Today, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced Ed Potosnak as her nominee to be the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). As commissioner, Ed will lead the state’s efforts to become more flood resilient, mitigate harmful PFAS chemicals, and remediate contaminated sites. In the Sherrill-Caldwell Administration, the Department of Environmental Protection will work to cut through red tape, develop clear timelines for permitting, and foster economic growth while protecting New Jersey’s air, land, and water.

“Ed Potosnak is a proven leader who will be critical in our efforts to preserve New Jersey’s protect residents from flooding and extreme weather and remediate contaminated sites. He will bring his experience as a licensed contractor to the department to prioritize cutting through red tape and reducing permitting times. Ed has a strong track record of bringing people to the table to develop solutions that work best for the communities they serve. I look forward to working with Ed, energy and business professionals, and advocates to protect our environment while growing our economy,” said Governor-elect Sherrill.

“Throughout her career, Governor-elect Sherrill has delivered for New Jerseyans on key environmental issues like flood mitigation, cleaning up toxic PFAS and Brownfields sites, and investing in cheap, clean energy like solar. As a licensed contractor, I understand the struggles that business owners face while trying to get state permits, and as Commissioner, I look forward to streamlining that process so we’re ensuring government is being responsive to job creators while protecting our state’s natural resources,” said Ed Potosnak.

Ed Potosnak is recognized as one of New Jersey’s most trusted voices on clean energy and environmental protection. Ed also serves his community as a Councilmember in Franklin Township (Somerset County) and previously as President and member of the local School Board.

At Rutgers University, he shares his passion for public service and sustainability as a lecturer, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in the environmental field. Currently, Ed serves as the Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. Additionally, he is Co-Chair of the New Jersey Keep It Green Coalition, New Jersey State Lead for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, was appointed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Board and is a member of the Rutgers Glee Club Alumni Advisory Committee.

Before his career in environmental policy, Ed taught high school chemistry and started a successful home improvement company as a licensed contractor to supplement his teaching income. His dedication to public service earned him the prestigious Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, which took him to Capitol Hill to help craft national science and education policy.

Ed holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in education from Rutgers University.