SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP NAMES PRESIDENT/CEO

BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Executive Committee of the Somerset County Business Partnership has unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Search Committee and named Michael V. Kerwin, LEED, of Somerville , New Jersey as President/CEO of the business advocacy organization. Kerwin will replace Tom Sharpe who is retiring.

Mr. Kerwin has been employed by SSP Architectural Group of Somerville since 1991, serving as President since 1998. SSP is the longest operating architectural firm in New Jersey .

“Mike Kerwin has been an active participant in setting and implementing the agenda of the Business Partnership since the organization’s inception,” stated Partnership Chairwoman Donna LoStocco. “He was a driving force behind the merger that resulted in the formation of the Partnership and has continued to provide leadership and vision on key initiatives.”

Kerwin brings a hands-on understanding of the state and county Smart Growth agenda, serving as the founding chair of the Somerset County Coalition for Smart Growth, one of the three organizations that merged to form the Business Partnership.

He currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Somerset County Regional Center Partnership and Co-Chair of the Somerset County Chapter of the New Jersey Alliance for Action.

“Foremost, Mike is a dedicated friend to Somerset County ,” stated Freeholder Director Rick Fontana. “More so, I have seen him work and I will say with all sincerity that he is one of the most politically astute, socially conscious, and creative people with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working. He will bring passion to the position that will move the Partnership to new heights.”

Kerwin will oversee the Business Partnership Program of Work that addresses Public Leadership to serve as the regional driver of economic and community development and quality of life initiatives; Advocacy and Influence serving as the unified and dynamic advocate for business; Economic Development with a commitment to Smart Growth and sustainability; and Member Value and Engagement, serving as the essential partner to businesses and non-profits.

Among the community projects in which Kerwin was a driving force are:
• the merger of Somerset County business entities (Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, Coalition for Smart Growth, and the Somerset Alliance for the Future) to form one united organization to achieve the County’s business and economic development objectives and act as the advocate for business;
• chaired the Somerset County High Performance Public Buildings Program, a Business Partnership task force that established standards for sustainable design of new construction in the public sector;
• led formation of a public-private partnership between Borough of Somerville and DeSapio Management to achieve the Borough’s goal to revitalize the east end of Main Street with new office space.
• led a joint-venture professional team to design, bid, and award the Somerset Patriots ballpark project on a fast track basis. Project was completed on time and within budget, and became the most successful minor league baseball park in the country.
• developed and implemented a plan to address the needs of Immaculata High School for athletic fields by leading a fundraising campaign to successfully raise $850,000 for a new artificial turf field, partnering with Somerville Board of Education to improve the Brooks Field complex, and partnering with the Somerset County Park Commission to develop the Torpey complex for use by Immaculata and surrounding communities.
• proposed and implemented the creation of the Somerville Special Improvement District to provide funding and management for Somerville ’s central business district