President Repollet Tapped for Leadership Role in African American Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., the first Black president of the University, has been appointed to the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Foundation Board of Directors.

Repollet is one of four new directors recently named to the Foundation board.

“I am extremely honored to be given the opportunity to serve the community and work to strengthen relationships across New Jersey,” Repollet said of his new role on the board. “I look forward to working with my fellow board members to continue the important work of the Chamber.”

Repollet was named Kean’s 18th president in 2020. A former state Commissioner of Education, school superintendent and principal, Repollet served as keynote speaker at the Chamber Circle of Achievement Awards Gala earlier this month. There, he delivered a stirring keynote address to an overflow crowd of more than 500 attendees.

“This is our time,” Repollet said.

He encouraged the audience to work to ensure that all people can achieve economic stability.

“The future is about policy and partnership,” Repollet said. “Economic impact can be felt through policy, procedure and practice. We have that duty to elevate others.”

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey provides a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders to speak with a collective voice. The Chamber advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy.

In addition to Repollet, other new directors include John M. Keller, P.E., PMP, Executive Director, New Jersey Turnpike Authority; Viviana Lamm, CEO, Risk Strategies Solutions; and Ralph Weaver, Founder & CEO, East West Connection.

Erik Larsen, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending, Northfield Bank will serve as the Chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors.