Rooney names new chief of staff

Assemblyman Kevin Rooney (R-Wyckoff) is getting his third chief of staff after just three years in the New Jersey Legislature.

Christopher Orlando, the director of constituent relations and social media for Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (R-Middletown), has assumed the top post on Rooney’s legislative staff.

“I am proud to announce Christopher as my new chief of staff. He brings years of experience working in state government and within the communities he has served in,” said Rooney “I look forward to working with Christopher for the benefit of the 40th Legislative District and all of New Jersey.”

Orlando replaces Ishan Shah, who has taken a job in the government affairs office of Quest Diagnostics.

Rooney was elected to the Assembly in a November 2016 special election convention after Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) resigned to become a Superior Court Judge.

His first chief of staff, Amy Johnson, left to take a job with a New York law firm.

“I am honored to be named Assemblyman Rooney’s chief of staff,” said Orlando, a Little Falls resident.  “Assemblyman Rooney has served his community for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the legislature with creative solutions to help New Jersey families.”

Handlin did not seek re-election to an eighth term this year.