Jim Fakult, president of Jersey Central Power & Light, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has been elected chairman of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The move was confirmed by the Chamber Board on June 3. Fakult will serve a two-year term.
Fakult has been serving as the N.J. Chamber's first vice chair for the past two years. He has been a member of the N.J. Chamber's Board of Directors since 2013, and has served on the executive committee since 2017.
“I have seen and worked with a number of the chairs on the Chamber Board of Directors - all accomplished business leaders,” Fakult said. “It is a privilege and honor to continue their work. The state has come through tough times and there are exciting but pivotal years ahead. The New Jersey Chamber will continue to serve as the champion of the New Jersey business community so the state remains a prominent and inclusive place to do business, and to succeed.”
Fakult succeeds Linda Bowden, who is retiring from PNC Bank, where she most recently served as New Jersey regional president.
Fakult has been with First Energy for 33 years, and has overseen JCP&L’s operations since 2013. Both NJBIZ and ROI-NJ newspapers this year named Fakult to their New Jersey power lists, which feature business leaders that are influencing New Jersey’s future. In May 2020, Fakult was selected as a member of Gov. Phil Murphy’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council, which helped organize and plan the restart of the state’s economy following the pandemic.
JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.
Fakult also serves on the boards of the Alliance for Action, New Jersey Energy Alliance, Choose New Jersey and the New Jersey Utilities Association. He is a member of the Morris County Chamber Business Cabinet and is chair of the board of trustees for the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.
"We are extremely fortunate to have Jim’s leadership at this crucial time," said Thomas A. Bracken, president and CEO of the State Chamber. "Jim has long been a powerful supporter of the New Jersey Chamber, the business community and the state of New Jersey. Jim’s experience and dedication will serve the N.J. Chamber and New Jersey well."
Board Confirmed Slate of Officers
In addition to Fakult, the board confirmed the slate of officers for the 2021-2023 term. First Vice Chair is Gary Dahms, PE, PP, CME, president, T&M Associates; Second Vice Chair is Gil Medina, executive vice president, CBRE; Treasurer is Walter J. Brasch, CPA, CGMA, chief success officer, Prager Metis; and Secretary is Marjorie Perry, President & CEO, MZM Construction.
