Zakiya Smith Ellis Archives - New Jersey Globe

Helmy joining Murphy campaign for final stretch, resigning as chief of staff

October 13, 2021 11:00 amOctober 14, 2021 4:31 pm

George Helmy is resigning as the Gov. Phil Murphy’s chief of staff and will work full-time on the governor’s re-election campaign for the final 18 days, the New Jersey Globe has learned. “Though a final decision has not been made,...

Murphy declines to say if he told cabinet to stay for remainder of term or hit the road

December 2, 2020 3:01 pmDecember 2, 2020 9:23 pm

Gov. Phil Murphy declined to say whether the members of his cabinet had been advised to leave the administration now if they did not intend to serve through 2021. “I can’t speak for the entire cabinet or team, but we’ve...

United Negro College Fund official is Murphy’s pick for secretary of higher education

October 30, 2020 11:28 amOctober 30, 2020 5:43 pm

United Negro College Fund Vice President of Research and Member Engagement Brian Bridges is Gov. Phil Murphy’s pick for the next secretary of higher education, the governor announced Friday. “Dr. Brian Bridges has the vision and experience needed to put...

Ex-Murphy aide now working at Amazon

August 9, 2020 4:06 pm

Kathleen Frangione, who stepped down as Gov. Phil Murphy’ chief policy advisor in May, has landed at Amazon. She is working on environmental policy for online retail giant, according to her LinkedIn page. Amazon announced in June that they had...

Search is on to replace Repollet, Smith Ellis, Murphy says

June 3, 2020 1:54 pm

The search has to replace the two top education officials in Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration is underway, the governor said Wednesday. “We will endeavor as soon as we can, but we want to do it right as opposed to just...

Murphy names Smith Ellis as his new chief policy advisor

June 3, 2020 9:30 am

Gov. Phil Murphy has named one of his cabinet members, Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, as his new chief policy advisor, a senior staff position with wide-ranging influence over the governor’s entire agenda as the state looks to rebound from the...

Murphy announces free college program

February 26, 2020 1:17 pm

Gov. Phil Murphy is moving to fund tuition for needy students attending the state’s four-year universities. On Wednesday, Murphy announced the Garden State Guarantee initiative, which would provide $50 million to cover tuition for the first two years of a...