Powerful Praise
Those who are being honored share one characteristic: They are quick to credit their colleagues.
Business in New Jersey Everyday (BINJE) honored CEOs and executive directors, managing partners and principals – those who are in charge in every sector in every corner of the state. Two Bloustein School affiliates made the list for 2026
Bob Sommer is CEO, Awsom Associates, LLC, a lecturer at the Bloustein School, and member of the Bloustein School Advisory Board.
Website? You won’t find one. Social media presence? LOL. But you can be sure he’s in the phone of many of the most important business leaders and elected officials in the state. Sommer not only is the ultimate connector, he also is a master of marketing, brand building and, when needed, crisis communications. A one-man show? Sure. But he’s leaving a legacy by teaching a popular course at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University.
MIchael Soliman is a Partner and N.J. Office Lead for Mercury Public Affairs and an instructor in the graduate Public Policy program
Soliman leads the New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices and is a principal voice in Mercury’s national strategy and operations. Impressive? Sure. But it’s only part of his résumé. For years, Soliman has been a confidant and adviser for some of the most powerful politicians in the state, including U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Rob Menendez now and former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez in the past.