Governor Phil Murphy today announced that Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs Justin Braz will serve as the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Assistant Commissioner for Transportation Policy and Chief of Staff. At NJDOT, Braz will work to further the department’s mission to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for residents and the traveling public while stimulating development and economic growth. Braz will begin his new role at NJDOT in July.

“From the first days of my Administration, Justin has served our state with a deep sense of purpose and drive to move New Jersey forward,” said Governor Murphy. “Justin’s strong relationships with the Legislature and our union partners, coupled with his unmistakable tenacity, helped advance hundreds of pieces of vital legislation to my desk. I am confident that as Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff, Justin will use his talents and extensive knowledge of state government to oversee critical infrastructure projects to secure New Jersey’s transportation future.”

“Justin will serve as a tremendous asset to NJDOT,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “His commitment to public service and to bettering the lives of New Jerseyans will continue to benefit our state as he takes on this new role. I look forward to working with him as we continue to enhance and revitalize New Jersey’s transportation system.”

“Serving the people of New Jersey as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Murphy has been an incredible honor,”  said incoming NJDOT Assistant Commissioner Justin Braz. “I am extremely grateful and proud to have played a part in the progress we have made as an Administration to build a stronger, fairer state and to better the lives of every New Jerseyan. I look forward to continuing this important work at the Department of Transportation and thank the Governor and Commissioner for their trust.”

Braz previously served as Senior Advisor to Murphy for Governor and the New Jersey Democratic State Committee 2021, Labor Director for Victory 2017, and was Chief of Staff to Assembly Budget Chairman Gary S. Schaer from 2013 until August 2017. He also was the New Jersey Political Coordinator for 1199 SEIU and Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. Braz is a national board member and a founding member of the New Jersey Chapter of the New Leaders Council, a leadership and professional development organization. He is the current Chairman of the State House Commission as the Governor’s representative. Braz is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University.