The Cooper’s Ferry Partnership Board of Trustees on Tuesday named Indian American Kris Kolluri as the organization’s new President and CEO.
“Kris Kolluri is 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, said in a statement. “With his background, he will be able to build on Camden’s progress as the city continues to rise.”
The 48-year-old Kolluri has served as CEO of the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors since 2014 and is the former Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).
“Camden is on the rise, and I am excited to lead Cooper’s Ferry Partnership at such a pivotal time in the city’s history,” Kolluri said. “I look forward to working with Camden’s elected and community leaders, residents, and corporate and nonprofit partners to identify and advance economic development opportunities throughout the city.”
As CEO of the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors, Kolluri successfully leveraged 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.
As the NJDOT Commissioner, Kolluri oversaw 17,000 employees, more than $3.6 million in capital funds and over $2 billion in operating funds. During his tenure, NJDOT created a 10-year capital program for the first time, identifying long-term infrastructure needs and developed a sustained investment strategy. Kolluri 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 praised Kolluri and said that the breadth and depth of his experience are assets for the city.
“Camden and Cooper’s Ferry Partnership are fortunate to have a leader of Kris Kolluri’s caliber,” Moran said. “Our city is undergoing a major renaissance, and with his expertise, Kris is well equipped to help steer and guide that next phase of our redevelopment efforts.”
Kolluri lives in West Windsor Township with his wife Lopa Kolluri and two daughters. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing from Rutgers University and a Masters degree in International Business from John Hopkins University along with a law degree from Georgetown University.