NEWS RELEASE

Governor Jon S. Corzine

January 11, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Press Office 609-777-2600

GOVERNOR CORZINE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced the appointment of three experienced public servants to key senior staff positions within the Governor’s Office:

    * Javier Inclán, Deputy Chief of Staff;
    * Michellene Davis, Esq., Special Senior Counsel;
    * Adam Zellner, Director of Policy.

Inclán previously served as Governor Corzine’s Director of Constituent Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to joining the Corzine Administration, he served as Hudson County Clerk and as Executive Director of the Hudson County Democratic Organization. Previously, Inclán was Assistant Executive Director of the West New York Housing Authority and worked at Monroe College in Bronx, New York, where he was responsible for high school recruitment and community outreach.

As Deputy Chief of Staff, Inclán will oversee the Governor’s Office of Constituent and Intergovernmental Relations, and will be responsible for coordinating efforts with state departments and agencies regarding issues concerning municipalities and counties, as well as other special projects.

Davis has served as Acting State Treasurer since September. Previously, Davis served as Chief of Staff for the Department of Treasury, Executive Director for the New Jersey State Lottery, and Senior Policy Advisor to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Services in the Department of Health and Senior Services. She is a former Assistant Public Defender in the Essex County Public Defender’s Office.

As the new Special Senior Counsel for Governor Corzine, Davis will have oversight over all gubernatorial appointments – judicial, prosecutorial, boards, and commissions. This new role will also oversee many of the Governor’s special initiatives and will be responsible for management of personnel statewide.

Zellner comes to the Governor’s Office from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he served as Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Legislative Affairs. Prior to joining NJDEP, Zellner served as Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Council, and is a former Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Smart Growth. He also served as Chief of Staff to New Jersey Congressman Steve Rothman.As Director of Policy, Zellner will be charged with overseeing a team of experts who will focus on implementing many of the policies Governor Corzine has advanced during the past two years, and directing the crafting and implantation of future initiatives.

“I am extremely pleased that such a high-quality group of experienced and dedicated public servants have agreed to join my senior staff at such an important time in New Jersey history,” said Governor Corzine. “Their energy and intellect will play a pivotal role as we move our state into a new era of fiscal responsibility and a renewed dedication to the citizens of New Jersey.”

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Photos and audio and video clips from Governor Corzine's public events are available

in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/

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