John J. Heldrich

John J. Heldrich was known for his vision, talent for developing staff, and concern for the human aspects of issues. After a 41-year career at Johnson & Johnson, he retired in 1991 as corporate vice president of administration and a member of the company’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Heldrich was also involved in New Brunswick community affairs. In 1975, he was named board chair of New Brunswick Tomorrow, a revitalization organization that he continued to work with as an emeritus board member. In 1990, Business for Central New Jersey called Heldrich “the man who saved New Brunswick.” He received a Distinguished Citizen Award for his contributions to improving life in central New Jersey. Heldrich Plaza, a $100 million complex in the heart of New Brunswick’s cultural area, includes Rutgers’ John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, condominiums, a hotel, office and retail space, and a conference center. The New Jersey State Commission on Employment and Training, New Brunswick Cultural Center, New Brunswick Development Corporation, and the Rutgers University Foundation Board of Overseers also benefited from his leadership.