Camden, N.J. non-profit names Indian-American as CEO

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The Cooper’s Ferry Partnership Board of Trustees announced Dec. 12, that it has appointed Kris Kolluri as its president and CEO.Kolluri, the former Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), has served as CEO of the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors since 2014.

The CFP board voted unanimously to appoint Kolluri.

“Camden is on the rise, and I am excited to lead Cooper’s Ferry Partnership at such a pivotal time,” Kolluri told Desi Talk via an email. “I am looking forward to working with Camden’s elected and community leaders, residents, and corporate and nonprofit partners to identify and advance community and economic development opportunities throughout the city,” he added.

Cooper’s Ferry Partnership is a private, non-profit corporation with a mission “to coherently planning and implementing high-quality urban redevelopment projects in order to help replenish Camden’s depleted tax base and to increase job opportunities for city residents,” Kolluri said. He praised the non-profit with establishing public and private partnerships to effect sustainable economic revitalization and promote Camden as a place in which to live, to work, to visit and to invest.

“Kris Kolluri is a proven leader with a commitment to Camden and expertise in economic and

neighborhood development,” Susan Bass Levin, co-chair of the Cooper’s Ferry Partnership Board of Trustees, is quoted saying in a press release. “With his background, he will be able to build on Camden’s progress as the city continues to rise,” she added.

As CEO of the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors, Kolluri is credited with leveraging existing education, research and medical assets in Camden to create new academic programs and build and sustain economic growth in the city and broader South Jersey region, the CFP said.

During his tenure as NJDOT Commissioner, Kolluri oversaw 17,000 employees, more than $3.6 million in capital funds and operating funds in excess of $2 billion.  Kolluri oversaw the first-ever  NJDOT 10-year capital program that identified long-term infrastructure needs and developed an investment strategy.

Kolluri, who also has experience as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill early in his career, has also served as CEO of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, where he oversaw the state’s $5.3 billion school construction program.

Camden Mayor-elect Francisco “Frank” Moran indicated that the breadth and depth of Kolluri’s experience are assets for the city.

“Camden and Cooper’s Ferry Partnership are fortunate to have a leader of Kris Kolluri’s caliber,” Moran is quoted saying. “Our city is undergoing a major renaissance, and with his expertise, Kris is well equipped to help steer and guide the next phase of our redevelopment efforts.”

Kolluri succeeds outgoing President and CEO Anthony Perno.