The Board of Directors of Greater Trenton, an independent 501c-3 organization formed last fall to advance economic revitalization efforts in the state’s capital city, today announced the selection of George D. Sowa, a veteran real estate professional, as the organization’s founding chief executive officer.
In his role as CEO, Sowa will assemble a supporting staff and implement the organization’s key objectives that include developing a long-term strategic plan and working collaboratively with public and private partners to spur development opportunities and bring new investments to the greater Trenton area, with an emphasis on the downtown core.
Sowa’s family has deep roots in Trenton spanning over 100 years and he takes the helm of Greater Trenton after more than eighteen years at Brandywine Realty Trust, one of the nation’s largest publicly traded, full-service, real estate companies. Most recently, Sowa served as Brandywine’s executive vice president and senior managing director for New Jersey and Delaware where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s regional operations and development. This included significant work in Camden, New Jersey where he led Brandywine’s selection by Campbell Soup Company to be developer for Camden’s Gateway District, a 1.5 million square foot mixed use master-planned development. Sowa has had substantial experience in urban development projects. Prior to his time at Brandywine, Sowa was involved in two new development projects totaling over $100 million in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
“I have spent my entire life in the greater Trenton area and know its rich history. And having devoted my professional career to real estate development, I know its great potential to have a positive impact on the community and people’s lives. My grandparents settled in Trenton, my mother graduated from Trenton Central High School, and I was born here. So I view the opportunity to make a difference by being apart of the revitalization of this great city as a personal honor and privilege,” said Sowa.
Bernie Flynn, Co-Chair of Greater Trenton, and President & CEO of NJM Insurance Group, emphasized the importance of strong leadership and development skills. “Finding the right CEO was the first order of business for our Board,” he said. “Along with a depth of experience, credibility and relationships, we wanted someone with a track record of proven results in the economic development space and George is an outstanding fit.”
Co-Chair of Greater Trenton, Caren Franzini, the former longtime CEO of the state Economic Development Authority, highlighted the importance of Sowa’s experience. “Successful economic development projects occur when there is collaboration between the private sector, community organizations and our city, state and county governments. George understands how important it is to build relationships and over the years has developed a very effective approach. He is familiar with this area and has been instrumental in bringing successful economic development projects to Camden and New Brunswick. We’re confident he’ll bring that same focus and drive to his role as CEO of Greater Trenton.”
Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson also offered his strong support of Sowa’s selection. “I am pleased with what Greater Trenton has accomplished to date, and I am excited to work with George in advancing economic development initiatives in concert with the work that the city is already doing; projects that will bring jobs and investment needed to promote the city’s revival.”
Prior to joining Brandywine, Sowa was director of development for Keating Development Company and was also director of development/operations for Linpro/LCOR, a real estate investment and development company, specializing in complex urban development projects. Mr. Sowa serves on the National Board and Executive Committee of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), and he is a past President of NAIOP’s New Jersey chapter. He is also Vice Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey. Mr. Sowa is a graduate of Cornell University.
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