Prior to joining Triple Five Group , the owners of American Dream , Adair worked at various other firms , including The Related Companies , Treetop Development , The Halle Companies , Housing Trust Group and BAP Development , serving in various positions , including vice president of corporate accounting , chief finance officer and chief operating officer .
Early in her career Adair said she made a “ rookie mistake ” at one point when she agreed to take on additional responsibilities without a salary bump . She described herself as ambitious and very reliable . The CFO advised the women in the audience to always act with “ integrity it makes you a stand-up individual .”
Seven years ago , she moved from Miami to New Jersey without a job prospect . A recruiter encouraged her to go on an interview for a position with American Dream . Despite misgivings about the real estate project that was abandoned by previous owners , Adair met with executives of the Ghermezian family and was immediately impressed .
The Ghermezians own Triple Five Group and built the renowned Mall of America in Minnesota . Adair said the family is a wonderful employer . “ They believe in hiring talent . They don ’ t see color , sex or race ,” Adair said , adding that they also promote diversity .
American Dream is an amazing place to work , she said , highlight the center ’ s features including the largest indoor waterpark in North America , a ski slope , and giant Ferris wheel reminiscent of the London Eye , plus an assortment of luxury retail shops .
Adair extended a personal invitation to everybody to visit the center and enjoy all its amenities . She and Oliver received standing ovations
Lakeland Bank executives , one of the event sponsors , enjoy the reception .
Tracy Straka , former CIANJ chair , left , speaks with women leaders at awards program .
from the crowd . Their stories seemed to energize the room .
Following the speakers ’ remarks the award ceremony began . Forty-three women were recognized as Enterprising Women in Commerce in their respective industries . Five women received the One to Watch Award , including Aiyana A . Goldberg , Associate , Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC ( CSG ); Kate E . Janukowicz , Director , Commercial & Criminal
Photo : Russ Desantis Photo and Video
Litigation Group , Director of Professional , Development , Retention , and Associate Recruitment , Gibbons PC ; Teri Capparelli , Executive Director and ReStore Director , Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County ; Olga Vargas , Marketing Project Manager , NJMEP ; and Amanda Sexton , Founder and Principal , FocusWorks Marketing .
Platinum Awards were presented to eight women , including : Robyn Casabona , Sr . Director of Finance , NJMEP ; Patricia K . Costello , Managing Member , Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC ( CSG ); June M . Inderwies , Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer , Gibbons P . C .; Deborah Visconi , President and CEO , Bergen New Bridge Medical Center ; Jackie Luciano , Vice President , ZAGO Manufacturing Co .; Linda Ziemba , Founder and CEO , AeroDefense ; Mindy Sayres , PG , LSRP , Principal and Senior Vice President , GZA GeoEnvironmental , Inc .; and Karen Garrera , Executive Vice President , Chief Retail Officer , Lakeland Bank .
“ This award program grew out of CIANJ ’ s Women in Commerce Forum that creates networking , educational and philanthropic opportunities to female members of the association ,” said William Hanson , President , NAI Hanson , and Chair of CIANJ ’ s Board of Directors . “ I congratulate these women who are achieving extraordinary heights in their careers and are inspiring the next generation of leaders .”
The sponsors of the event included : Lakeland Bank ; Connell Foley LLP ; CSG Law ; Bergen Community College ; Delta Dental ; New Bridge Medical Center ; Clean Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Company ; Denholtz Properties ; Nachman , Phulwani , Zimovcak Law Group , P . C . GZA ; Larken Associates
Photo : Russ Desantis Photo and Video
September 2022 COMMERCE 7