TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority’s board voted Thursday to appoint Jill Hirsch as president and CEO, effective Jan. 23, following Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s nomination of Hirsch to lead the agency.
“Jill Hirsch is an exceptional leader with years of experience in public service. As New Jersey prepares to host the FIFA World Cup this summer, I can think of no one better suited to lead the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority than Jill,” said Governor Sherrill. “I am confident that with Jill at its helm, the NJSEA will continue to showcase the best New Jersey has to offer while driving economic growth for our state and region.”
Hirsch said the appointment comes at a major moment for the state as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I am deeply honored by Governor Sherrill’s confidence in me to lead this vital, multi-faceted organization,” said Jill Hirsch, incoming President and CEO. “The NJSEA is a unique and exceptional public authority with an outsized impact on New Jersey’s economy and global profile. This is an especially exciting moment for our state, with the World Cup and the World Cup Final coming to New Jersey and creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive jobs, tourism, and long-term investment while showcasing New Jersey to a global audience. I am grateful to the Board of Commissioners for my appointment today, and I look forward to working with the Commissioners, the Authority’s dedicated staff, our partners, and Governor Sherrill’s Administration to ensure these opportunities translate into lasting economic growth and tangible benefits for the people of New Jersey.”
NJSEA Board Chairman John Ballantyne said the commissioners supported Hirsch’s appointment and thanked outgoing leadership.
“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we are proud to support Jill Hirsch’s appointment as President and CEO of the NJSEA,” said NJSEA Board Chairman John Ballantyne. “Jill brings a rare combination of public sector experience, operational judgment, and collaborative leadership that will no doubt be an asset to the Authority. The Board is grateful to Nick Mammano for his steady and principled service to the Authority, and we are confident that Jill will lead the NJSEA forward with clarity, accountability, and a strong commitment to the public interest.”
Sherrill’s office said Hirsch brings experience in public service and intergovernmental coordination. Most recently, she served as statewide political director and co-lead of a coordinated campaign that helped elect Sherrill and other Democrats, according to the announcement. She previously served as Sherrill’s district director during Sherrill’s tenure in Congress and worked with state, local and federal partners on policy and operational matters, officials said.
Before her work in Sherrill’s congressional office, Hirsch was an attorney with the Legal Aid Society representing children in cases involving abuse, neglect, custody, guardianship, termination of parental rights and juvenile delinquency, according to the announcement. She later worked in adoption law and served on the board of CASA of Essex County, officials said.
To ensure an orderly transition, Nick Mammano will remain at the authority as a senior adviser through February, according to the announcement.
