Lieutenant Governor Way Announces Her Chief of Staff

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way today announced that Sam Parker will serve as Chief of Staff to her, in her role as Lieutenant Governor. Parker currently serves as the Governor’s Director of Appointments and will continue to serve the Governor’s Office in this capacity while holding the title of Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor.

“Since 2021, Sam has served in my Administration with fierce dedication and a steadfast commitment to furthering progress in the state,” said Murphy. “Together, we have made significant strides in advancing our shared mission to ensure that our judiciary, as well as all appointed positions, reflect the rich diversity of our state. I am confident that her counsel and guidance will continue to be a tremendous asset to my partner in government as we move forward in this new chapter.”

“As I begin my role as Lieutenant Governor, I will work tirelessly each day on behalf of New Jersey’s residents, building upon Sheila Oliver’s remarkable legacy,” said Way. “I look forward to working with Sam and thank her for joining me in this journey. I trust that her breadth of experience working in the Administration and background working in New Jersey will further our work to build a stronger and fairer state for every family.”

“It is a tremendous privilege to take on this new role and to continue the work of this Administration, and the vision set out by the late Lieutenant Governor Oliver,” said Parker. “Serving this state has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I look forward to continuing this work alongside the Lieutenant Governor. Lieutenant Governor Way is not only a role model for young women throughout the state, but a tremendous advocate for all of New Jersey’s families.”

Parker is an organizational and political professional with extensive experience in strategic planning, civic engagement, and collaborative partnership building. Before joining the Murphy Administration in March 2021, she served as the Development and Political Affairs Director for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. Parker also worked as Congressman Frank Pallone’s Deputy Campaign Director (2013) and Deputy Field Director for the New Jersey State Democratic Committee’s Victory Campaign (2012).

Prior to her return to her home state in 2012, Parker worked for organizations such as The National LGBTQ Task Force, Human Rights Campaign, EqualityMaine, and Equality North Carolina on LGBT+ issue campaigns all over the country. Parker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Southern Maine and a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and Management and a certificate of Social Justice and Economics from The Muskie School at the University of Southern Maine.

A graduate of Teaneck High School, Parker was born and raised in Bergen County, and currently resides in Monmouth County with her partner, daughter, and two dogs.