Governor Phil Murphy today announced that his Chief of Staff Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti will transition to a new role as a senior advisor to the Governor. Tim Hillmann, currently serving as the Governor’s Principal Deputy Chief of Staff, will assume the role of Chief of Staff later this summer.
“Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has done an outstanding job as my Chief of Staff over the past year,” said Murphy. “From negotiating a reauthorization of the Transportation Trust Fund to successfully enacting a Fiscal Year 2025 budget with our partners in the Legislature, Diane has brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to our team. I’ve asked her to continue serving our Administration as a senior advisor to help troubleshoot some of our most pressing and challenging operational challenges – such as large-scale infrastructure projects and complex interdepartmental initiatives. I thank Diane for her service as Chief of Staff and look forward to her continuing to play a senior role on my team.”
“Tim has been a key member of my team since 2019 and has successfully overseen our legislative affairs, intergovernmental affairs, appointments, and constituent relations teams, among other departments,” continued Murphy. “I am excited to have him lead our team in the Governor’s Office and advance our mission of building a stronger, fairer, and more affordable New Jersey.”
“I’ve always believed deeply that public service is a noble calling,” said outgoing Chief of Staff Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Over the past 40 years, I’ve taken that maxim to heart by serving in a variety of transportation planning and management roles in government. I’m grateful to the Governor for the opportunity to lead his team both as Chief of Staff and Department of Transportation Commissioner and look forward to continuing to serve the people of New Jersey in a new capacity.”
“I want to thank Governor Murphy for giving me the opportunity to serve as his Chief of Staff and continue the historic progress his Administration has made over the last six and a half years,” said incoming Chief of Staff Tim Hillmann. “I also would like to thank Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti for her leadership at the Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office, where I have been fortunate to work under her and witness her extraordinary dedication to public service. I look forward to working with the rest of the administration to continue and strengthen the Murphy Administration’s record of enduring achievements over the next 18 months.”
Gutierrez-Scaccetti came to the role as the Governor’s Chief of Staff with over 40 years of experience in public service. She spent 21 years at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, where she rose in the ranks from Contract Administrator to Executive Director. During her tenure, she oversaw administrative operations, led negotiations with collective bargaining units, and played key roles in initiatives such as E-ZPass System remediation and the consolidation of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and New Jersey Highway Authority.
Prior to becoming the Commissioner of the NJDOT, she served as the Executive Director and CEO at Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, where she managed more than 460 centerline miles and a five-year capital program.
As NJDOT Commissioner, Gutierrez-Scaccetti has managed the largest-ever capital program in state history, awarded significant construction contracts and agreements, and supported communities during the pandemic with mobile vaccination efforts and charitable drives. In her capacity as NJDOT Commissioner, she serves as Chair of NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the NJ Transportation Trust Fund Authority, and Vice Chair of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
Gutierrez-Scaccetti is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO) and previously served as the Chair of the AASHTO Committee on Transportation Communications (TransComm). She served as the 2022 President of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) and is the Immediate Past President on the IBTTA Executive Committee and Chair of the IBTTA Nominating Committee. She also served as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and Chair of The Eastern Transportation Coalition (formerly the I-95 Corridor Coalition).
Gutierrez-Scaccetti holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science degree from Rutgers University.
Tim Hillmann has served as the Governor’s Principal Deputy Chief of Staff since October 2023. Prior to his current role, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Government Affairs and as the Governor’s Director of Appointments since 2019. Before that, he spent nine years working in the United States Senate.
He is a graduate of Fordham University and resides in Metuchen with his wife Catherine, son Owen, and daughter Zara.
Murphy Names Tim Hillmann as New Chief of Staff Following Departure of Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti
Governor Phil Murphy has announced the appointment of Tim Hillmann as his new Chief of Staff, following the departure of Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. Hillmann, who previously served as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.
Hillmann’s appointment comes at a critical time for the Murphy administration, as they continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and work towards advancing their policy agenda. With his background in legislative affairs and deep understanding of the inner workings of state government, Hillmann is well-equipped to help the Governor achieve his goals and priorities.
In a statement announcing the appointment, Governor Murphy praised Hillmann for his dedication and leadership, stating that he is confident in his ability to effectively manage the Governor’s office and work collaboratively with stakeholders across the state.
Prior to joining the Murphy administration, Hillmann served as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Gary Schaer and as Director of Legislative Affairs for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. He has also held various roles in government and politics, giving him a broad perspective on the issues facing the state.
As Chief of Staff, Hillmann will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Governor’s office, coordinating with key stakeholders, and helping to shape and implement the administration’s policy agenda. His experience and strategic thinking will be invaluable as the Murphy administration continues to work towards building a stronger and fairer New Jersey for all residents.
Overall, Tim Hillmann’s appointment as Chief of Staff signals a new chapter for the Murphy administration, one that is focused on collaboration, innovation, and effective governance. With his leadership at the helm, Governor Murphy is poised to make significant progress on his priorities and deliver results for the people of New Jersey.
