Senator Michael Testa (R-1) has hired Robert Geist to be his new chief of staff.

Mr. Geist previously worked for long-time South Jersey Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-2^nd) first, as his press secretary in Washington D.C. from 2001-04 and later as the Congressman’s local field representative from 2011-16.

“I am honored to again be in a position to serve the people of Southern New Jersey and pleased to do so for an elected official of Sen. Testa’s quality, principle and drive,” said Mr. Geist. “Michael Testa is the kind of person we all hope seeks office and that is a valuable asset for all of the residents of the First Legislative District. I thank him for asking me to join his outstanding team.”

Mr. Geist has also worked as the Press Director for Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin and, most recently, in the Assembly Republican Office as a Legislative Adviser. As Congressman LoBiondo’s field representative, he took on the leadership of the Congressman’s local outreach response to Superstorm Sandy where the Congressman helped the region recover from the storm’s effects and pushed back on the federal government’s flawed rewrite of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance program.

“Rob has a wide range of experience and skills in government and public service here in South Jersey which will help me and my entire team to better serve our counties and communities,” said Sen. Testa. “I look forward to working with him to continue to stand up for our principles and priorities in Trenton and to help me bring some much-needed South Jersey common-sense to the capital.”

Mr. Geist is an alumnus of Drew University.