John Galandak is currently president emeritus of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ), a statewide business advocacy organization representing members from virtually every business sector in the state, with offices in Paramus and Trenton. Previously, he was president of CIANJ and publisher/CEO of Commerce Magazine/Commerce Enterprises, Inc., the Association’s media arm. CIANJ’s mission is to be the leader in free enterprise advocacy for the purpose of providing, through education, legislative vigilance, and membership interaction, an economic climate that enhances business potential and makes New Jersey a better state in which to live, work and conduct business. Simply put, CIANJ looks at the world through the eye of the entrepreneur -- the creative man or woman who has a vision for how to make the world a better place and is willing to take the risk to bring that vision to life. CIANJ is committed to making New Jersey a place that entrepreneurs choose to begin and grow a business.

Galandak leads a dedicated staff of professionals who, working in concert with members who are experts in their discipline, develop and offer a wide range of activities that effectively engage members in the pursuit of that mission. Included among his duties is representing the business community regarding public policy issues. He was asked to serve on the Subcommittee on Economic Development and Job Growth of Governor Christie’s Transition Team, and often testifies before state legislative committees regarding pending legislation. As president of CIANJ, he has appeared on television and radio programs focusing on business issues and the economy. Galandak was appointed by Governor Christie and continues to serve as a member of the Red Tape Review Commission which works to reduce or eliminate unnecessary regulations that negatively impact the New Jersey’s business climate.

He has always recognized the critical impact that education has on people’s lives and their ability to realize their full potential. Galandak served for more than 10 years as a member of the Board of Education in his home town. Since 2015 he has been a member of the William Paterson University Board of Trustees, serving on the educational policy and student development and personnel and compensation committees, as well as the representative to the Auxiliary Services Organization. Galandak earned both a BA and MS degree from Rutgers University. He resides in Sussex County with his wife Gail. They are the parents of two adult daughters, and have a son-in-law and two grandsons.