Montclair Center BID Appoints Cesar J. Claro as Executive Director

MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY — June 29, 2026 — The Board of Directors of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District (MCBID) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cesar J. Claro as Executive Director, effective July 13, 2026.

Mr. Claro will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for Montclair Center as the organization continues its mission of supporting economic vitality, promoting downtown Montclair, and enhancing the experience of businesses, residents, visitors, and property owners throughout the district.

Mr. Claro brings more than three decades of experience in economic development, business district management, nonprofit leadership, stakeholder engagement, and public-private partnerships. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with business owners, community organizations, elected officials, and economic development professionals to strengthen commercial districts, attract investment, and advance community revitalization initiatives.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Claro served for nearly twenty-eight years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), one of New York City's leading economic development organizations. During his tenure, he managed a $4 million operating budget, led numerous business development initiatives, secured significant grant funding, helped establish and support Business Improvement Districts and merchant associations, and worked on transformative economic development projects throughout Staten Island.

In addition to his economic development experience, Mr. Claro currently serves as Executive Director of the Richmond County Savings Foundation, overseeing an $80 million charitable endowment and supporting philanthropic initiatives benefiting nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

"We are excited to welcome Cesar to Montclair Center," said Ernst Goldman, President of the Board of Directors. "Cesar's record of creating, managing, and strengthening business improvement districts and merchant organizations, combined with his extensive experience in economic development and stakeholder engagement, distinguished him throughout the search process. We are confident he will provide the leadership necessary to advance the BID's mission and support the continued success of downtown Montclair.

I would also like to thank Daniel Garcia-Pedrosa for his leadership as Chair of the Search Committee and the committee members who devoted considerable time and effort to conducting a thorough and thoughtful recruitment process on behalf of the organization."

Daniel Garcia-Pedrosa, Chair of the Search Committee, emphasized the depth of the recruitment effort.

"The Search Committee was committed to conducting a comprehensive and competitive search process to identify the best candidate to lead the Montclair Center BID. We were fortunate to attract a strong pool of applicants with diverse backgrounds and experience. Cesar distinguished himself through his proven record of business district leadership, economic development expertise, and his ability to build meaningful partnerships among businesses, property owners, community stakeholders, and public officials. We are excited to welcome him to Montclair Center and look forward to working with him in the years ahead."

Mr. Claro expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization and becoming part of the Montclair community.

"Montclair is one of New Jersey's most vibrant and distinctive downtowns," said Claro. "I am honored by the confidence the Board has placed in me and look forward to working with our businesses, property owners, residents, municipal leaders, and community partners to strengthen Montclair Center, support economic vitality, and build upon the organization's many successes."

The Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive executive search to identify the organization's next leader. The search process was facilitated by Thomas J. Czerniecki, PP, AICP, President of Jersey Professional Management, a New Jersey-based municipal management and executive recruitment consulting firm specializing in local government and nonprofit leadership recruitment.

The position attracted more than twenty-five applicants from throughout the region. A nine-member Search Committee reviewed all applications and invited nine candidates to participate in initial interviews. Following those interviews, four finalists advanced to a second round of interviews with the Search Committee before recommending Mr. Claro's appointment to the full Board of Directors.

The Montclair Center Business Improvement District works to support local businesses, enhance the downtown environment, promote special events and cultural programming, and strengthen Montclair's position as one of New Jersey's premier destinations for commerce, dining, arts, and culture.

About The Montclair Center BID

Montclair Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life of downtown Montclair through business development, district management, beautification, marketing, special events, and stakeholder engagement.

Media Contact

Ernst Goldman
President, Board of Trustees
Montclair Center Business Improvement District

info@4evergrafix.com