Biography

Melanie Willoughby is Executive Director of the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC). Named one of New Jersey’s most influential economic development leaders in 2019, Melanie is no stranger to the New Jersey business community. Before joining NJBAC in 2018, Melanie served as the Chief Government Affairs Officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA). A seasoned government relations strategist, Melanie has worked with state and local levels of government as an advocate for businesses of all sizes. Prior to joining NJBIA, she served as the president and CEO of the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association, a statewide retail business organization representing over 3,500 stores.