Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Kevin Jarvis as her nominee to be the next commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
As commissioner, Jarvis will lead efforts to expand access to workforce training programs, facilitate higher education and business partnerships and pathways, improve the quality and efficiency of government services, increase career opportunities for individuals with disabilities and continue to protect New Jersey workers.
Jarvis previously practiced labor law — including contract negotiations, grievances and arbitration hearings, unfair labor practice matters and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) litigation — as a partner with the Firm of O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky.
“Kevin’s depth of experience advocating for the rights of New Jersey’s workers makes him an ideal candidate to serve as New Jersey’s labor commissioner,” said Gov. Sherrill
“As we look to create more opportunities for New Jerseyans to find great jobs and get ahead, Kevin’s experience will be invaluable in helping us strengthen resources available to our communities.”
In addition to partner at the Firm of O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky, he was legislative affairs coordinator for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and worked with lawmakers to draft legislation to benefit working families and improve working conditions. The AFL-CIO applauded the nomination.
“The New Jersey State AFL-CIO proudly congratulates Kevin Jarvis, the former Legislative Affairs Coordinator of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, on his nomination as Commissioner of Labor,” said the organization in a statement.
Jarvis also served almost four years as chief of staff at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He was also a litigator with another New Jersey-based firm, where he represented hundreds of workers, many from the building trades, who had been injured due to their workplace exposure to asbestos.
He also represented railroad workers injured by their workplace exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other carcinogens before numerous state courts.
“I am honored to be nominated to serve as New Jersey’s next commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and I thank Gov. Sherrill for putting her trust in me,” said Jarvis.
“New Jersey is the epicenter of innovation, and I look forward to working with Gov. Sherrill to cultivate a workforce ready to respond to our evolving employment landscape.”
Jarvis earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and English from Rutgers University in 1993 and a Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2001.
