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(Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a statement from the governor’s office.)
Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has resigned as Gov. Phil Murphy’s chief of staff, bringing an end to her brief but successful career.
The governor’s office announced in a news release Tuesday that Tim Hillmann, currently deputy chief of staff to the governor, will become chief of staff later this summer and confirmed that Gutierrez-Scassetti will be leaving.
“Diane Gutierrez-Scassetti has done an outstanding job as my chief of staff over the past year,” Murphy said in the release. “From negotiating the reauthorization of the Transportation Trust Fund to working with partners in the Legislature to successfully craft the FY2025 budget, Diane brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to our team. I am asking her to continue to serve as a senior advisor to our administration to help address some of our most pressing and challenging operational challenges – such as large infrastructure projects and complex, cross-departmental initiatives. I thank Diane for serving as chief of staff and look forward to her continuing to play a senior role on my team.”
Hillman was considered a candidate for the position last fall when Gutierrez-Scassetti was selected to succeed George Helmy.
Murphy continued, “Tim has been a valued member of my team since 2019 and has successfully overseen our Legislative Affairs, Intergovernmental Affairs, Appointments and Constituent Relations teams. I am excited for him to lead our team in the Governor’s Office and advance our mission of building a stronger, fairer and more affordable New Jersey.”
Gutierrez-Scassetti has been chief of staff for less than a year. She took the job last October, replacing Helmey, who left for the private sector to work at RWJBarnabas Health (though Helmey still maintains a strong influence in the administration).
At the time, Gutierrez-Scassetti was serving as state commissioner transportation DepartmentShe held both positions until late January, when Murphy named Fran O’Connor as her successor at the Department of Transportation.
Her role as chief of staff was full of highlights.
The Gateway Tunnel received a full funding agreement from the federal government on Monday, the final tranche of financing for the largest transportation legacy project she has worked on as chief of staff and transportation commissioner.
Gutierrez-Scassetti also worked to extend the Transportation Trust Fund for five years with bipartisan support. The measure would ensure the state continues to have millions of dollars to invest in necessary infrastructure projects.
Last month, Gutierrez-Scassetti was part of a team that helped pass the state budget at an unprecedented speed and without a ripple.
Gutierrez-Scassetti, who was born in New Jersey and received a master’s degree from Rutgers University in 1987, worked at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority for more than 20 years. She served as executive director from 2008 to 2010, when she left the position during the administration’s change of administration when Chris Christie was governor.
Gutierrez-Scacetti served as director of the Florida Turnpike Authority for more than six years before Murphy appointed her as one of the first members of his Cabinet.
She was heard several times to say she was eternally grateful to the governor for giving her the opportunity to live near her mother in her later years.
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