Newark Alliance Names Technology and Government Leader Solomon Steplight as New Chief Executive Officer

Accomplished public, nonprofit and cross-sector leader brings deep Newark roots and a track record of driving growth, transformation and economic opportunity

NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Newark Alliance today announced that Solomon Steplight will become the organization's new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 8, 2026. Steplight brings extensive experience leading complex public, nonprofit and cross-sector organizations, along with deep personal and professional connections to the City of Newark.

This new role comes at a pivotal time for Newark, as major investments in infrastructure, technology and the city's logistics economy are creating new opportunities for growth. The Newark Alliance is well positioned to help bring together the public, private and nonprofit sectors to ensure Newark captures more of that value and translates it into broader opportunity for its residents.

"Taking on this role is deeply personal for me. Growing up, Newark was where I first connected with diverse cultures and robotics – experiences that shaped my interest in building and improving complex systems," said Steplight. "Newark has never lacked talent, creativity or ambition. The opportunity before us now is to connect those assets – to bring together technology, business, government, universities, culture and community – to capture more of the value being created in Newark and turn it into more jobs, businesses, investment and opportunity. That is the work I'm excited to lead with the Newark Alliance."

Most recently, Steplight served as City Administrator for the City of East Orange, where he led one of New Jersey's largest municipalities, with responsibility for approximately 1,100 employees, a $180 million operating budget. During his tenure in East Orange, Steplight helped guide the city through a period of significant growth and transformation, where he oversaw a $2.5 billion development pipeline, advanced major infrastructure investments, and strengthened the city's financial position.

Before joining East Orange, Steplight held senior leadership positions with the City of Newark, where he helped advance strategic initiatives, expanded broadband infrastructure and contributed to the development of the municipal budget.

"Solomon brings a rare combination of deep knowledge of Newark, proven executive leadership and a track record of bringing people and institutions together to get things done," said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. "He understands the opportunities before our city and the importance of building strong partnerships across the public, private and nonprofit sectors, which is essential to advance Newark's economic revitalization."

Lata Reddy, Senior Vice President, Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial, and Chair of the Governing Board of the Newark Alliance added: "The Newark Alliance has long been a catalyst for bringing together leaders across business, government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector to advance economic growth and expand opportunity throughout Newark. As we build on that strong foundation, Solomon's deep understanding of the city, proven leadership and ability to forge meaningful partnerships position him exceptionally well to lead the Alliance's next chapter and accelerate our shared vision of a stronger, more vibrant and more inclusive Newark."

His leadership experience also extends to the nonprofit sector. As Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Girls Who Code, Steplight helped transform a young nonprofit into a nationally recognized organization, dramatically expanding its reach while building the operational and financial infrastructure needed to support rapid growth.

Steplight holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and serves on the boards of Braven and Montclair Kimberley Academy.

ABOUT NEWARK ALLIANCE

The Newark Alliance, through the combined strength and collaboration of its members, drives inclusive economic growth for all of Newark, N.J. Our members comprise Newark's premier businesses, anchor institutions, and community partners, including Fortune 100 and 500 companies and several of the country's top universities, developers, hospitals, and arts institutions. United by a shared vision, the Alliance and its Members work collaboratively to cement Newark's status as one of America's most diverse, prosperous, exciting, and equitable cities. Visit us at www.newark-alliance.org, www.newarkhappening.com and www.downtownnewark.com.

ABOUT NEWARK 

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit https://www.newarknj.gov/.

SOURCE Newark Alliance