at home. With Charmed & Bound, they’ve reimagined what a modern bookstore can be—an experience that bridges digital convenience with real-world community. Through curated romance-themed subscription boxes, events, and soon a brick-and-mortar shop in Flemington, NJ, they’re bringing the magic of storytelling to life in ways that meet readers wherever they are.

At its heart, Charmed & Bound is more than a bookstore—it’s a gathering place for romantics and readers who crave belonging. Stefanie and Kelsey blend hospitality and retail with an emphasis on emotional connection, using both online and in-person touchpoints to create a cozy, inclusive community. Whether readers are discovering their next favorite novel through a digital box subscription or joining an in-store book club surrounded by kindred spirits, Charmed & Bound invites them to experience the joy of love stories—and the deeper connections they inspire.

Citi Medina
Founder & CEO, EqualSpace 

Citi Medina is the Founder and CEO of EqualSpace, Newark’s premier equity and innovation hub that champions multicultural entrepreneurs, women-led ventures, and LGBTQIA+ startups. A creative strategist and social justice advocate, he has dedicated his career to building spaces where diversity and innovation thrive side by side. Through his design agency, MedinaCiti, he has led award-winning campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and cultural icons including PepsiCo, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Nely Galán’s Self Made. His work blends storytelling, design, and strategy to amplify underrepresented voices and drive inclusive economic impact.

A celebrated speaker and educator, Medina has shared his expertise with Forbes, BET, AfroTech, MSNBC, and Yahoo! Finance, and serves as a visiting professor at Rutgers University. His TEDx talk, “Just a Boy From Brooklyn,” has inspired audiences nationwide and earned recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Guided by his belief that entrepreneurship is a catalyst for justice, Medina continues to reimagine how creativity, equity, and innovation intersect to empower communities and shape a more inclusive future.

Courtenay Mercer, PP, AICP
Founding Principal, Mercer Planning Associates

Courtenay D. Mercer, PP, AICP is the Founding Principal of Mercer Planning Associates, a boutique land use planning firm specializing in comprehensive planning, economic development, and strategic community engagement. With substantial public and non-profit sector experience, Mercer has overseen diverse and complex projects within all types of communities. Mercer is the former Director of Planning of the NJ Office of Smart Growth, NJ Director of the Regional Plan Association, and the Executive Director of two Statewide education and advocacy organizations – Downtown New Jersey and Preservation New Jersey – where she had the opportunity to advance policy and planning initiatives of state and regional significance. Mercer is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in redevelopment, downtown revitalization, bike/ped safety, state and regional planning policy, and equitable community engagement approaches.

In addition to public and private sector planning work, Mercer is involved with many civic and volunteer efforts, including public community boards and non-profit organizations. Mercer is the Treasurer of Downtown New Jersey, a former Trustee on the Board of the American Planning Association, and former President of the NJ Chapter. She lives and works in Jersey City, NJ, where she is actively engaged in the community.

Liz Pacelli
President, Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce 

Liz Pacelli is President of the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce, where she leads efforts to support and strengthen the local business community while guiding the organization’s rebrand to Explore Lambertville to better showcase the city’s unique businesses, culture, and community. She is also the founder of Sister Cities Food & Shop Tours, launched in 2017 to celebrate the culinary and cultural richness of the Delaware River Towns.

In addition to her community leadership and entrepreneurial work, Liz has a broad professional background in hospitality, marketing, business coaching, and real estate financing. She currently serves as Director of Client Relations at Ethos Capital Advisors in Newtown, PA. A West Chester University graduate with a degree in Communication Studies, Liz is also a dedicated parent and active community member who enjoys cheering on her children at basketball games and marching band shows from the sidelines.

Gabriella Truppi
Proprietor, Humdoo Ice Cream 

Gabriella Truppi is the founder and owner of Humdoo Ice Cream, a business born from her passion for community, creativity, and flavor innovation. A Hunterdon Central High School alumna (Class of 2017), Gabriella began her entrepreneurial journey with a striking pink ice cream truck branded “Scoops on Wheels,” selling thousands of pints monthly across New Jersey. When she discovered a quaint log-cabin-style space on Flemington’s Main Street in 2021, she turned that vision into reality — naming the shop “Humdoo,” inspired by her sister’s toddler nickname for ice cream. 

Since its grand opening, Humdoo has become a local favorite, hosting events, delivering creative seasonal flavors, and serving as a touchstone for community connection. Gabriella actively gives back — partnering with schools and local organizations for fundraisers and mentoring. Her entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in community values and bold vision, positions her as an inspiring voice in small-business innovation and place-based growth.

Maria Vraniak
Proprietor, Osprey Lane Boutique & Osprey Lane Home 

Maria Vraniak is a wife, mother of five, and the founder of Osprey Lane Boutique and The Osprey Nest Home, two Somerville-based businesses built on empowerment, confidence, and community. Her entrepreneurial journey began during the uncertainty of 2020, when she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of working in fashion. After earning her Fashion Merchandising degree from Cornell University’s online program, Maria launched Osprey Lane as a mobile boutique—converting a cargo trailer into a traveling shop that brought curated clothing and accessories directly to local markets and private events. The overwhelming response inspired her to establish a brick-and-mortar store in downtown Somerville, where Osprey Lane continues to help women feel confident, beautiful, and strong.

Building on that success, Maria expanded her vision with The Osprey Nest Home, a second storefront dedicated to creating uplifting, inspiring home environments. Rooted in her belief that style and design can empower families and foster joy, both shops reflect Maria’s passion for connection and creativity. From her early days in Finderne and Fords to her deep ties in Somerville, Maria remains committed to giving back to the vibrant community that helped turn her dream into reality.

Bob Zuckerman
Board Member, Downtown New Jersey

Bob served as Executive Director of the Red Bank RiverCenter from June 2022 through December 2024. From 2020 through 2022, Bob was the Executive Director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation and prior to that he served as E.D. of the South Orange Village Center Alliance (“SOVCA”) from 2013-2019. Bob was also a member of the South Orange Board of Trustees (i.e. town council), having been elected in May of 2019 and serving through September 2022. Bob previously served for three years as President of Downtown New Jersey.

Prior to leading SOVCA, Bob served as Executive Director of the Lower East Side Business Improvement District in New York City, where he led that organization’s efforts to attract more shoppers, diners, businesses, and investment in one of New York’s most rapidly changing neighborhoods. Bob is a graduate of Livingston High School, received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University and a law degree from American University. He recently retired from his position at the RiverCenter and resides in Asbury Park with his husband Grant Neumann and their rescue cat Zoey. He is the author of the new weekly column, Beyond the Boardwalk, which can be found on TapInto Asbury Park.