About SJEDD

The South Jersey Economic Development District (SJEDD) is dedicated to promoting economic growth across the four counties of Southern New Jersey—Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem. Since its founding, SJEDD has collaborated with local communities to develop innovative projects that not only benefit individual municipalities but also strengthen the region’s overall economic landscape.

Committed to laying a strong foundation for future growth, SJEDD continuously evaluates opportunities to better serve the region and its municipalities. By supporting projects that attract private sector investment, create jobs, and enhance community development, SJEDD plays a vital role in improving the area’s economic vitality.

Additionally, SJEDD has a proven track record of success in providing financing programs that help small businesses expand and achieve their goals.

Carey M. Italiano, MBA, MSM

Carey M. Italiano, MBA, MSM

Executive Director

856-649-8028 (call or text) ♦

CFO – Francine Springer
Solicitor- John Carr, Esq.

Board of Directors

John Risley

John Risley

Chairman / Atlantic County Commissioner

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John Risley was elected Commissioner-at-Large in November 2011 and Vice Chairperson in 2014. He previously served on the Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 2004. Commissioner Risley has devoted a lifetime of public service as a past president of the Mainland Regional Board of Education, a Linwood City Councilman, former President of Somers Point City Council and most recently, past Deputy Mayor for Egg Harbor Township.

John is the owner and President of L. O. Thomas and Company, Inc. a FINRA/SIPC member investment firm founded in 1929. He has been guiding clients with investment advice for over 35 years. John is a member of M. B. Taylor Lodge in Hammonton and a Past Master of Keystone Lodge in Linwood. John resides in Egg Harbor Township with his wife, Dawn and children, Ashley, John, III and Harold.

Ed Ramsay

Ed Ramsay

Vice Chairman / Salem County Commissioner

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Ed graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Business Management and Marketing, after attending Gloucester County College and Gateway Regional High School. Professionally, Ed has been involved in real estate for 34 years including sales, brokerage, landlord, tax liens and private investment.

As a Salem County resident, Ed has been actively attending meetings for the Economic Development Council, Salem County Improvement Authority, Tourism Advisory Council, Youth Services Commission, Agriculture Development Board, Municipal Councils, and Planning Boards.

Ed proudly served in the US Air Force as a ground/satellite navigation electronics technician.Before moving to Pittsgrove, Ed served his hometown of Wenonah as Borough Council President and 2nd Lieutenant in the Fire Department, in addition to other committees.

James Sauro

James Sauro

Secretary / Cumberland County Commissioner

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Jim Sauro is a native of Vineland, who graduated from Vineland High School with honors in 1972. He continued his education at Cumberland County College as well as Gloucester County College and Cape May County Vocational-technical school where he studied Business Management and obtained certifications and degrees pertaining to his trade of plumbing, heating, HVAC, and water treatment. His businesses, A.R. Sauro Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and A.R. Sauro Watercare, served the community for over 40 years. Jim is currently a Certified Plumbing Inspector and Sub-Code Official employed by Washington Township.

Jim served on the County Commissioner Board (then Freeholder Board) in the early 2000s. He served as Director in 2002. He met his wife Susan, originally from Pennsylvania, 49 years ago on the Jersey Cape, they settled in East Vineland where they raised one son and twin daughters. They have six grandchildren.

Bobby Barr

Bobby Barr

Treasurer / Cape May County Commissioner

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Graduating from Ocean City High School in 1999 and the State of New Jersey’s Stockton University in 2004 with a degree in Communications, Commissioner “Bobby” Barr is a lifelong resident of Cape May County proudly serving the people as Commissioner on the Board of Cape May County Commissioners.

Commissioner Barr has significant experience in public service, previously serving as the 4th Ward Councilman and Council President of Ocean City, Community Outreach Coordinator for Legislative District 1’s Senator Testa and Assemblymen McLellan and Simonsen, and Board member on the State’s Pinelands Commission.

In addition to his current service as County Commissioner, Bobby also serves as Legislative Aide to Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Chairman of the Ocean City Housing Authority and Board member of the Cape May County ARC.

Commissioner Barr’s achievements in public service are vast, including but not limited to dedicating more capital improvements to Ocean City’s 4th Ward within his first two years in local public office than in the entire history of the 4th Ward. Some of those capital improvements included the opening of a new American Legion Post 524 Building, the remodeling of 52nd Street Playground, and various drainage improvements to relieve floodprone areas of routine tidal flooding.

Commissioner Barr’s philosophy has always been, if you want government to succeed, you have to listen to the people. Barr specializes in constituent services and welcomes comments and questions from the residents of Cape May County. Bobby continues to reside in Ocean City’s 4th Ward with his family.

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule

Time: 6:30pm unless otherwise stated

April 6, 2026
July 6, 2026
October 5, 2026
January 11, 2027 (Re-organization meeting)

Location: Training Room, CCIA, 745 Lebanon Road, Millville, NJ 08332

Minutes & Agendas may be found on the Documents & Resources page.