Sam Parker will serve as chief of staff to newly appointed Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, according to a Monday announcement. Parker currently serves as Gov. Phil Murphy’s director of appointments and will continue to serve the Governor’s Office in this capacity while holding the title of chief of staff to the lieutenant governor.
“Since 2021, Sam has served in my administration with fierce dedication and a steadfast commitment to furthering progress in the state,” Murphy said “Together, we have made significant strides in advancing our shared mission to ensure that our judiciary, as well as all appointed positions, reflect the rich diversity of our state. I am confident that her counsel and guidance will continue to be a tremendous asset to my partner in government as we move forward in this new chapter.”
“As I begin my role as lieutenant governor, I will work tirelessly each day on behalf of New Jersey’s residents, building upon Sheila Oliver’s remarkable legacy,” Way said. “I look forward to working with Sam and thank her for joining me in this journey. I trust that her breadth of experience working in the administration and background working in New Jersey will further our work to build a stronger and fairer state for every family.”
“It is a tremendous privilege to take on this new role and to continue the work of this administration, and the vision set out by the late Lt. Gov. Oliver,” Parker said. “Serving this state has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I look forward to continuing this work alongside the lieutenant governor.”
Parker is an organizational and political professional with extensive experience in strategic planning, civic engagement and collaborative partnership building. Before joining the Murphy administration in March 2021, she served as the development and political affairs director for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.
Parker also worked as U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone’s deputy campaign director in 2013 and as deputy field director for the New Jersey State Democratic Committee’s Victory Campaign in 2012.
Prior to her return to her home state in 2012, Parker worked for organizations such as the National LGBTQ Task Force, Human Rights Campaign, EqualityMaine and Equality North Carolina on LGBT+ issue campaigns all over the country.
