In an era of constrained federal research funding and global economic competition, U.S. states are increasingly on the front lines of industrial strategy. New Jersey and New York, home to world-class universities, major industries, and diverse workforces, must adapt to ensure long-term innovation, job growth, and resilience. This panel brings together leading policymakers and economic strategists to explore how to strengthen state-level industries, foster inclusive growth, and promote sustainable economic development across the U.S.

Panelists

Andrew Zwicker, New Jersey State Senator (16th District); Head of Strategic Partnerships & Public Engagement, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University
Senator Zwicker champions evidence-based policy to create high-quality jobs, foster innovation, combat climate change, and protect individual rights. At Princeton’s Plasma Physics Lab, he leads efforts to connect cutting-edge research with public and private partners to advance science and technology for the public good. 

Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner, Empire State Development
As the leader of New York State’s economic development agency, Hope Knight drives initiatives for sustainable and inclusive growth, small business support, and expansion of Minority- and Women-Owned Enterprises. Her distinguished career spans leadership roles in government, community development, and finance, including at the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, the NYC Planning Commission, and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. She holds degrees from Marymount Manhattan College (B.A.) and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business (M.B.A.).

Kevin Quinn, Partner, Genki Advisory; Former Chairman, New Jersey Economic Development Authority; Former Senior Relationship Director, CHIPS Program Office, U.S. Department of Commerce
Kevin Quinn brings extensive experience in state and federal economic development strategy, having helped shape policies and partnerships to bolster advanced manufacturing, technology investment, and regional competitiveness.

Michael Schmidt, Distinguished Visitor, Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies, Princeton University; Former Director, CHIPS Program Office, U.S. Department of Commerce (panel moderator)
As the inaugural Director of the CHIPS Program Office, Michael Schmidt oversaw the implementation of a $39 billion federal initiative to revitalize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. His leadership helped unlock over $450 billion in total investment. A former Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and Deputy Secretary for Economic Development for New York, Schmidt also played a key role at the U.S. Treasury in implementing the expanded Child Tax Credit under the American Rescue Plan. Earlier in his career, he served in the Treasury’s Office of Domestic Finance and as a financial analyst at the Yale Investments Office. He holds a B.A. and J.D., both from Yale University.

Livestream available on Media Central

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