RANDOLPH TONWSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — County College of Morris President Anthony J. Iacono has been named to the 2026 NJBIZ Education Power List, recognizing leaders in higher education across New Jersey.
The list includes leaders from community colleges, public and private universities and education organizations who are helping shape education in the state.
“I am honored to be recognized by NJBIZ and to be included among so many dedicated education leaders throughout New Jersey,” said Iacono. “This recognition reflects the collective work of CCM trustees, faculty, staff and students, and our community partners who are committed to ensuring CCM continues to meet the changing needs of our region. CCM is uniquely positioned to create opportunities that change lives while strengthening communities and the economy.”
In his NJBIZ profile, Iacono identified one of his proudest professional achievements as “forging partnerships and collaboratively designing effective systems that advance the mission of community colleges, support student success and contribute to the vitality of the communities we serve.”
CCM offers more than 100 programs of study, including programs in engineering and technology, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, business, culinary sciences and cybersecurity.
The college has also expanded its facilities in recent years. CCM opened its $11 million Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center in 2020 and its Veterans Resource Center in 2024.
In 2025, the Morris County Vocational School District, in partnership with CCM, opened the $26.8 million Morris County Career Training Center, which allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their high school education.
CCM opened its new $12 million Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science in 2026 and is preparing for the planned 2027 opening of an $80,000-square-foot, $32 million Center for Health Professions.
The college said it generated a $586.1 million economic impact for the region during the 2022-23 fiscal year.
When asked by NJBIZ about changes facing education, Iacono pointed to demographic, economic and technological shifts.
“A declining population of 18–24-year-olds, changing demographics, current economic trends and new technologies are four major disruptors,” said Iacono. “Each has the potential to transform and strengthen higher education if understood and well handled.”
Iacono also shared the career advice that continues to guide his approach to leadership.
“The best career advice I have ever received and still live by today — pay attention to the people you serve or someone else will,” said Iacono. “Understand the needs and interests of employers, employees, students and the community while embracing change and creating the future.”
Iacono was previously named to the NJBIZ Education Power 50 each year from 2019 through 2023 and was included on its Manufacturing Power 50: Advanced Manufacturing list in 2019.
He was also recently named the No. 1 Community College Leader in New Jersey and received the Association of Community College Trustees’ 2026 Chief Executive Officer Award for the Northeast Region following his nomination by CCM’s Board of Trustees.
According to CCM, NJBIZ compiles its Power Lists through its editorial staff’s reporting, along with input from experts and recommendations from readers.
