Governor-elect Murphy Nominates Tahesha Way as Secretary of State
Governor-elect Murphy Nominates Tahesha Way as Secretary of State
Trenton – Governor-elect Phil Murphy today nominated Tahesha Way, former Administrative Law Judge and Passaic County Freeholder, to the position of Secretary of State. This is Governor-elect Murphy’s fourth cabinet appointment.
“There are few positions in my cabinet where the twin goals of building a stronger and fairer economy intersect more than that of Secretary of State,” Governor-elect Murphy said. “New Jersey’s Department of State has a broad mandate, overseeing everything from state tourism and voting, to cultural heritage and history, to the commissions which strengthen our international partnerships. Having a Secretary of State who will give equal importance to each and every facet of these divisions, agencies, and commissions is of the utmost importance. It requires a leader who understands both business and law, who respects the vast cultures which make our state a melting pot, and who has the tested leadership skills necessary for guiding a Department with such broad and varied mandates. It is my honor to announce my nomination of Tahesha Way to be New Jersey’s next Secretary of State.”
New Jersey’s Department of State oversees a varied portfolio of state agencies — including the New Jersey Division of Tourism and the Division of Elections, as well as all state historic and cultural commissions. The Secretary of State is one of two cabinet officers, the other being the Attorney General, whose posts are written into the state constitution.
“I am humbled by this incredible opportunity to serve New Jersey,” Way said. “I look forward to working with Governor-elect Murphy’s administration to expand access to democracy for all residents, bolster New Jesey’s tourism industry, and strengthen our international partnerships, all while embracing our state’s rich history. I thank Governor-elect Murphy both for this incredible honor and for the opportunity to serve alongside the talented, diverse group of cabinet members he is assembling to build a stronger, fairer New Jersey.”
A former Administrative Law Judge for the state of New Jersey, Tahesha Way cultivated her commitment to public service while earning her undergraduate degree at Brown University. Upon graduation from Brown, Tahesha attended the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville. After law school, she became an associate at the general practice law firm of Steven A. Varano in Totowa and an adjunct English Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey.
In July 2006, Tahesha was appointed to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and was later elected that following November. In 2008, she became the Deputy Freeholder Director, and in 2009, Tahesha served as the Freeholder Director. During this time, she also served as a council member for The New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. For approximately five years, Tahesha served as an Administrative Law Judge for the state of New Jersey. She has also taught administrative law and practice at Fairleigh Dickinson. Tahesha presently is special counsel for The Passaic County Board of Social Services.
Tahesha, 46, resides in Wayne with her husband Charles and their four daughters.
