Carolyn Cannella has been promoted to deputy chief of staff for economic growth and will manage economic affairs for the governor’s office, Gov. Phil Murphy announced.
Cannella, who was serving as deputy chief policy advisor, is succeeding Eric Brophy, who left the administration earlier this summer to take a job as the co-chair of the government and regulatory law group at Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC.
Murphy applauded the promotion.
“As deputy chief policy advisor, Carolyn has been instrumental in shaping and advancing key initiatives that strengthen New Jersey’s economy, from developing New Jersey’s AI strategy to building new public-private partnerships,” Murphy said. “Her promotion to Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Growth reflects both her expertise and dedication to public service. I am confident that in this new role she will continue to drive policies that expand opportunity, foster innovation, and deliver on our vision of a stronger and fairer state.”
Cannella said she welcomed the opportunity.
“It has been an honor to support Gov. Murphy’s economic vision and to witness firsthand his leadership in revitalizing New Jersey’s innovation economy, positioning the state at the forefront of once-in-a-generation opportunities and delivering new jobs for New Jerseyans,” she said. “I am grateful to be a part of this bold and creative team, and I look forward to continuing the work to deliver results for our businesses and residents.”
Among her duties will be to serve as a co-chair of the governor’s economic council. She served in that role during the group’s first meeting earlier this week.
As deputy chief policy advisor, Cannella played a critical role in advancing the administration’s policy agenda.
Prior to that role, she served as a senior advisor on economic growth under former Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Kelley, where she helped drive key economic development initiatives across the state, including infrastructure, real estate, and clean energy projects. Prior to public service, she was in the private sector, where she started her career at Goldman Sachs and later worked at VF Corporation on global strategy for two brand divisions.
Cannella resides in Jersey City with her husband and son. She received her Masters in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University summa cum laude.
