About NDD

Evan Weiss

Chief Executive Officer

Evan Weiss is the President and CEO of the Newark Alliance, Newark, New Jersey’s premier private sector-led economic, community, and workforce development organization. He assumed the role in December 2021. He is also a Member of the Board of Directors of New Jersey Transit, the largest statewide public transit agency in the United States. Previously, he was Senior Advisor for Finance and Major Projects to Governor Phil Murphy. He focused on finding creative solutions to New Jersey’s most pressing economic and community development problems, including managing the fiscal response to COVID-19, establishing New Jersey as the base of the US offshore wind industry, and financing affordable housing, transit, and water infrastructure projects. He was also the administration’s point person for key city initiatives in Newark, Trenton, and Atlantic City. Most recently, he helped craft the legislation to reform the Urban Enterprise Zone program and the $14+ billion suite of Economic Development Authority tax credit programs, as well as lead the Governor’s Office financial review of the Gateway Project, the largest infrastructure project in the United States.  Prior to entering the Governor’s administration, Mr. Weiss was Director at the Pennsylvania Economy League and HJA Strategies, where he specialized in developing and implementing turnaround strategies for distressed cities and school districts, including for the City of Newark, Newark Public Schools, Scranton, Atlantic City, and Trenton. In addition to his role at New Jersey Transit, he is a Member of the Board of New Jersey Community Capital, the largest Community Development Financial Institution in New Jersey, and the Newark Workforce Development Board. He has published several articles on economic development, tax policy, and corporate social responsibility. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago.

Alexandra Snape-Rogers

Chief Operating Officer

Alexandra Snape-Rogers is the COO of the Newark Alliance. A seasoned business operations and strategy professional, she brings experience spanning agency, tech, and entrepreneurship to the Alliance, focusing on driving operational excellence and supporting small businesses in Newark. Previously, Alex led operations, strategy, and data at Begin Learning, an award-winning early learning scale-up. Alex also founded a consultancy, “Lively Star” focused on accelerating social entrepreneurs, creating rapid strategic and operational programs, and supporting go-to-market. Her skillset was honed at Amazon and Audible and, in the earliest years of her career, focused on PR and integrated marketing strategy at Ketchum and Code + Theory. Throughout her career, Alex has mentored and coached startups and small businesses on everything from investor pitch decks to scaling via operations. Curiosity and coaching are the hallmarks of her career. Alex is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied journalism as an undergraduate and earned a master’s degree in quantitative social science research, focusing on political communication, consumer psychology, and conscious capitalism.

Susan McKay

Chief District Management Officer

Susan McKay serves as the Chief District Management Officer for the Newark Downtown District (NDD), an affiliate of Newark Alliance. In this role, she leads efforts to maintain a clean, safe, vibrant, and welcoming downtown. Her work includes overseeing public space management, strategic planning, the performance of the NDD Ambassador Program, and partnerships that support capital improvement initiatives. Susan’s work reinforces Newark Alliance’s mission to foster inclusive economic growth by enhancing the quality of life in the city’s core commercial corridors. A passionate advocate for equitable urban revitalization, Susan brings close to a decade of operational expertise and leadership to her role. Prior to serving in this position, she held multiple leadership roles at NDD, including Director of Operations and Operations Manager, where she was responsible for day-to-day service delivery and shaping the district’s operational strategy. Her work included engaging directly with businesses, residents, and visitors to ensure that downtown remains a vibrant, people-first environment. Susan is a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and continues to build cross-sector partnerships that advance capital projects and community-centered planning across downtown Newark. She is committed to creating public spaces that are inclusive, well-managed, and reflective of Newark’s diverse community. Outside of work, Susan enjoys writing and spending time with her daughter, playing the Hammond B3 organ on Sunday mornings, and hopes to one day publish a memoir exploring the joys and imbalances of adulthood.

Melissa Henry

Senior Director, Events & Experience

Melissa Henry serves as the Senior Director of Events & Experience at Newark Alliance, where she leads the vision, strategy, and delivery of signature events, cultural activations, and brand experiences that celebrate Newark’s creativity and catalyze inclusive economic growth. Melissa oversees end-to-end event strategy—from concept development and partner engagement to production, audience experience, and measurement—ensuring each program aligns with the Alliance’s mission and elevates Newark’s profile locally and nationally. With over 20 years of Marketing, Communications and Community Engagement experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, Melissa has consistently driven engagement, built trust, and delivered measurable impact through thoughtful, mission-aligned campaigns. A passionate advocate for equity, representation, and authenticity, she is dedicated to creating experiences that genuinely reflect the voices of Newarkers, fostering pride within the community and encouraging others to experience all that Newark has to offer. Originally from the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, Melissa brings a global perspective and a deep appreciation for culture, creativity, and connection. She holds a BBA in International Business and Marketing from The George Washington University and an MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from New York University. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys traveling, exploring the arts, and indulging her inner foodie.

