The Future is Bright
The annual list of Young Professionals to Watch highlights South Jersey’s emerging talent.
While there a lot of factors that contribute to the overall success of South Jersey’s business landscape, there is no denying that key contributions are being made daily by rising stars who have quickly dedicated themselves to helping their companies thrive. Our annual Young Professionals to Watch is a celebration of those individuals who have made an impact early in their careers while also paving the way for continued success moving forward. No matter their area of expertise, these brilliant young minds are both impressive and inspiring.
Tyler J. Burrell
Commissioner, Burlington County Board of Commissioners
Age: 29
Burrell is a dedicated public servant who began his career early in life, when he first ran for office at 19-years-old and was elected to Delran Township Council. He served Delran for eight years, including four as the council’s president. He was also a member of the Delran Recreational Advisory Council for 15 years.
Burrell quickly expanded his public service to encompass more of Burlington County. He was a member of the Burlington County Institute of Technology and Special Services School District Combined Board of Education, serving as the board’s president for nearly three years.
In 2025, Burrell was elected to the Burlington County Board of Commissioners, where he is one of the youngest on record. While representing nearly half a million residents, he uses his vigor and perspective to deliver results helping the county remain affordable with the lowest average county tax rate in N.J. He is known for bringing a fresh perspective to county government and helps the board embrace new ideas, explore cutting edge technology and find additional ways to serve the residents.
Burrell works as an associate attorney and chief operating officer in the Marlton office of McOmber, McOmber and Luber, focusing on employment law.
Najah Thurston
Communications Coordinator, Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey
Age: 27
Thurston is a communications and operations professional serving as communications coordinator at the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ). Since joining in May 2023 as an administrative assistant, she has become a key resource to both staff and members, recognized for her adaptability, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
In her current role, Thurston oversees the dissemination of ACCNJ communications, supports public relations initiatives and contributes to the production of the association’s magazine, New Jersey Construction. She also played an integral role in launching ACCNJ’s new website and management system, assisting colleagues and members with navigation and technical support. Additionally, she leads efforts to strengthen and expand the association’s social media presence while helping organize and maintain its electronic platforms. Her strong technology skills and collaborative approach make her a trusted “go-to” for software-related questions.
Thurston earned her Bachelor of Science in Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, where she also gained hands-on experience managing hiring, scheduling and training for student employees, while supporting student services operations.
Corey Patterson
Vice President of Specialty Channels, First Harvest Credit Union
Age: 35
Patterson joined First Harvest Credit Union in July 2024 as specialty lending manager and quickly advanced through a series of promotions and now serves as vice president of specialty channels, leading growth initiatives that expand access to specialized lending solutions and strengthen member relationships.
Patterson is a Camden County resident who began his credit union career at age 18 and has built his reputation on a genuine commitment to service and the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” Known for a collaborative leadership style, strategic mindset and strong execution, he aligns teams around clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
His results-driven approach has delivered meaningful value to First Harvest, improving performance, elevating the member experience and supporting the organization’s broader strategic goals. Patterson’s rapid progression reflects both his impact and his dedication to serving members, colleagues and the communities First Harvest supports.
Victoria Hewitt
Senior Director of Compliance, Acenda Integrated Health
Age: 38
Hewitt is a seasoned health care compliance leader and trusted subject matter expert, who is known for navigating highly regulated requirements with clarity, consistency and a practical, solutions-oriented approach. She is recognized for her ability to bridge connections across teams and departments, strengthening collaboration and ensuring alignment around organizational goals. Her leadership style is supportive and hands-on, with a focus on building trust, transparency and shared accountability.
Throughout her career, Hewitt has been driven by a commitment to continuous improvement. She has led efforts to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and strengthen the understanding and application of regulatory standards across teams, translating complexity into clear and sustainable practices that support organizational effectiveness.
Raphael J. Carletti
Director, Mercadien’s Nonprofit & Human Services Group
Age: 35
Carletti is a director in Mercadien’s Nonprofit and Human Services Group with nearly 15 years of experience advising nonprofit organizations, including human services organizations, trade associations, private schools, private schools serving students with disabilities and private foundations. He oversees audit engagements and supports clients in navigating complex regulatory and compliance requirements. Additionally, Carletti reviews internal control risks, supervises and trains staff, and works closely with client management and boards to present audit results and address operational and compliance challenges. He also manages the day-to-day operations of Mercadien’s audit and assurance team.
