CCM President Anthony J. Iacono Named to “2026 NJBIZ Education Power List” CCM President Anthony J. Iacono Named to “2026 NJBIZ Education Power List”

Recognition Highlights His Leadership in Advancing Student Success, Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity

County College of Morris (CCM) is proud to announce that Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of the college, has been named to the 2026 NJBIZ Education Power List, recognizing his leadership and influence in education across New Jersey.

The list recognizes leaders from New Jersey’s higher education sector across community colleges, public universities, private institutions and education organizations who are helping shape the future of education in the state.

“I am honored to be recognized by NJBIZ and to be included among so many dedicated education leaders throughout New Jersey,” said Iacono. “This recognition reflects the collective work of CCM trustees, faculty, staff and students, and our community partners who are committed to ensuring CCM continues to meet the changing needs of our region. CCM is uniquely positioned to create opportunities that change lives while strengthening communities and the economy.”

In its profile of Iacono, NJBIZ asked education leaders about their proudest professional achievements, the changes they foresee disrupting education and the career advice that has guided them.

Iacono noted that one of his proudest professional achievements has been “forging partnerships and collaboratively designing effective systems that advance the mission of community colleges, support student success and contribute to the vitality of the communities we serve.”

With more than 100 programs of study, CCM continues to expand opportunities in high-demand fields, including engineering and technology, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, business, culinary sciences and cybersecurity. Under his leadership, the college has also made significant investments in the facilities and resources needed to support these programs and prepare students for the workforce. In 2020, CCM opened the $11 million Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, tripling the size of its previous manufacturing learning spaces. In 2024, the college opened its Veterans Resource Center, connecting veterans directly with resources available through county, state and federal veterans’ offices right here on campus. The Center has since become a model for community colleges throughout the state. In 2025, the Morris County Vocational School District, in partnership with CCM, opened the $26.8 million Morris County Career Training Center, a facility of the Morris County Vocational School District that gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while completing their high school education. In 2026, the college opened the new $12 million Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science, further expanding opportunities for students in these growing fields. Looking ahead, CCM is preparing for the 2027 opening of the $32 million, 80,000-square-foot Center for Health Professions, which will significantly expand learning opportunities in high-demand healthcare fields.

These programs and facilities reflect a strong commitment to collaboration, having been developed in partnership with state and local officials, industry leaders and community partners. Dr. Iacono is especially appreciative of the college’s state legislators, County Commissioners and generous donors, whose support and philanthropy help make innovative investments in student success and regional opportunity possible.

CCM has earned one of the highest graduation and transfer rates among New Jersey’s community colleges and continues to serve as an economic engine for the region. For the fiscal year 2022-23, the college generated a $586.1 million economic impact for the region.

When asked about the most disruptive changes facing education in the coming year, Iacono pointed to demographic, economic and technological shifts.

“A declining population of 18–24-year-olds, changing demographics, current economic trends and new technologies are four major disruptors,” said Iacono. “Each has the potential to transform and strengthen higher education if understood and well handled.”

His approach to leadership and education continues to be guided by advice he received earlier in his career.

“The best career advice I have ever received and still live by today — pay attention to the people you serve or someone else will,” said Iacono. “Understand the needs and interests of employers, employees, students and the community while embracing change and creating the future.”

This is not the first time NJBIZ has recognized Dr. Iacono for his leadership. He was named to the publication’s Education Power 50 consecutively from 2019 through 2023 and, in 2019, was also recognized on its Manufacturing Power 50: Advanced Manufacturing list. In addition, Dr. Iacono was recently named the #1 Community College Leader in New Jersey and was awarded the 2026 Chief Executive Officer for the Northeast Region by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), following his nomination by CCM’s Board of Trustees.

According to NJBIZ, its Power Lists are compiled by editorial staff based on reporting throughout the year, with input from experts and recommendations from readers. The lists recognize individuals who have gained public attention for their professional accomplishments and public service and whose efforts have contributed meaningfully to the public interest and to making New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business.

To learn more about the 2026 NJBIZ Education Power List, visit NJBIZ.

For more information about CCM, visit https://www.ccm.edu.