2024 Executive Forum

NJACP 2024 Executive Forum

October 7, 2024

Thank you to our 2024 Featured Speakers!

Congressman Andy Kim

Congressman Andy Kim represents the Third Congressional District of New Jersey. Congressman Kim has dedicated his life to serving the country. He worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans, having served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen.

In the House of Representatives, Congressman Kim is working on an agenda to bring this country together and strengthen its national and economic security. He supports strong measures that boost our economy by investing in small businesses and innovation, creating fairness and opportunities for working families, and honoring America’s promises to military families and veterans.

Congressman Kim and his wife are currently raising two little boys down the street from where he grew up.

Barbara Merrill, CEO, ANCOR

Barbara Merrill’s Merrill joined ANCOR (a national organization comprised of agencies providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)) in 2012 as Vice President for Government Relations, rising to CEO in 2014. Merrill’s leadership as ANCOR’s CEO has been exemplary, marked by her deep expertise in disability issues and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals with IDD. Her ability to navigate complex policy challenges and advocate for meaningful change has made a significant impact on the disability community. Under her guidance, ANCOR has not only advanced critical initiatives but also empowered providers across the nation to better serve their communities.

Before joining ANCOR, Merrill has been a leader in the disability field since 1992, working first as an advocate and later as an attorney and state legislator whose diverse background has been united by a commitment to strengthening community providers and the services they deliver to people with I/DD.

Ron Brownstein

Ron Brownstein is a CNN Senior Political Analyst, Senior Editor for The Atlantic, and Contributing Editor for National Journal. He was called “one of America’s best political journalists” by The Economist.

Part journalist, part historian, and all shrewd political observer, Brownstein explains the complexities of American politics with lucid precision. As a CNN Senior Political Analyst, Senior Editor for the Atlantic, and Contributing Editor for National Journal, he produces sharp analysis on politics, policy, the electorate, media, healthcare, energy, the press’ impact on Americans, and the range of issues informed by his strong sense of American political and national history.

Brownstein provides an insider’s look into politics and the media and has twice been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He is also the author of seven best-selling books, and his articles on politics, public policy, and culture have appeared in myriad of major publications and on many broadcast news outlets.

Brownstein blends history, voter trend analysis, and insider anecdotes to explore the state of each party today and predict what’s next.