Peapack-Gladstone Financial and Peapack Private Bank & Trust announced that Wendy O’Ree, senior managing director, was named one of 48 women leaders honored by Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) at its biennial Salute to the Policy Makers Gala on Oct. 21 at The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, NJ. The event recognized women from New Jersey’s public and private sectors whose leadership, achievements and impact are helping shape the state’s businesses, institutions and communities.
O’Ree has been a wealth advisor and is known for her commitment to community engagement and the advancement of women in leadership. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that foster professional growth, mentorship and greater opportunities for women.
“I am honored to be recognized by Executive Women of New Jersey alongside an extraordinary group of women whose leadership is making a difference across our state,” O’Ree said. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates not only professional achievement, but also the responsibility we have to inspire, support, and elevate others. Throughout my career, I have been committed to fostering collaborative leadership and helping create opportunities for the next generation of women to grow, lead, and make their own lasting impact.”
Since 1980, EWNJ has worked to increase the presence of women in boardrooms and top leadership of New Jersey companies. This year’s gala brought together women executives from business, law, education, government, nonprofit, the arts and other fields.
“This year’s honorees represent the extraordinary depth of women’s leadership across New Jersey,” Susan K. Dromsky-Reed, board president of EWNJ, said. “These 48 women are leading organizations, strengthening communities, opening doors and helping shape the future of our state. EWNJ is proud to recognize not only what they have achieved, but the example they set for the women who will follow them.”
“The Salute to the Policy Makers Gala is EWNJ’s biennial celebration of New Jersey’s top women executives and leaders,” Onome N. Adejemilua, EWNJ board president-elect and Salute committee chair, said. “For more than 40 years, our mission has been to recognize and affirm the work of women. The Salute Gala brings together remarkable women from public and private sectors to recognize their excellence, resilience and achievements, while also supporting the next generation of women leaders through our Graduate Merit Award Program.”
The program has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to non-traditional female graduate students.
