Tara Colton

Tara Colton is Chief Economic Security Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). In this role, she leads initiatives to create a stronger, fairer New Jersey, where all residents can build economic security and well-being. Since joining the NJEDA in 2020, Colton has spearheaded the design and expansion of the New Jersey Pay it Forward Program, which blends over $24 million in public and private funds in an outcomes-based financing model designed to address critical workforce shortages by removing financial barriers to high-quality training programs. Colton also oversees over $300 million in EDA’s growing portfolio of programs to alleviate food insecurity and eliminate food deserts and more than $140 million in grants to strengthen New Jersey’s vital child care sector. Colton has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, focused on developing and implementing innovative programs and services for workers, families, students, and businesses. Prior to joining the NJEDA, Colton was Executive Director of Seedco, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for people, businesses and communities in need. She has held leadership positions in the New York City Mayor’s Office and NYC Department of Education, and at the nonprofits FEGS Health & Human Services and the Center for an Urban Future. Colton received a BA in Government from Wesleyan University and a MPA from Baruch College’s School of Public and International Affairs.