James M. Rutala, Principal of Rutala Associates LLC, is a driving force behind transformative change in Atlantic City and beyond. With expertise in planning, energy, economic development, and management services, his firm has secured over $300 million in grant funding in the last six years, focusing primarily on coastal resiliency projects and infrastructure upgrades.

A visionary leader and economic developer, Mr. Rutala has played a key role in revitalizing Atlantic City, securing funding for projects such as boardwalk reconstruction, improved lighting, and redevelopment of vacant lots. By leveraging public and private innovation funds, he is helping shape a more resilient and vibrant future for the community.

With a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Rutgers University, Mr. Rutala is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and holds a New Jersey Professional Planners License. Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply committed to community service, serving as past chair of the American Red Cross, Chairman of the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation, and Vice Chair of the Atlantic City Community Fund.

Mr. Rutala’s belief in the power of relationships and partnerships has made him a cornerstone of Atlantic City’s progress, demonstrating that collaboration is the key to meaningful and lasting change.

Henrietta Shelton, founder of the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc., has been a tireless advocate for preserving and celebrating African American history and culture in Atlantic City. Established in 1997 alongside her brother, the foundation honors the resilience of African American beachgoers who gathered at Missouri Avenue Beach during segregation, a location that became known as "Chicken Bone Beach." Shelton has reclaimed this once-derogatory nickname, transforming it into a symbol of Atlantic City’s rich culture and enduring spirit.

Under Shelton’s leadership, the foundation has become a beacon of cultural preservation and education. The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Institute teaches young students to play instruments, fostering the next generation of musicians, while the foundation’s beloved summer Jazz concert series on the Boardwalk brings the community together to celebrate the beauty and unity of Atlantic City.

Shelton’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the American Conference on Diversity’s 2011 Humanitarian of the Year Award, the 2020 Arts/Entertainment Award from the Atlantic County Women’s Hall of Fame, and recognition at the NAACP’s annual gala. Her legacy reflects her commitment to ensuring African American history remains an integral part of Atlantic City’s story.

After retiring in 2017 with 41 years of service at the FAA Technical Center, Shelton continues to make an indelible mark through her foundation’s efforts to educate, inspire, and unite the community. Her dedication to preserving the history and culture of Chicken Bone Beach stands as a testament to her vision and passion for honoring Atlantic City’s heritage.

Ralph Hunter, Sr., founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, has dedicated his life to preserving and celebrating Black history in Atlantic City and beyond. His journey began at 35, inspired by his early experiences organizing artifacts for his employer, Herman Blum, a renowned collector. These formative years sparked Hunter’s passion for preserving the stories and artifacts of Black life in America, culminating in a collection that now spans thousands of pieces.

Initially a personal endeavor, Hunter’s collection found its public voice through a mobile museum, eventually leading to the establishment of two permanent locations: the Dr. Martin Luther King Center in Buena Vista Township and the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University in Atlantic City. For over 16 years, these spaces have provided a platform to share the rich and often underrepresented history of African Americans in Southern New Jersey.

Hunter’s vision extends far beyond the museum’s current scope. With only 5% of the collection on display at any time, he dreams of creating a larger edifice in Atlantic City to honor the African American legacy of the city, the county, and the region.

A trailblazer and cultural steward, Hunter’s influence has reached far into the community. His partnership with leaders like Brian Jackson, Chief Operating Officer of Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus, has brought transformative cultural enrichment to the area.

As he looks to the future, Hunter plans to document his remarkable life in an autobiography, ensuring that his legacy and the stories he’s preserved continue to inspire generations to come. Ralph Hunter, Sr. is not only preserving history but shaping the cultural landscape of Atlantic City with unwavering dedication and vision.

Atlantic City is set to welcome a transformative new project led by entrepreneurs and affordable housing advocates Charles Oliver and Adenah Bayoh. With a shared commitment to urban redevelopment and community impact, they are teaming up to deliver approximately 70 single-family homes that will revitalize neighborhoods and generate meaningful economic opportunities for local residents.

Oliver and Bayoh’s work focuses on reimagining communities through collaborative development that prioritizes health, safety, and well-being. Their latest project, The Shelia, embodies these principles as an affordable, 55+ age-restricted housing development located at 916 Arctic Avenue in Atlantic City. Designed to address the city’s urgent need for senior housing, The Shelia offers 87 units for households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), creating a safe, beautiful, and cost-effective living environment for seniors.

The six-story, 115,000-square-foot development integrates thoughtful design with modern amenities. Residents will enjoy spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units equipped with stainless steel appliances, open layouts, and contemporary finishes. Additional features include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a health care suite, a community room with outdoor access, and sustainable design elements that meet LEED Silver and Energy Star certifications.

Oliver and Bayoh’s vision extends beyond housing, incorporating wrap-around supportive services coordinated by local nonprofit organizations. These programs include case management, health care monitoring, transportation, and recreational activities, enabling seniors to maintain independence while accessing resources to age in place.

Located in the heart of downtown Atlantic City, The Shelia is ideally situated near employment centers, healthcare facilities, and retail and recreation amenities, ensuring residents have everything they need within walking distance.

By focusing on urban redevelopment that centers community perspectives and measurable impact, Charles Oliver and Adenah Bayoh are setting a new standard for development in Atlantic City. Their commitment to building vibrant, equitable neighborhoods reflects their belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. Through projects like The Shelia, they are transforming vacant lots into thriving spaces that inspire pride and opportunity for all.

Evan Sanchez and Zenith Shah are business partners, entrepreneurs, and community visionaries dedicated to Atlantic City’s long-term renaissance. Together, they co-founded Authentic City Partners (ACP) in 2016, spearheading transformative development projects like the Orange Loop, which revitalizes the beach blocks of New York Avenue, St. James Place, and Tennessee Avenue. Their work focuses on creating spaces that unify, inspire, and contribute to Atlantic City’s growth while celebrating its rich diversity.

Evan Sanchez, born in Atlantic City and raised in Pleasantville, began his entrepreneurial journey at Columbia University, where he co-founded Olo, now an industry leader in digital ordering and delivery. After a decade of leadership roles at Olo, he returned to Atlantic City in 2015 to focus on community-building initiatives. Evan has been deeply involved in local nonprofits, serving as Board President for the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and the Atlantic City Community Fund. His latest endeavor, the ThriveAC Fund, commits $1 million over five years to support nonprofits working toward a stable and vibrant Atlantic City.

Zenith Shah, born in Surat, India, and raised in Atlantic City, graduated from Drexel University and built a successful career at BlackRock, where he held leadership positions in Portfolio Compliance. In 2016, he returned home to co-found ACP and champion community-driven development projects. Zenith also serves as Financial Advisor for The Leadership Studio of Atlantic City, a nonprofit advancing the physical, economic, and spiritual well-being of local residents through partnerships and programming.

With projects like Hayday Coffee, Cardinal, and The Leadership Building, Evan and Zenith are fostering a sense of community and purpose in Atlantic City. Their shared belief in the city’s potential and their commitment to celebrating its diversity drive their mission to build a brighter, more sustainable future.

Through their work, Evan and Zenith embody the spirit of Atlantic City as a place where vision, grit, and community come together to create opportunities and inspire progress.

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