Chamber Names George Helmy to Executive Committee
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce added Helmy and seven other members to its leadership ranks at an October 15 board meeting.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in People
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The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce appointed George Helmy to its executive committee, alongside seven new board members, during its October 15 board meeting. The appointments were announced November 4.
Why it matters
The appointments add leaders from healthcare, higher education, infrastructure, entertainment and professional services to the chamber's governing bodies. Helmy's background in state government and the U.S. Senate brings public-sector experience to the chamber's leadership.
The chamber made eight leadership appointments in total, seven of them to its board of directors plus Helmy's seat on the executive committee. The stub does not state the size of the board or the committee, so the proportion of new members relative to the full leadership body cannot be determined.
The players
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
The state's principal business advocacy organization, which represents employers across New Jersey on policy and economic issues.
George Helmy
A New Jersey public official and healthcare executive who previously served as chief of staff to Gov. Phil Murphy and briefly in the U.S. Senate.
The details
Helmy, who serves as executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer at RWJBarnabas Health, joined the chamber's board in December. He previously served as chief of staff to Gov. Phil Murphy and briefly represented New Jersey in the U.S. Senate in 2024, filling the vacancy left by Sen. Bob Menendez.
Timeline
December: Helmy joins the chamber's board of directors.
2024: Helmy briefly represents New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.
October 15: The chamber's board meeting approves the appointments.
November 4: The chamber announces Helmy's executive committee appointment.
Season Trajectory
Helmy's 2024 appointment to the U.S. Senate, filling the seat left vacant by Sen. Bob Menendez, marks a brief stint in federal office. His move into chamber leadership shows a return to New Jersey's business and policy circles after that federal interlude.
For New Jersey businesses, the chamber's leadership shapes the policy positions it advocates to state government. Members and employers who engage with the chamber may see its agenda reflect these new board and executive committee voices.
The takeaway
Leadership appointments at business advocacy groups often signal shifts in the issues they prioritize. Readers tracking New Jersey policy can watch how the chamber's new board members influence its public positions.
Further reading
Explore more New Jersey People profiles and leadership news from across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJBIZ.
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