Steven Hovdestad is an accomplished financial leader with over 20 years of experience navigating the fiscal complexities of the non-profit, for-profit, and public sectors. Currently serving as program manager for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Mr. Hovdestad is working to implement programs that grow the state’s economy, increase access to equitable opportunity, and strengthen New Jersey’s long term economic competitiveness.
Prior to joining the NJEDA, Mr. Hovdestad spent over a decade at Educational Testing Service (ETS), most recently providing financial oversight for over 65 grants worth roughly $100 million in revenue. His work included managing the financial operations of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Nation’s Report Card, providing financial support for the Institute of Student Achievement (ISA), and launching the ETS Global Institute.
His early career includes nearly ten years at Johnson & Johnson, where he managed international supply chain finance projects across the Asia Pacific region, assessed the financial feasibility of new product launches across the skincare and women’s health sectors, and managed the consumer goods research and development pipeline.
Mr. Hovdestad holds an MBA in banking and finance from Hofstra University and a B.S. in psychology from Fordham University.