When Maxine Ballen saw a missing link in New Jersey she didn't complain. She did something about it. Ballen, founder, president and CEO of the New Jersey Technology Council saw a need in the community for people in technology industries. "I thought we needed one place, a trade association, where people could go to meet other people interested in technology arenas," she said.
 

As CEO and president, she serves as cheerleader for the regions' technology industries and provides access to capital, to each other and to other resources. She created networking opportunities for everyone in the industry to help grow their businesses. As today's economy continues to concern most people, Ballen says she maintains faith that it will rebound. "I am worried that small technology businesses will struggle with access to credit, and that's down the pipeline, but we have programs in place to help educate business owners make better decisions and get access to capital when they need it," she said. Although she admits that her industry used to be better, she said it will regain its strength over time. She has made a habit of having faith in herself and others and acting on instinct, which has serve Ballen and her constituents well.
 

Ballen combined her love of helping people and being involved in non-profit organizations with her need to pay her own bills and succeed in business. The New Jersey Technology Council serves as both. It invests money in businesses to grow and makes money in return, but it also serves as a resource for business owners. "I've always enjoyed having my feet planted firmly in both sides," she said. Ballen coined the phrase "social work for profit" for what she does. "It's feeling good everyday that I've made a difference and having the opportunity of making money while doing it," Ballen said. She has a long history of helping people, and her education began with helping others mentally and emotionally.
 

Ballen graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelors in sociology and psychology and went on to earn her graduate degree in clinical psychology from Suffolk University in Boston. She also completed Wharton's management certificate program.

This educated, successful woman attributes her success to the art of listening, which she says she learned by studying psychology and in real time experience in business. "It helps you realize what you have to offer and what other people need. It's critical to listen and actually hear what others have to say," she said.
 

Listening to others isn't all that Ballen does that helps her in business. She also follows her intuition. "I've had missteps, but I listen to myself, and if it feels right, it usually is," Ballen said.
 

With her team of 14 employees, Ballen has been able to put technological industries on the map in New Jersey. "Not just me, but we have had a significant role in helping position New Jersey as a destination for technology," she said.
 

Ballen plans to continue bringing people in the technology industry together and forging her love of helping others with her drive to success.

When not hard at work, she spends time with her husband, who is an attorney in family law, her two stepdaughters and three grandchildren.

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