Zuzana Karas
Hillsborough,NJ
Summary
Economic development professional with over nine years of experience advancing municipal and regional economic initiatives through strategic partnerships, business support programs, and community investment. Extensive experience collaborating with state and regional partners, including the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), to connect businesses with funding opportunities, technical assistance programs, and growth resources. Recognized for building strong relationships with business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders while implementing initiatives that support economic vitality, sustainability, and long-term regional growth. Inspired by NJEDA’s mission to strengthen New Jersey’s economy and eager to contribute to large-scale initiatives that support businesses and communities across the state. Business development professional with extensive experience in identifying growth opportunities and executing strategic initiatives. Known for fostering collaborative environments and achieving measurable outcomes. Reliably adapts to evolving market conditions and excels in client relationship management and strategic planning.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Economic & Business Development Director | Deputy Zoning Officer
HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP
10.2022 - Current
- Serve as a key member of the Township’s leadership team, working directly with the Mayor, Township Administrator, and governing body to support policy initiatives, advance strategic priorities, and strengthen community-wide economic development.
- Work closely with state economic development partners, including the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), collaborating with leadership such as Kathy Guzman and Alberto Garrido to connect local businesses with state funding programs, technical assistance, and economic development initiatives.
- Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with organizations including the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Somerset County Business Partnership, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and regional chambers and municipal leaders to support business growth, resource awareness, and regional economic development initiatives.
- Plan and manage large-scale township initiatives and promotional programs such as Restaurant Week, ribbon cuttings, business awards, networking events, and marketing campaigns that enhance Hillsborough’s economic visibility.
- Strong working knowledge of New Jersey economic development programs and direct collaboration with NJEDA leadership to support business growth initiatives and statewide economic development goals.
- Identify, secure, and administer grants related to sustainability, economic development, and community initiatives while preparing required reports and compliance documentation.
- Promote and facilitate awareness of NJEDA initiatives including grant programs, small business resources, and economic development tools by coordinating outreach events, business engagement initiatives, and partnerships with county and regional organizations.
- Conduct redevelopment and land-use research, evaluate zoning opportunities, and prepare economic insights to support long-range planning, capital projects, and Master Plan initiatives.
- Develop tourism and community engagement strategies through marketing campaigns, business spotlights, and promotional initiatives that increase local participation and regional recognition.
- Provide guidance to businesses, developers, and residents by offering zoning insight, regulatory interpretation, and support with planning and development inquiries.
- Coordinate cross-departmental collaboration among engineering, planning, zoning, administration, health, public works, and emergency services to improve project coordination and customer service.
- Lead digital modernization initiatives including business directories, public communication platforms, newsletters, and data-driven program tracking systems.
- Represent the Township at regional events, professional forums, and community meetings to promote Hillsborough’s economic development and sustainability initiatives.
- Led strategic partnerships to enhance community engagement and drive economic growth.
- Mentored and trained staff on best practices for client relationship management and business strategy execution.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Facilitated business by implementing practical networking techniques.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Oversaw daily operations ensuring compliance with municipal regulations and policies.
- Analyzed data to identify trends, informing decisions that improved resource allocation and program effectiveness.
- Managed departmental budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for necessary equipment and training.
- Organized public forums to address community concerns, improving transparency and accountability.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to address community concerns, fostering stronger relationships between force and public.
Zoning Official & Property Maintenance Inspector (Part-Time)
BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP
05.2021 - Current
- Independently manage all zoning operations, including permit review, ordinance interpretation, and issuance of formal zoning determinations for residents, businesses, and real estate professionals.
- Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with zoning and property maintenance regulations; document findings, issue violation notices, and coordinate follow-up actions, including municipal court proceedings when necessary.
- Collaborate with the Township Engineer, Construction Official, Tax Assessor, Clerk’s Office, and Township Administrator to coordinate application reviews, confirm regulatory requirements, and maintain consistent enforcement standards.
- Utilize Spatial Data Logic (SDL) for case management, document retention, property research, and workflow tracking to improve operational efficiency and record accuracy.
- Provide guidance to applicants navigating development processes, including variances, site plan requirements, and ordinance compliance, while maintaining a solution-oriented approach.
- Prepare professional correspondence, inspection reports, and advisory memoranda for internal staff and external professionals involved in development and land-use matters.
- Support Planning Board and Township Committee initiatives by providing zoning research, regulatory interpretation, and data relevant to ordinance updates and community development planning.
- Maintain a strong customer service standard by responding promptly to inquiries and fostering positive working relationships with residents, businesses, HOAs, and contractors.
- Monitor local property conditions and proactively identify issues affecting neighborhood standards, safety, and overall community quality of life.
Land Use Coordinator / Zoning Official / Property Maintenance Inspector
BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP
04.2019 - 09.2022
- Managed day-to-day operations of the Planning and Zoning Division, ensuring timely review of development applications, permits, and property maintenance cases while independently prioritizing departmental workload.
- Conducted zoning and property maintenance inspections, issued notices of violation, and worked with property owners to resolve compliance matters in accordance with municipal ordinances and state regulations.
- Prepared Planning Board and Zoning Board materials including staff reports, resolutions, legal notices, and hearing documentation while ensuring accuracy and adherence to statutory deadlines.
- Administered escrow accounts, reconciled application fees, and maintained digital tracking systems to support transparent financial management and audit-ready records.
- Served as a liaison between applicants and township professionals, coordinating communication with engineers, planners, architects, attorneys, and construction officials to resolve technical and procedural matters.
- Maintained and updated GIS layers, zoning maps, and digital property records to support accurate land-use analysis and streamline application review.
- Improved internal workflows by implementing updated digital procedures, strengthening interdepartmental coordination, and reducing processing delays.
- Responded to public inquiries regarding zoning regulations, permitted uses, development standards, and property maintenance requirements while providing clear, solution-oriented guidance.
- Contributed to ordinance updates, Master Plan discussions, and departmental modernization initiatives by providing practical insights based on operational experience.
- Mentored junior staff, providing guidance on best practices in project coordination and management.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes.
Engineering and Land Use Secretary / Deputy Zoning Official
RARITAN TOWNSHIP
09.2014 - 04.2019
- Coordinated all administrative functions of Land Use Board operations, including agenda preparation, application processing, meeting packets, public notices, and maintenance of official records in compliance with municipal and state requirements.
- Served as the primary point of contact for Planning and Zoning inquiries, providing guidance to residents, applicants, engineers, and attorneys regarding ordinance interpretation, application procedures, and meeting schedules.
- Reviewed zoning permit applications for completeness and compliance while conducting research on property history, zoning classifications, variances, and applicable ordinances.
- Managed escrow accounts, tracked resolution compliance, and maintained application status records to support efficient and organized board operations.
- Collaborated with municipal professionals including planners, engineers, and attorneys to coordinate application reviews and ensure regulatory accuracy.
- Implemented improved procedures and standardized workflows that increased operational efficiency, reduced processing errors, and enhanced customer service.
- Maintained OPRA-compliant document management systems, prepared accurate meeting minutes, and supported updates to land use ordinances.
- Assisted in onboarding and training new staff while strengthening communication and coordination among land use, zoning, construction, and engineering departments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology and Labor Relations
Rutgers University
New Brunswick01-2012
Skills
- Pipeline development
- Stakeholder management
- Social media marketing
- Organizational development
- Relationship building
- New business development
- Business development and planning
- Business development
- Event planning
- Performance metrics
- Process improvement
Affiliations
- Elected Board Chair — New Jersey Association of Planning & Zoning Administrators (NJAPZA)
- Somerset County Business Partnership — 40 Under 40 Honoree (2022)
Certification
- Certified Zoning Official — Rutgers Center for Government Services
- Certified Planning and Zoning Board Secretary — Rutgers Center for Government Services
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) — In Progress, International Economic Development
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in municipal operations, zoning administration, economic development, and cross-departmental coordination.
- Direct support to Mayors, Township Administrators, department heads, and Governing Bodies, including high-level reporting, policy execution, and strategic initiative management.
- Proven track record in implementing municipal policies, updating procedures, and overseeing day-to-day departmental functions to improve efficiency and service delivery.
- Extensive experience in economic development, business retention, stakeholder engagement, and community program development with measurable outcomes.
- Successfully led Hillsborough Township to the highest Sustainable Jersey certification in its history through strategic planning, documentation management, and interagency collaboration.
- Advanced knowledge of zoning, land use law, board procedures, Master Plans, redevelopment research, and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent public communication, staff coordination, and constituent service skills, with the ability to handle sensitive issues, complex inquiries, and high-volume operations.
- Strong administrative competencies including budgeting, grant management, strategic planning, personnel support, and project oversight.
- Skilled in digital platforms, municipal software, data tracking, and process optimization to modernize and streamline township functions.
Languages
Slovak
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Economic & Business Development Director | Deputy Zoning Officer
HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP
10.2022 - Current
Zoning Official & Property Maintenance Inspector (Part-Time)
BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP
05.2021 - Current
Land Use Coordinator / Zoning Official / Property Maintenance Inspector
BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP
04.2019 - 09.2022
Engineering and Land Use Secretary / Deputy Zoning Official
RARITAN TOWNSHIP
09.2014 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Science - Psychology and Labor Relations
Rutgers University