Gov. Phil Murphy has picked Tim Sullivan, who works for Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy, to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Sullivan is the Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development; before that, he was chief of staff to New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development when Michael Bloomberg was mayor.
Malloy is one of the nation’s least popular governors, with an upside-down 24%-68% approval rating that is largely a result of how voters view his handling of economic issues in Connecticut. He announced last year that he would not seek re-election in 2018.
Still, the Murphy administration included a statement from Malloy in their announcement of Sullivan.
“Tim Sullivan has been an incredible asset to Connecticut and an instrumental member of my team,” Malloy said. “During his tenure in my administration, Tim has spearheaded efforts to revitalize our urban centers. Thanks to his efforts, new, innovative businesses are once again growing, and more communities are thriving. His breadth of knowledge and experience in both the public and private sector has translated into real, tangible results for growing jobs and strengthening our economy.”
The post does not require Senate confirmation, but must be approved by the EDA board – which is typically done at the governor’s request. Murphy has signed an Executive Order initiating an audit of the EDA. During Gov. Chris Christie’s first term, the post was held by one of his top aides, Michelle Brown.