The diary title says it all. I'll be honest - I have no idea whether this is 1) normal mid-summer chamges; or 2) a sign that the internal folks who are leaving don't think Christie has enough of a chance to be president to make it worthwhile to stick around. It is rare for NJ to have such a large exodus at one time.
I have inserted the official memo below. However, I deleted a substantial part of the personal background info about the individuals.
From: Gov News [mailto:Gov.News@nj.gov]
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2015 3:35 PM
To: Gov News
Subject: Governor Christie Announces Departure of Three Long-Serving Cabinet Officials
Governor Christie Announces Departure of Three Long-Serving Cabinet Officials
Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd and Banking Commissioner Ken Kobylowski To Move On After Years Of Service
For Immediate Release Contact: Kevin Roberts
Monday, June 22, 2015 Brian Murray
609-777-2600
Trenton, NJ – Working to ensure state government continues to deliver results and reform for the people of New Jersey, Governor Christie today announced the departure of three long-serving cabinet members, along with new leaders for those posts. State Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd and Banking and Insurance Commissioner Ken Kobylowski will leave the administration over the next several weeks.
“I want to personally thank these three talented and dedicated individuals for their service to this administration and to the citizens of New Jersey,” said Governor Christie. “Acting on some of the most challenging issues facing our state, each has responded with utmost professionalism in working on solutions that have balanced six state budgets and provided a framework for long-term pension reform; ensured that residents have the healthcare access they need through our health care delivery system; and protected consumers by calling for more accountability from insurers. The Garden State is a much better place because of their hard work and I wish Andrew, Mary and Ken all the best in their future endeavors.”
In addition to the changes in these departments, the Governor also is announcing the formal nomination of Elizabeth Connolly as Commissioner of the Department of Human Services. Connolly became Acting Commissioner on February 28, 2015. ... Prior to her nomination as Commissioner, Connolly most recently was the department’s Chief of Staff.
Department of Treasury:
Nominated by Governor Christie and confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate on February 22, 2010, Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff has been responsible for managing a state department with more than ten divisions, almost 3,100 employees, and an annual operating budget of $200 million.
During his tenure, Sidamon-Eristoff oversaw the development, adoption and management of six balanced State budgets with substantially reduced reliance on nonrecurring revenues at a time of continuing fiscal challenge. He played a major role in developing and negotiating Governor Christie’s landmark 2011 pensions and health benefits reforms, which reduced unfunded liabilities and will save more than $120 billion in pension costs over 30 years and $3.1 billion in health care costs over 10 years.
. . .
Deputy Treasurer Robert A. Romano will become Acting Treasurer. As Deputy State Treasurer, Romano is active in the management and operation of all Treasury activities, advising the Treasurer on issues related to procurement, pension and benefits, property management, public finance and lottery. Romano has twenty years of experience with the Department of Law & Public Safety’s Division of Law. . . .
Department of Health:
Mary E. O’Dowd first joined the Department of Health in January 2008 as Chief of Staff, subsequently serving as Deputy Commissioner for a year prior to becoming Commissioner in April 2011. During her tenure, she has been responsible for a staff of more than 1,200 and a budget of $1.9 billion.
. . .
O’Dowd led the Department’s response and recovery efforts during a number of unprecedented emergent events including: Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy and the West African Ebola epidemic. . . .
Department of Banking and Insurance:
Governor Christie nominated Ken Kobylowski to serve as Commissioner of Banking and Insurance on January 30, 2012 and was confirmed by the Senate on December 20, 2012. Kobylowski joined the Department as Chief of Staff in February 2010 and took on the additional role of Acting Director of Banking in October 2011.
. . .
During his tenure, Kobylowski has served as Chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s (NAIC) Financial Stability Task Force as well as a member of NAIC’s International Relations Committee and Financial Conditions Committee. He has also served on NAIC’S Executive Committee as Chair of the Northeast Zone. Additionally, Mr. Kobylowski represents the NAIC on the International Association of Insurance Supervisors’ (IAIS) Executive Committee and Financial Stability Committee. He was also appointed by the Governor to serve on the State Employees’ Health Benefits Plan Design Committee and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Plan Design Committee.
. . .
Governor Christie will nominate Richard J. Badolato to replace Kobylowski as Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. Badolato is a partner at the law firm of Connell Foley in Roseland. . . .
www.nj.gov/governor/