Senate President Scutari Announces Appointments of Justin Rodriguez and Matthew Peterson as Deputy Directors

TRENTON – Senate President Nick Scutari announced the appointment of Justin Rodriguez as Deputy Executive Director and the promotion of Matthew Peterson to Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel for the Senate Democratic Majority.

Rodriguez joins the Democratic Majority team with experience in the Legislature, multiple departments of state government, and the Governor’s Office. Peterson is being elevated from the position of Associate Executive Director and General Counsel.

“I welcome Justin to the Senate Democratic team at a pivotal time,” said Senate President Scutari. “He brings with him a wealth of experience with issues of importance to New Jersey and a record of accomplishment in a variety of relevant positions. His background with the Legislature, the Department of Human Services, and the Health Department will be invaluable as the state confronts dramatic federal cutbacks in Medicaid and contends with the children’s mental health crisis.”

Rodriguez served as Assistant Commissioner in the Department of Health, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Department of Human Services, Chief of Staff for the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, Senior Legislative Aide for Governor Murphy, and Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Herb Conaway when he was chairman of the Assembly Health Committee.

“I am proud to promote Matthew to serve as a chief deputy and General Counsel,” said Senate President Scutari. “He has provided astute legal advice to the Democratic Caucus and has helped guide the work of the Senate Judiciary Committee during challenging times, including the confirmation of a record number of judges to the state’s courts. I have complete confidence in his ability to successfully accomplish what needs to be done to advance the legislative goals of the Senate Democratic Majority.”

Peterson has worked in the New Jersey State Legislature for more than 12 years, including five years in the Senate Majority Office. In the Senate, Peterson has held various roles, including as General Counsel and as the top aide to the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Environment Committee. He previously served as Senior Counsel in the Office of Legislative Services.