Woodmont Properties announced Tuesday that Stephen Santola, the firm’s executive vice president and general counsel, has been appointed to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition team. Santola will serve as a member of the Transition Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force, a group of over 400 experts tasked with shaping the policy agenda for the incoming Sherrill-Caldwell administration.
The appointment marks a rare “hat trick” in New Jersey politics, as this is Santola’s third consecutive role on a gubernatorial transition team. He previously advised Gov. Phil Murphy on housing in 2017 and Gov. Chris Christie on environmental protection in 2009.
Santola brings decades of dual experience as both a high-level real estate executive and a former public servant. As a three-time Mayor of Livingston and a 12-year veteran of its township council, he offers the transition team a unique “on-the-ground” perspective on how state policies impact local municipalities.
“It is a privilege to join Governor-elect Sherrill’s transition team and contribute to a forward-looking agenda for New Jersey,” Santola said. “Having worked alongside prior administrations, I’ve seen how thoughtful coordination between the public and private sectors can drive meaningful progress.”
At Woodmont Properties, Santola oversees legal strategy, entitlements, and the firm’s broader development platform. He is also an active member of the New Jersey State Planning Commission, which recently adopted an updated State Development and Redevelopment Plan.
Governor-elect Sherrill’s transition process is built on three pillars: specialized Action Teams, a public engagement survey, and the Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force where Santola will serve.
As New Jersey prepares for the inauguration on Jan. 20, Santola’s involvement signals the incoming administration’s focus on leveraging veteran industry expertise to tackle the state’s affordability and development challenges.