Active in the nonprofit and business community, Carletti serves as a board member of Meals on Wheels of Mercer County as well as the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Sandro Randazzo
Director, NAI Mertz
Age: 33
Randazzo serves as a commercial real estate director at NAI Mertz, specializing in landlord/tenant and buyer/seller representation throughout New Jersey and the Philadelphia Metro areas. With over a decade of commercial real estate experience across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, and focused expertise in the industrial sector, he is known for a strong work ethic and relationship-driven approach that consistently delivers long-term value for his clients.
Before joining NAI Mertz in 2025, Randazzo founded and led the in-house leasing department for a prominent regional landlord, building the team from the ground up to oversee a multi-tenant industrial portfolio of more than 8 million square feet across Southeast Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey—executing over 1.2 million square feet of leases and generating more than $50 million in lease value.
Nicole Kuerzi
Director, Education & Workforce Development, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey/ Secretary, South Jersey Chamber Foundation Board of Trustees
Age: 31
Kuerzi is dedicated to building a future-ready workforce across Southern New Jersey. She currently serves as director of education and workforce development at the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ), and as the secretary of the board of trustees for CCSNJ’s 501(c)3 organization, the SJ Chamber Foundation, which seeks to enhance workforce development and economic opportunities to improve the vitality of the region.
Kuerzi also serves as the lead facilitator for the South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators, a three-week annual program funded by the business community for the last 35 years to help better prepare the future workforce by providing teachers with insight into key economic and policy issues, career opportunities and workforce-ready skills as well as classroom-ready curriculum developed through collaborative projects.
Nicholas Sullivan
Partner, Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli & Tipton, LLC
Age: 36
Sullivan is a partner whose practice spans public and private governance, compliance, administrative law and complex civil litigation. He advises clients across a broad spectrum of matters, including employment disputes, construction claims, personal injury and estate-related issues, while also handling transactional work such as contract drafting.
Sullivan serves as outside general, labor and special counsel to public entities throughout Southern New Jersey, including the state, counties, municipalities and land development boards.
In business practice, Sullivan represents businesses and nonprofits in civil investigations and litigation, and regularly drafts and negotiates complex transactional documents. He also guides clients through administrative processes such as licensing, incorporation and government procurement.
Michelle Coyle
CEO & Founder, Beechtree Marketing
Age: 39
Coyle is the CEO and founder of Beechtree Marketing, a results-driven digital marketing agency dedicated to helping service-based businesses grow with clarity and confidence. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, she brings a strategic, no-nonsense approach to marketing that focuses on what actually moves the needle: strong branding, optimized websites, consistent social media and a powerful online reputation.
Coyle has built Beechtree Marketing to serve as a true partner for her clients, offering everything from web design and SEO to paid advertising and review management. Her passion lies in simplifying marketing for busy business owners who often feel overwhelmed by the ever-changing digital landscape.
Matthew Herzer
Vice President of Practice Operations, Advocare
Age: 37
A strong advocate for physician-led care, Herzer is committed to preserving the spirit of independent practices and ensuring patients across South Jersey continue to have access to high-quality, relationship-driven care close to home.
Through his leadership, Herzer has supported physicians in navigating increasing operational complexity, regulatory pressure and financial challenges, empowering them with the infrastructure and data needed to remain both clinically excellent and economically viable. His focus on patient satisfaction, quality outcomes, access and efficiency has had a meaningful impact on care delivery for families throughout the region. This vision is reflected in his work at Advocare, where he has helped drive 60% organizational growth since 2019, expanding the network to more than 275 locations and 900 providers serving over 2 million patients annually.
Matthew Cole
Senior Vice President, PNC Bank
Age: 37
Cole is a senior relationship manager with PNC Bank and a top performer in new client acquisition and commercial relationship development across Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Known for his client-first approach, he partners with business owners and executive teams to deliver strategic banking solutions that support growth, liquidity and long-term success.
A South Jersey native and graduate of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Cole maintains deep roots in the region he serves. In addition to his client work, he leads PNC’s Summer Internship Program for the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey market and is actively involved in mentoring and developing the firm’s next generation of banking professionals.
Kate Hearn
Luxury Entertainment Travel Specialist, Altour
Age: 27
Hearn manages complex, high-touch travel for VIP clients in the entertainment industry. Specializing in seamless, detail-driven execution, she oversees international and domestic travel logistics, including flights, luxury accommodations, group movements, private transportation and concierge-level services.
Part of a new generation redefining behind-the-scenes roles in entertainment, Hearn plays a key role in coordinating multi-city itineraries for comedian tours and major productions, ensuring precision, discretion and continuity across every stage. Her work includes projects such as Project Hail Mary, Mercy and After the Hunt, where she has successfully managed high-pressure logistics while maintaining a highly personalized level of service.
Jessica Grullón
Communications Manager, Atlantic City Electric & Delmarva Power
Age: 39
Grullón is a communications and workforce development leader with 18 years of experience driving community impact across South Jersey. She currently serves as communications manager for Atlantic City Electric and Delmarva Power in Delaware, where she leads the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives supporting critical infrastructure projects, regulatory priorities and community-focused programs.
A passionate advocate for community engagement and inclusive storytelling, Grullón serves on the board of the Inlet Community Development Corporation and is actively involved with organizations including the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County and the South Jersey Cultural Alliance. Through her leadership, she continues to amplify diverse voices and foster meaningful regional connections.
Erin McAleer
Business Development Coordinator, VMX Technologies
Age: 25
McAleer sits at the intersection of technology and business consulting, bringing a rare ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and decision-makers. At VMX Technologies, she partners with business leaders across South Jersey to translate complex IT and cybersecurity challenges into clear, practical solutions, helping organizations operate more securely and confidently in an increasingly complicated landscape.
Outside of VMX, McAleer is a familiar face across the region’s professional community. As a board member of the South Jersey Young Professionals Association and an ambassador for multiple chambers of commerce, she has built a wide network rooted in genuine connection and consistently works to bring people together, support local causes and invest in South Jersey’s next generation of leaders.
Dane Berkowitz
President, Security Systems Unlimited
Age: 35
Berkowitz grew up learning the family trade alongside his father, Eric, as a Security Systems Unlimited technician. He later built experience in the corporate world before returning to help lead the company into its next chapter.
A Cherry Hill native and Cherry Hill High School East graduate, Berkowitz went on to earn dual degrees in information sciences, and technology, security and risk analysis from Penn State before honing his skills as a system engineer at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, earning his MBA along the way.
He rejoined Security Systems Unlimited in 2018 as an emerging technology and solution engineering specialist, and in 2022 he was named president, becoming the second generation of Berkowitz family leadership at the company his father founded.
Anna Paziewska
Sales Support Specialist II, AmeriHealth
Age: 25
Paziewska is a rising professional at AmeriHealth whose leadership, initiative and commitment to service have already made a meaningful impact on both the organization and the South Jersey community.
Currently serving as sales support specialist II, Paziewska plays a critical role in supporting sales teams, brokers and leadership through operational excellence, system expertise and data-driven insights. Since joining AmeriHealth in 2023, she has consistently taken on expanded responsibilities, including managing relationships with multiple external vendors and training new hires on customer retention management systems. She also contributes to broker engagement initiatives, internal sales tools and continuing education programs that support employer and broker partners across New Jersey—work that directly supports business growth and strengthens the customer and broker experience.
Grace Gutos
Sales Manager, Paycom
Age: 28
Gutos, a Moorestown native, is a dynamic sales leader who serves as the Philadelphia sales manager at Paycom and has quickly advanced through the organization, earning multiple promotions through her strong performance and leadership. She leads a team of account executives supporting the tri-state area, driving growth and client success across the region. Beyond her professional role, Gutos is actively engaged in the community, serving on the Alumnae Association Advisory Board for Merion Mercy Academy. She also contributes to regional business development initiatives as part of the steering committee for the Center City Business Association’s Emerging Business Leaders Group.
To read the digital edition of South Jersey Biz, click here.
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 16, Issue 5 (May 2026).
For more info on South Jersey Biz, click here.
To subscribe to South Jersey Biz, click here.
To advertise in South Jersey Biz, click here.
