“Natalie has been an indispensable part of my team. Her instincts and command of the issues, coupled with her unparalleled work ethic, will continue to serve her well in this new role. I have the utmost faith in her ability to carry our message as Press Secretary for my Administration,” said Murphy. “Maggie will handle a portfolio of key issues, including education and labor. We’re happy to have her on board to help us continue communicating these groundbreaking policies to the public.”
Prior to being promoted to Press Secretary, Natalie Hamilton most recently served as Deputy Press Secretary, handling a portfolio of various departments and issues, overseeing the Governor’s television appearances, coordinating messaging for weather emergencies, and managing a team of interns. She first joined the Murphy team in 2019 as a Communications Intern, and later served as Press Intern during the 2021 gubernatorial campaign. After graduating magna cum laude in 2021 from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and concentration in Public Relations, she joined the Administration full-time as a Press Assistant. In October 2023, she took a leave from the Administration to serve as Communications Advisor to Brandon Presley’s gubernatorial campaign in Mississippi.
Maggie Garbarino recently joined the Governor’s Communications Office as a Deputy Press Secretary, overseeing a portfolio that includes Education, Labor, Children and Families, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Higher Education. For the past three years, she served as the Deputy Press Secretary for the New Jersey Assembly Democratic Majority Office. Prior to working for the State, she served as a Public Relations and Social Media Specialist Intern for The Lesniak Institute for American Leadership at Kean University. Maggie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications Studies with a concentration in Public Relations from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
The Murphy Administration recently announced the promotion of Natalie Hamilton to the position of Press Secretary. Hamilton, who previously served as Deputy Press Secretary, has been a valuable member of the administration since Governor Phil Murphy took office in 2018.
In her new role, Hamilton will be responsible for managing all media relations for the Governor’s office, including coordinating press conferences, responding to media inquiries, and crafting messaging on key policy initiatives. She will also work closely with the Governor and his senior staff to ensure that the administration’s message is effectively communicated to the public.
Hamilton’s promotion comes at a critical time for the Murphy Administration, as they continue to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Her experience and expertise in communications will be instrumental in helping the administration effectively communicate their response to the crisis and keep the public informed.
Prior to joining the Murphy Administration, Hamilton worked as a communications consultant for several political campaigns and advocacy organizations. She holds a degree in communications from a prestigious university and has a proven track record of success in crafting compelling messaging and building relationships with members of the media.
Governor Murphy praised Hamilton’s dedication and professionalism, stating that he is confident she will excel in her new role as Press Secretary. He also expressed his gratitude for her continued service to the administration and her commitment to advancing their shared goals.
Overall, Natalie Hamilton’s promotion to Press Secretary is a testament to her hard work and dedication to public service. Her expertise in communications will be invaluable to the Murphy Administration as they continue to work towards their vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey.