Murphy aide headed to Department of Higher Education

A senior counsel to  Gov. Phil Murphy will shift jobs next week, with Katie Comanto set to become the new Deputy Secretary of the New Jersey Department of Higher Education on Monday.

She will replace Diana Gonzalez, who left at the end of last year to join McKinsey & Company, a national consulting firm who has done extensive work for state government in New Jersey.

“Over the last two and a half years, Katie’s legal counsel on education-related issues has been invaluable, particularly as our schools and colleges have dealt with the tremendous challenges brought by a global pandemic,” Murphy said.  “I am confident that Katie’s experience, coupled with her dedication and passion for higher education, will allow her to bring a unique perspective to her new role as Deputy Secretary of Higher Education.”

Comanto has spent the last 2 ½ years working for chief counsels Matt Platkin and Parimal Garg.  She had previously been a law clerk to Essex County Superior Court Assignment Judge Sallyanne Floria and an associate at a Westfield firm.

“After a thorough and competitive search, it is my pleasure to welcome Katie to our humble but mighty team.  Katie’s experience working at the Governor’s Office and her familiarity with New Jersey’s education landscape will allow her to hit the ground running,” said Dr. Brian Bridges, the Secretary of Higher Education.  “I look forward to achieving our statewide attainment goals and student-centric vision for higher education together.”

After growing up in Bergen County, Comanto attended The College of New Jersey and Seton Hall Law School, where she was a research assistant to Professor Paul Franzese, a longtime player in New Jersey politics.

“I am truly passionate about higher education in New Jersey and the countless opportunities it offers students and families,” Comanto explained.  “I am honored to serve as Deputy Secretary and look forward to advancing the Governor’s groundbreaking higher education agenda alongside the incomparable team at the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.”