Franzini, who died last January 25, led the EDA for nearly two decades and has made significant contributions toward improving the Garden State’s business climate, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association said.
Franzini joined the EDA in 1991 as its deputy director, and became head of the agency from 1994 to 2012 before founding her own firm, Franzini Consulting LLC in Lambertville.
Franzini also helped found Great Trenton last year, a nonprofit dedicated to economic development in the state’s capital.
She also serves as a visiting associate at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics.
Ms. Franzini graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in urban studies and gained a business degree from the Wharton School at Penn. Following a stint at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, she began working in Trenton as an assistant state treasurer under Gov. Thomas H. Kean.
“I can think of no better way to honor her legacy,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) CEO and President Michele Siekerka. “Caren’s leadership at EDA made a lasting impact, and the State of New Jersey is a better place because of her vision and leadership.”
“Caren’s commitment to New Jersey business was unwavering and this new law renaming EDA’s headquarters in her honor will ensure that commitment will be forever remembered,” Siekerka added.