Governor Murphy Names Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti as Chief of Staff

Governor Murphy Names Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti as Chief of Staff

Governor Phil Murphy 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.

Gutierrez-Scaccetti comes to this role with over 40 years of experience in public service including 21 years at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, 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.

“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.”

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.

As NJDOT Commissioner, Gutierrez-Scaccetti has managed the largest-ever capital program in state history, awarded significant construction contracts and agreements, and supported communities during the pandemic with mobile vaccination efforts and charitable drives. In her capacity as NJDOT Commissioner, she serves as Chair of NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the NJ Transportation Trust Fund Authority, and Vice Chair of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Gutierrez-Scaccetti holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science degree from Rutgers University.