Sherrill names Weiss CEO of NJEDA, makes cabinet picks

The basics:

• Sherrill taps Evan Weiss as next CEO of NJEDA
• Ed Potosnak nominated as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection
• Lily Laux named as Sherrill’s pick to lead the Department of Education

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill continued making a series of cabinet appointments and nominations Jan. 16 as her administration rapidly takes shape.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Sherrill announced a key economic aid pick, tapping Evan Weiss as the next CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Weiss boasts extensive economic development experience in the public and private sectors. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of the Newark Alliance, a private sector-led organization aimed at inclusive economic development in the state’s largest city.

Weiss also previously served as a senior advisor for finance and major projects for Gov. Phil Murphy.

The incoming administration says Weiss will work with Sherrill, Lt. Gov-elect Dale Caldwell and industry partners to:

• Accelerate economic opportunity
• Expand access to capital for small and minority-owned businesses
• Drive innovation across the state’s economy
• Help ensure that economic growth delivers real affordability and opportunities for families across the state

“I am appointing Evan Weiss to serve as the next CEO of NJEDA because he understands how to bring together government, industry, and communities to create opportunity and find innovative solutions to bring costs down,” said Sherrill.

Needed: Creative leadership

“At a time when the administration in Washington is raising prices and gutting New Jersey’s fair share of federal funding, it’s critical we have experienced, creative leadership in New Jersey that will not just protect our economy, but help grow it,” said Caldwell. “I am proud to support the appointment of Evan Weiss because he is exactly the type of leader we need.”

Weiss thanked Sherrill and Caldwell for their confidence as well as the opportunity to serve.

“New Jersey has a strong foundation built on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration,” said Weiss. “I look forward to working with partners across the public and private sectors to grow our economy, attract investment, support small businesses, and ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of the state.”

Weiss will succeed acting CEO Mary Maples. Maples assumed the role following the recent departure of Tim Sullivan, who served as chief executive officer at the NJEDA throughout the Murphy administration.

Department of Environmental Protection

Sherrill announced another key cabinet pick Jan. 16, nominating Ed Potosnak to serve as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Potosnak currently serves as executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters and is a leading voice on clean energy and environmental policy in the state. He also serves as a councilmember in Franklin Township, Somerset County, and previously served as president and member of the local school board.

I’m excited to nominate Ed Potosnak to be the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Ed is a proven leader, policy expert, and licensed contractor who will be critical in our efforts to protect residents from flooding and extreme weather,… pic.twitter.com/rnpNgyR4Fq

— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) January 16, 2026

In addition to his policy and elected experience, Potosnak is a lecturer at Rutgers University. His other roles include co-chair of the New Jersey Keep It Green Coalition and New Jersey state lead for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Board (DVRPC), appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy.

Earlier in his career, Potosnak taught high school chemistry and founded a home improvement business as a licensed contractor.

Cutting through red tap

If confirmed, Potosnak will oversee initiatives to improve flood resilience, address PFAS contamination, and remediate polluted and brownfield sites. Sherrill said the department will also focus on cutting red tape, establishing clearer permitting timelines, and balancing environmental protection with economic growth.

“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,” said Sherrill. “He will bring his experience as a licensed contractor to the department to prioritize cutting through red tape and reducing permitting times.”

Potosnak lauded Sherrill for her focus on issues such as 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 Potosnak.

“Ed has a strong track record of bringing people to the table to develop solutions that work best for the communities they serve,” said Sherrill. “I look forward to working with Ed, energy and business professionals, and advocates to protect our environment while growing our economy.”

Potosnak will succeed current NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.

NJBIA response

Following the announcement of those two picks, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association released the following statement.

“NJBIA congratulates both Evan Weiss and Ed Potosnak on their appointments with the new administration. Both positions are extremely important to the business community, and we look forward to working with them both,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.

“For DEP, we look forward to working toward a good balance of environmental protection, while recognizing the need to not overregulate and or prohibit economic development. As the Gov.-elect campaigned on, we anticipate a more robust and rapid direction in terms of ‘getting to yes’ on permitting as it relates to building housing and energy infrastructure.

“We also look forward to our continued partnership with NJEDA under Evan Weiss. We will continue to support the office to help drive New Jersey’s economy through job creation, investment and innovation. With New Jersey currently ranked second worst in the nation in unemployment rate, there is some work to be done, and we can’t wait to get started with the new administration.”

Department of Education

Finally, Sherill also announced her nomination of Lily Laux to lead the New Jersey Department of Education.

Laux brings nearly two decades of experience as an educator, in nonprofit work and leading statewide education departments, including serving as the deputy commissioner for the Texas Education Agency.

She is a principal at ILO Group. The company partners with state agencies, districts and cross-sector leaders to move from strategy to execution on major priorities.

I’m proud to nominate Lily Laux to be our next Commissioner of Education!

Lily is a lifelong public servant and teacher. Together, we’ll invest in high-impact tutoring programs, modernize and stabilize the school funding formula, and ensure that access to a world-class public… pic.twitter.com/4UqhecW8IN

— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) January 17, 2026

Sherrill says that with Laux at the helm, her education department will focus on improving literacy outcomes, expanding access to pre-K, increasing mental health resources, modernizing and stabilizing the school funding formula, and investing in high-impact tutoring.

“Ensuring every student has access to a world-class education is a top priority for my administration,” said Sherrill. “That’s why I’m proud to nominate Lily Laux to be the next Commissioner of Education. Lily is a lifelong public servant and educator with decades of experience helping children learn and thrive.

“I look forward to working with her to invest in mental health services, high-impact tutoring, and other critical programs that will expand opportunity and help our children get ahead.”