TRENTON, N.J., August 27, 2026 — The Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (ICUNJ) today announced the selection of Elizabeth Maher Muoio as its next President and CEO. Muoio succeeds Steve Reynolds, who has led the organization for the past five years. She will begin her term on September 8, 2026.
“Providing access to a quality education – producing a well-educated workforce and next generation of leaders and citizens – is one of our greatest means of ensuring the future success of our state and its residents,” said Muoio upon accepting the leadership position. “New Jersey is rightly proud of its reputation for educational excellence, and our state’s independent colleges and universities are a critically important part of that success, helping to ensure that students in New Jersey are provided unparalleled opportunity and access to an education that best fits their unique needs and future goals. I greatly look forward to supporting our independent colleges and universities in their continuing mission to provide an accessible, affordable and high-quality education, helping position our students, and our state, for future success.”
Muoio brings to ICUNJ a wealth of relevant experience in New Jersey government, economic development, and public policy. She served as New Jersey State Treasurer from 2018 through early 2026, and prior to that represented Mercer and Hunterdon counties in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2015 to 2018. Earlier in her career, she served as Mercer County Director of Economic Development and Sustainability, as an elected Mercer County Commissioner, as Mercer County Democratic Chair and as Legislative Director for Texas Congressman Jack Brooks. Most recently, Muoio was named to the board of the nonprofit New Jersey Healthcare Quality Institute. She earned a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law School.
“We are thrilled to welcome Liz Muoio to ICUNJ. Her deep experience in New Jersey government and finance, combined with her longstanding commitment to public service, make her exceptionally well-suited to lead our organization and advance the interests of New Jersey’s 13 independent universities and their over 63,000 students,” said ICUNJ Board of Trustees Chair and Monmouth University President, Patrick Leahy.
“On behalf of the ICUNJ Corporate Advisory Board, I want to thank Steve for his strong leadership of ICUNJ over the past five years and pass on our congratulations to Liz. We look forward to working with Liz and her team as we support the students served by these exceptional institutions,” said Tom Spellman, Chairman of the ICUNJ Corporate Advisory Board and Global V.P., Law, Cardiovascular, Johnson & Johnson Med Tech.
Contact: MaryAlice Breuninger, Vice President
Phone: 908-246-7800 Cell
609-218-5026 X2208 Office
Email: mabreuninger@njcolleges.org
About ICUNJ
The Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (ICUNJ), a New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation, advances the interests of New Jersey’s 13 independent, non-profit, public mission institutions of higher education by promoting access, affordability and student success through public policy advocacy, corporate and individual philanthropy, and empowering the choice of the best fit for each student’s education, cultural, and environmental needs. ICUNJ institutions educate over 63,000 students, roughly two-thirds of whom are New Jersey residents. The student population proudly includes a substantial percentage of first-generation students and students from across the economic spectrum. ICUNJ schools provide over $1.2 billion in institutional aid with 95% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
Collectively, the 13 ICUNJ universities generate an estimated $4.5–$5 billion in annual economic impact for New Jersey, representing a taxpayer “return on investment” of approximately $35-$40 for every $1 of state investment.
