Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Friday officially named Kevin Jarvis, a seasoned labor attorney and former high-ranking state official, as her nominee for Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The nomination marks a return to the department for Jarvis, who previously served as chief of staff for nearly four years. If confirmed, he will oversee the state’s efforts to modernize worker protections, expand job training programs, and foster stronger ties between New Jersey’s business community and higher education institutions.
Sherrill highlighted Jarvis’s extensive history of fighting for employee rights as the primary reason for his selection.
“Kevin’s depth of experience advocating for the rights of New Jersey’s workers makes him an ideal candidate,” she said. “His experience will be invaluable in helping us strengthen resources available to our communities.”
Before this nomination, Jarvis was a Partner at the law firm O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky, where he specialized in:
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Contract negotiations: Navigating complex collective bargaining agreements.
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ERISA litigation: Protecting employee retirement and benefit security.
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Workplace safety: Earlier in his career, Jarvis represented hundreds of building trades and railroad workers who suffered illnesses due to on-the-job exposure to asbestos and carcinogens.
Jarvis takes the helm at a time when the state is balancing a push for innovation with a need for increased efficiency in government services. His priorities include improving career opportunities for individuals with disabilities and ensuring the workforce can keep pace with the state’s rapidly evolving tech and industrial landscapes.
“New Jersey is the epicenter of innovation,” Jarvis said. “I look forward to working with Governor Sherrill to cultivate a workforce ready to respond to our evolving employment landscape.”
A true product of New Jersey’s educational system, Jarvis brings a deep local perspective to the role:
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Rutgers University: B.A. in History and English (1993).
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Seton Hall University School of Law: Juris Doctor (2001).
The nomination now heads to the New Jersey State Senate for confirmation. Once confirmed, Jarvis will be responsible for managing the department’s vast portfolio, which includes unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and the enforcement of state labor laws.
Jarvis’ nomination was praised by David Rible, the CEO of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association.
“Kevin Jarvis has extensive experience and impressive knowledge on labor issues,” he said. “He’s a professional’s professional who has spent years immersed in the topics that the Department of Labor handles every day.
“We commend Gov. Sherrill for this decision, look forward to working with Kevin and stand ready to assist him in strengthening New Jersey and our industry. We also thank Rob Asaro-Angelo for his years of service and partnership as commissioner and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
