State government veteran Rosa Farias has been named the new deputy executive director of the New Jersey Senate Majority Office, becoming the first Latina to hold the senior staff post, Senate President Nicholas Scutari announced today.
Previously a senior policy advisor to the Democratic leadership in the upper house, Farias replaced Kevin Duhon, who retired last month.
“Rosa brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having previously served in a leadership role in the Senate,” she said. “Her proven leadership and commitment to public service align seamlessly with the values of the Senate Majority Office, and we are confident that her contributions will greatly enhance our ability to serve the citizens of New Jersey.”
Farias was the deputy executive director of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority before joining the Senate staff. She’s also served as the Senate’s director of urban policy and a research analyst. She was the policy director at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs during Gov. Phil Murphy’s second year in office, working for Lt. Governor/Community Affairs Commissioner Sheila Oliver.
A the start of her career, she worked as a senior management association in Newark’s law department under Mayors Cory Booker, Luis Quintana, and Ras Baraka.
“We are proud to have Rosa ascend into a key leadership role here in the Senate Majority Office,” said Tim Lydon, the executive director. “Her expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to address the critical needs facing our state and enhance the services we provide to our residents.”