Governor Names Johnson Cabinet Secretary

On Jul 28, 2025

Gov. Phil Murphy last Friday announced the departure of Cabinet Secretary Andrea Spevak from his office. Jayné Johnson, currently serving as the Governor’s Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, will assume a dual role as Cabinet Secretary. Spevak, who was recently confirmed as an Administrative Law Judge, will depart the office on July 31 and Johnson will assume the role on Aug. 1.

“Andrea Spevak has been a member of my administration since day one, and a key part of my senior leadership team over the past two years, serving as a vital link between my office and the Cabinet through some of the defining moments of my administration,” said Murphy. “As she embarks on this next chapter as a New Jersey Administrative Law Judge, I am deeply grateful for her service and steadfast commitment to the people of New Jersey. I wish her every success in her new role.”

“I am proud to name Jayné Johnson as my new Cabinet Secretary,” Murphy continued. “As New Jersey’s first Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Jayné has been a driving force in advancing our vision of a stronger, fairer, more equitable state. I am grateful that she will continue in her current capacity while taking on this expanded role, and I look forward to her leadership as we work to solidify the vision that has guided our administration from the start.”

“Serving in the Governor’s administration for almost eight years has been the greatest privilege of my career,” said Spevak. “I have seen firsthand as Governor Murphy and our outstanding Cabinet met historic challenges and improved the lives of countless residents. I am immensely proud to have contributed to this work during my time at the New Jersey Department of Human Services and then as Cabinet Secretary. I am deeply honored and humbled by the support of the Governor and the New Jersey Senate for the opportunity to remain in public service as an Administrative Law Judge.”

“It has been an honor for nearly four years to lead efforts that strengthen our state workforce, expand opportunity, and improve outcomes for our most vulnerable neighbors. I had the privilege of working closely with Andrea and her predecessors and I am deeply grateful for their leadership in supporting the work of our brilliant and dedicated Cabinet leaders,” said Johnson. “As my role expands, I am honored to carry the torch and continue partnering with the Cabinet to sustain and extend the transformative progress they have made on behalf of the people of our state. I thank Governor Murphy and the administration for the opportunity to serve in such a critical position.”

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles: