HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber Named NJBIA 2025 Executive of the Year

Dr. Christopher Reber, president of Hudson County Community College (HCCC), has been named the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) 2025 Executive of the Year by New Jersey Business Magazine. The award recognizes leaders for their vision, leadership, and impact on communities and businesses across the state.

Since becoming HCCC president in 2018, Dr. Reber has prioritized student success, inclusion, and accessibility, earning national recognition for initiatives that support academic and workforce advancement. His leadership has emphasized collaboration and comprehensive student support services.

“The 2025 Awards for Excellence recognize four executives and eight companies that have improved New Jersey’s quality of life in outstanding ways,” said New Jersey Business Magazine Editor-in-Chief Anthony Birritteri. “Powered by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), the awards honor select employers from NJBIA’s membership for their remarkable achievements.”

Dr. Reber championed several key initiatives at HCCC, including the Hudson Helps Resource Center and the Hudson Scholars Program. He also launched the JUSTice Program in partnership with Hudson County and the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, offering virtual instruction and daily coaching to incarcerated individuals.

Under his leadership, HCCC has developed workforce partnerships with industry leaders such as Eastern Millwork, Inc., JPMorgan Chase, and local trade unions. He also supports the “NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities” initiative, aligning education with workforce needs across the state.

Dr. Reber actively advocates for community college priorities at national forums and serves on the board of the Business-Higher Education Forum. He has participated in federal roundtables with former U.S. Secretaries Gina Raimondo and Alejandro Mayorkas.

His recent honors include the 2024 AACC Community College CEO of the Year, Phi Theta Kappa’s 2024 Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, and the NJBiz Education Power 50 Award for five consecutive years.