Bob Hugin comes from humble beginnings. He was the first in his family to attend college. Today he is the former CEO of Celgene, a pharmaceutical company with operations in 50 countries, and is looking to give back by running to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.

“It’s all about New Jersey first with me,” Hugin said in an interview with The Jewish Link. “I’m a collaborator who wants to work with people to get things done. I will stand up for what’s in New Jersey’s best interest and oppose anything that’s not.”

Hugin is running as a Republican against the incumbent, Democrat Bob Menendez. Sharing different viewpoints on a number of topics, Hugin said he intends to stay true to himself and his beliefs, much of which he learned and internalized during his seven-year service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“One of the most important things I learned during my service was selfless leadership,” Hugin explained. “Setting a common objective, the best way to achieve it is to work together and help others be successful. You’ll be successful if you can help others be successful. Throughout my life, it’s never been ‘I did this,’ but ‘we did this.’”

After the military, Hugin pursued a career in business where he found success at Celgene Corporation. At the time he joined the company, Celgene had roughly 200 employees and less than six weeks of cash on which to run itself. Through Hugin’s leadership and insight, he managed to turn the company into one of New Jersey’s largest private-sector employers. Celgene is now known by many as a pioneer in the fight against cancer and chronic illnesses, thanks in part to Hugin’s contributions. Forbes even listed it on their 2017 list of the “World’s Best Employers.” Hugin worked with Celgene for 19 years prior to his retirement earlier this year.

“I am extremely proud of my team and its accomplishments,” Hugin shared. “At Celgene, it didn’t matter what your title was, we all came together and lived it. Working there and contributing to its success was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Hugin serves on the board of trustees of Family Promise, the Darden Foundation at UVA and Princeton University, both universities he attended. Outside of his busy schedule, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathy, to whom he has been married for 30 years. Together, they raised three children: Hilary, Robbie and Mac. Hilary currently works with Chobani as a manager of media investments and connections planning, while Robbie and Mac both are officers in the U.S. Marine Corps.

When it comes to his stance on foreign policy, Hugin wants the community to know that he is a strong supporter of Israel and that he has been vocal about his support of Jerusalem being its capital. Hugin even has longstanding ties to Israel through his partner and colleague from Celgene, Dr. Sol Barer, who now serves as the chairman of Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

“I am loudly and proudly a strong supporter of Israel,” Hugin noted. “There will be no loss of support for Israel if I’m elected.”

This year’s Election Day will take place on November 6. In recent presidential elections New Jersey has leaned Democrat, but also has elected a number of Republican officials. To register to vote, visit https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote.

By Adam Samuel

�Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at adamssoapbox.com.