Evan Gold

Director of Operations

As a Director of Operations, Evan supports the District Management team in executing streetscape maintenance, capital improvement, and strategic partnerships. By applying project management fundamentals and flexible process agility, Evan brings a standard of excellence to organizational workflows and structures, in pursuit of key strategic objectives, including tree planting projects, cleaning efficiency, and public space improvement. Since joining the Newark Downtown District in January 2023, Gold has overseen a diverse portfolio of projects, managing initiatives from inception to completion, including data platform projects and large-scale public events. His work bridges operations and strategy, effectively aligning day-to-day tasks with long-term goals for a more vibrant downtown. Before his current role, Gold honed his skills across sectors including finance, technical advisory, and journalism—building cross-disciplinary expertise in stakeholder coordination, editorial team management, and multimedia production. He holds a BA in Journalism & Media Studies from Rutgers University, reinforcing his foundational strengths in communication and narrative-driven leadership Outside of work, Evan collects vinyl records and frequently attends live music performances. He also enjoys virtual reality media and puzzles, cooking, and spending time with his wife and pets.

Peggie Cheris

Director of Operations

As a Director of Operations for Newark Alliance, Peggie supports and helps shape business processes and policies across the organization, ensuring day‑to‑day operations run smoothly and effectively. This includes working across financial processes, administrative systems, and overall workflow improvements that help the organization function at its best. She is also actively involved in small business support initiatives, helping connect local entrepreneurs to resources that strengthen Newark’s economic landscape. A passionate advocate for creating opportunities in Newark, Peggie brings extensive experience in operational management and process development to this role. She hopes to help Newark Alliance continue building programs that leave a lasting impact on the city’s business community and its people. Outside of work, Peggie loves to travel, discover new eateries, and cheer on the Dallas Cowboys. One day, she hopes to combine her love of travel and food by visiting as many culinary destinations around the world as possible.

Zuri Walker

Executive Assistant & Office Manager

Zuri Walker serves as the Executive Assistant & Office Manager at Newark Alliance, where she supports the CEO and CMO while leading efforts to cultivate a positive, high-performing internal culture. In addition to executive coordination, Zuri oversees internal communications, team engagement, and operational systems designed to support staff growth and success. She plays a key role in strengthening the organization’s values and creating environments where all team members feel empowered, supported, and invested in Newark’s mission. A proud Newark native, Zuri is deeply invested in initiatives that uplift local communities and ensure equity and opportunity are at the forefront of organizational growth. A passionate advocate for workplace belonging and team development, Zuri brings a background in human resources, operations, and strategic support to her role. She is driven by a desire to create environments where people feel empowered, valued, and inspired to do their best work. Outside of work, Zuri enjoys spending time with her family. She met her husband in college, and together they have two children—their youngest named after the college where their story began. She enjoys vacationing and hopes to one day write a book.

Peter Chapman

Manager, Community Engagement

Peter Chapman serves as the Manager, Community Engagement at Newark Alliance, where he leads community-centered initiatives that uplift small businesses, strengthen neighborhood partnerships, and bring Newark’s vibrant culture to life through events and storytelling. His work spans digital campaigns, graphic design, social media, and event promotion—all grounded in storytelling that reflects Newark’s diversity and vibrancy. Prior to joining Newark Alliance, Peter spent four years with the Newark Downtown District, contributing to branding, community partnerships, and public-facing campaigns. With a background in graphic design, event planning, and community outreach, Peter has collaborated with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and artists to deliver projects that inspire pride and participation across the city. Raised in Newark, Peter is deeply committed to supporting his hometown. His work has directly impacted dozens of local entrepreneurs, creatives, and small businesses through curated events, branding support, and platforms that amplify underrepresented voices. He brings a creative lens and people-centered approach to every project. Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing from Rutgers University–Newark. Outside of work, he is a musician, artist, and chef who enjoys exploring new forms of storytelling—and one day hopes to open a creative studio that blends all three passions.

Kristina Koonce

Associate Director, Brand & Integrated Marketing

Kristina Koonce serves as the Associate Director of Brand & Integrated Marketing at Newark Alliance, where she leads the development and execution of integrated marketing strategies and brand campaigns that amplify Newark’s narrative and mission. Kristina oversees cross-platform storytelling, visual identity, audience engagement, and partnership alignment to connect residents, visitors, and businesses with the Alliance’s programs and impact. With over 10 years of experience in digital and traditional communications, she specializes in creating engaging and informative content across multiple platforms. Her passion for content creation as an effective and compassionate means of communication developed during her pursuit of dual degrees in Media Studies and Psychology at Temple University. After graduating, Kristina further explored her interests in writing and video production through various roles, including as a production assistant for multi-media studios and as a digital media specialist in the education sector. This experience allowed her to blend her love for visual communication with her dedication to enhancing brand and community awareness. As a Newark native, Kristina is deeply committed to supporting and celebrating community growth through effective communication strategies and initiatives.

Jessica Quintanilla

Operations Manager

Angel Rodriguez

Assistant Operations Manager

Allison Gordon

Operations Administrative Assistant

John Carrillo

Operations Supervisor