MAD Global Strategy Taps New Jersey Department of Transportation Assistant Commissioner Justin Braz
| MAD Global Strategy Taps New Jersey Department of Transportation Assistant Commissioner Justin Braz
Braz to head up MAD Global’s Trenton lobbying operation, building on the firm’s bipartisan credentials |
| Summit, NJ – MAD Global Strategy, a leading bipartisan public affairs firm, announced today that New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff Justin Braz will be joining the firm as Managing Director. Braz will head up MAD Global’s Trenton lobbying operation.
“For over six years, Justin Braz has served as a close advisor who has helped me skillfully navigate some of our toughest challenges,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “From serving on my 2017 campaign to his role as Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs in the Governor’s Office to his position as Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff at the Department of Transportation, Justin has built a reputation across New Jersey as a dedicated and honest broker trusted by legislators, labor, and business leaders alike. Although we’ll miss him in the Murphy Administration, I’ll continue to rely on his wise counsel and wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter.”
“MAD Global Strategy is building the premier team of trusted advisors, the next generation of top tier talent in public affairs,” said Mike DuHaime, Founder and CEO, MAD Global. “Justin is exactly the kind of dynamic young leader we need to elevate our organization.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Justin Braz to MAD Global Strategy,” said Laura Matos, Partner, MAD Global. “Justin is a well-respected professional, with a deep understanding of public policy and how state government impacts families and businesses. He is a significant addition to our team as we continue to grow our portfolio and build a world-class team of strategists.”
Prior to NJDOT, Braz served as Governor Murphy’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs. He also 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 was the former Chairman of the State House Commission as Governor Murphy’s representative. He currently serves as the Governor’s representative on the Rowan College at Burlington County’s Board of Trustees and as a Member of the Bordentown City Planning and Zoning Board. Braz is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University.
“I am humbled by Mike, Laura and the entire team’s faith in me and am excited to join such a talented, bipartisan team of proven leaders,” said Justin Braz. “Over a decade ago, I entered the public sector believing in government’s ability to faithfully serve the best interests of the people. That conviction endures thanks to the many exceptional individuals with whom I have had the honor of working, including, of course, Governor Murphy and Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti. I look forward to putting my background and experience to work alongside the team at MAD Global Strategy and continuing to help solve complex problems here in New Jersey and beyond.”
MAD Global is a bipartisan public affairs firm with professionals who have worked at the highest level of U.S. politics, government, and journalism, providing solutions for clients that span across a wide range of industries including healthcare, energy, sports, and tech. The firm has offices in New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington state. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former U.S. Senator Jeff Chiesa and former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino serve as members of MAD Global’s advisory board.
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