Governor Phil Murphy has named New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti as his next Chief of Staff.
Gutierrez-Scaccetti will succeed the Governor’s longtime Chief of Staff George Helmy, who is scheduled to leave the Governor’s office at the end of the month. Gutierrez-Scaccetti will begin her new role on Monday, October 2, 2023 and will continue to serve as NJDOT Commissioner until January.
“Diane has been a dedicated member of our Administration since day one and I am looking forward to welcoming her to our senior leadership team in the Governor’s Office,” said Governor Murphy. “She has built an impressive track record leading the Department of Transportation and has earned the respect of legislators and elected officials across the state. Having worked with her for six years, I know that her experience and skillset make her the ideal choice to lead our entire Administration.”
“I am honored that Governor Murphy has entrusted me to serve as his next Chief of Staff,” said incoming Chief of Staff Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “I had the privilege of working with George Helmy closely on transportation and infrastructure policy and am grateful to him for his four and a half years of service in this role. I am committed to continuing to build on the Governor’s achievements on behalf of the people of New Jersey.”
Gutierrez-Scaccetti comes to this role with over 40 years of experience in public service. She spent 21 years at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, where she rose in the ranks from Contract Administrator to Executive Director. During her tenure, she oversaw administrative operations, led negotiations with collective bargaining units, and played key roles in initiatives such as E-ZPass System remediation and the consolidation of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and New Jersey Highway Authority.
Prior to becoming the Commissioner of the NJDOT, she served as the Executive Director and CEO at Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, where she managed more than 460 centerline miles and a five-year capital program.
“Governor Murphy made an excellent selection. Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has proven to be a highly-skilled public official who has succeeded as New Jersey’s Transportation Commissioner – one of the most demanding and consequential positions in state government,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari.
“Her strengths as a strong and effective manager who works constructively with legislators will continue to be an asset as the chief of staff. As a Latina, Diane’s appointment demonstrates further the value of diversity in positions of influence. We are confident that legislative leaders will continue to have a productive working relationship with the Governor’s top aide as we work to move New Jersey forward,” said Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz.
