Sam Parker will be Lt. Governor’s chief of staff

Sam Parker will serve as chief of staff to New Jersey’s new lieutenant governor, Tahesha Way, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed.

Parker will remain as Gov. Phil Murphy’s director of appointments while pulling double duty as the Lt. Governor’s top staffer.

Jasaun Boone will remain as chief of staff to the Secretary of State; he’s held that post since Way joined the cabinet in 2018.

Parker was the development and political affairs director for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide prior to joining the Murphy administration in March 2021.

She served as deputy field director for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee Victory Campaign in 2012 and as deputy campaign manager for Rep. Frank Pallone’s bid for a U.S. Senate seat in a 2013 special Democratic primary.   Parker was the development director for the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters from 2014 to 2015.

The Teaneck native has also worked for political causes in other states.  She was the Maine Citizens for Clean Elections program director, the Equality North Carolina field director, and held posts with Equality Maine.

Way was sworn in as New Jersey’s third lieutenant governor on Friday.   Murphy named her to replace Sheila Oliver, who died on August 1.

Update – at 6:05 PM, Gov. Murphy and Lt. Governor Way announced Parker’s appointment:

Murphy – “Since 2021, Sam has served in my Administration with fierce dedication and a steadfast commitment to furthering progress in the state.  Together, we have made significant strides in advancing our shared mission to ensure that our judiciary, as well as all appointed positions, reflect the rich diversity of our state. I am confident that her counsel and guidance will continue to be a tremendous asset to my partner in government as we move forward in this new chapter.”

Way – “As I begin my role as Lieutenant Governor, I will work each day on behalf of New Jersey’s residents, building upon Sheila Oliver’s remarkable legacy.  I look forward to working with Sam and thank her for joining me in this journey. I trust that her breadth of experience working in the Administration and background working in New Jersey will further our work to build a stronger and fairer state for every family.”

Parker – “It is a tremendous privilege to take on this new role and to continue the work of this Administration, and the vision set out by the late Lieutenant Governor Oliver.  Serving this state has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I look forward to continuing this work alongside the Lieutenant Governor. Lieutenant Governor Way is not only a role model for young women throughout the state, but a tremendous advocate for all of New Jersey’s families.”