Four posts that were considered cabinet-level under Gov. Chris Christie have still not been filled by Gov.-elect Phil Murphy: Secretary of Higher Education, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, and Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority.
These positions are technically not cabinet offices — the state abolished the Chancellor of Higher Education and Commissioner of Personnel departments years ago — but governors are free to recognize a multitude of state officials with cabinet rank. It’s not yet clear where Murphy will go with this.
The new Governor is expected to replace Civil Service Commission chairman Bob Czech and EDA boss Melissa Orsen. Some Democrats believe Rochelle Hendricks has a shot at continuing to run the small higher education department.
President Trump nominated Raymond Martinez, Christie’s MVC chief, to serve as Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration last November. He is awaiting U.S. Senate confirmation.