Binder sworn in as treasurer; names leadership team

Treasurer Aaron Binder was sworn into office on Tuesday, a week after his unanimous confirmation by the state Senate.

Binder officially takes office a week before Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s inaugural budget address, and he will be tasked with steering the Treasury through what is expected to be a tricky budget season.

“With one of the broadest mandates of any State department, much of Treasury’s work is effectuated by public servants who bring a strong work ethic and a customer service-focused approach to solving problems,” Binder said in a release. “I’m proud to have built a team with a deep collective understanding of Treasury’s multi-faceted mission.”

Binder named Kavin Mistry as deputy state treasurer. Mistry worked in the Department of Law and Public Safety for nearly 25 years, including as deputy attorney general and a stint leading the Financial Affairs Practice Group. He also hired Dennis Zeveloff, a chief policy adviser to former Gov. Phil Murphy, as his senior adviser.

Robert M. Joyce will serve as the Treasury’s chief of staff after more than 25 years at the Division of Taxation. He began at the U.S. Economic Development Authority.

Keith White, most recently a senior adviser to former Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo, joined as an assistant treasurer and will oversee legislative affairs and constituent relations. Jo-Ann Povia will also join as an assistant treasurer after eight years as the Treasury’s chief of staff and will oversee the Division of Property Management and Construction. Michael Kanef and Andrea Spalla will remain in their roles as assistant treasurers.

Jennifer Sciortino will remain deputy chief of staff, and Deborah DePiano will continue as director of legislative affairs and constituent relations.

Darryl Isherwood will remain director of communications, and Danielle Currie will continue as deputy director of communications. Sharon Alessi, who has worked for the department for more than 40 years, will continue as an assistant.