Alumna named one of NJ’s top CEOs by South Jersey Biz magazine

Eileen Wirth '88, '95 was named to South Jersey Biz magazine's list of top CEOs and CFOs. She appeared on the cover of the publication — the only woman among four men.

Wirth is the president and Chief Executive Officer of Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development (MEND). Appointed in 2020, she is the first woman to hold that title in the organization’s history. For more than 50 years, the nonprofit has helped develop, build and manage affordable rental housing in southern New Jersey. During that time, it has developed more than 771 affordable housing apartments for single adults, senior citizens, persons with special needs and families in 30 different locations in southern New Jersey.

Wirth received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master's degree in finance from Rider. In addition to those degrees, she is a certified property manager, a designation earned from the Institute of Real Estate Management. Wirth also has executive designations from the National Affordable Housing Management Association.

Before coming to MEND, Wirth has dedicated her career focused on affordable and subsidized housing in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including time with the New Jersey State Housing Finance Agency. 

“As with any leadership position it is critical to remember your organization is only as strong as your weakest team member,” she told South Jersey Biz. “As CEO it is your responsibility to ensure that all team members have the tools, resources and training needed to ensure their success, leading to the success of your overall organization.”

This year’s list of top CEOs and CFOs includes 20 individuals from organizations such as the New Jersey Hospital Association, J&J Snack Foods Corp. and the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund.

“This year’s top CEOs and CFOs know what it means to lead during economic ups and downs and their ability to remain steadfast as they see their companies through to the next phase of their growth is nothing less than admirable,” reads the article’s introduction. “The men and women featured on the following pages are blazing new trails of opportunity in the South Jersey business community and beyond.”