Gov. Phil Murphy’s nominee for state treasurer, former Assemblywoman Elizabeth Maher Muoio, was confirmed by the state Senate on Thursday.
Muoio becomes the second woman in New Jersey history to serve in the state treasurer’s role. She took over as acting treasurer in January, replacing former Gov. Chris Christie’s final treasurer, Ford Scudder.
“I’m honored that the governor has placed his faith in me and that the legislative branch has concurred,” she said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to continuing the stewardship of our state’s finances in an honest and forthright manner.
“As I’ve stated this week during budget hearings, the fiscal challenges we inherited have placed severe constraints on our finances that will require many tough choices. The governor’s budget is a bold one that sets a new trajectory for our state, and I stand ready to work with stakeholders to chart this new course.”
The only other woman to hold the office on a permanent basis was Feather O’Connor Houstoun, who served under then-Gov. Tom Kean from 1986 to 1990. Other women have held the post on an acting basis, most recently Michellene Davis from 2007 to 2008 under then-Gov. Jon Corzine.
