U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today applauded the appointment of Raphael Chavez-Fernandez as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Before joining the Biden Administration, Chavez-Fernandez led the Senator’s two New Jersey offices as State Director since 2019.

“Raphael Chavez-Fernandez led my New Jersey team through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and helped ensure our communities, hospitals, small businesses, and residents received the federal resources they needed to survive the health and economic crises,” said Menendez. “As State Director, Raphael brought fresh ideas and a new approach to meet the challenges we faced and deliver for the people of New Jersey. His service to me and the Garden State in multiple capacities over the years is remarkable. Although my staff and I are sad to see him go, I am proud of all Raphael has achieved, and know he will work hard in his new role on behalf of our nation’s veterans.”

Before serving as the Senator’s State Director, Chavez-Fernandez served as deputy campaign manager during the Senator’s 2018 campaign where he played an integral role in helping the Senator secure a decisive victory and a third full-term in the United States Senate. From 2013 to 2016, he worked as a trusted advisor in the Senator’s Newark office and as his head of Hispanic community outreach. In between stints in the Senator’s office, Chavez-Fernandez spent three years as a senior associate at a global public strategy and consulting firm.

The Senator’s South Jersey Director Frank Schultz will serve as interim State Director until a permanent replacement is announced.