Catherine Klinger has been named the new director of the state’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, the Governor’s Office announced Wednesday afternoon.
Klinger succeeds Jane Cohen, who left the office in mid-April.
In this role, Klinger will oversee the environment and energy portfolio, leading work on Gov. Phil Murphy’s clean energy agenda, environmental justice and climate resiliency work, among other key initiatives.
Klinger has nearly two decades of experience in policy development and public service, centered on creating community-led solutions to create healthy, safe, energy efficient and decarbonized housing. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Klinger was a vice president with the national nonprofit the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative.
Murphy applauded the announcement.
“Catherine will be the architect for my administration’s bold blueprint for a future where clean energy and social justice go hand in hand,” he said. “Catherine has played an important role in shaping this vision, and I am confident she will continue to do so.”
Klinger said she is eager to take on the role because of the value she places on it.
“Gov. Murphy created the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy to help realize his bold climate vision and harness the tremendous opportunity of the green economy for the benefit of all New Jerseyans,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing to collaborate with partners across sectors and with our state agencies to implement lasting climate solutions that support a fairer New Jersey. I want to thank Gov. Murphy for this opportunity, and I am honored to serve the state in this new capacity.”
Klinger received a Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph’s University and a Master of Public Health from Drexel University.
