Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak has announced the appointment of Henry Gajda as Chief of Staff to help guide the department in advancing Governor Mikie Sherrill’s environmental goals.
Gajda is a veteran of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), where he most recently served as Chief of External Affairs. In this position, he oversaw the Communications, Legislative Affairs and Ombudsperson divisions.
Gajda also served as the NJBPU’s Deputy Chief of Staff, helping to lead the NJBPU’s effort to apply for more than $650 million in federal clean energy grant funding and directly managing state policy and research initiatives.
“Henry brings a wealth of experience to DEP and will be a critical member of our team as we work to implement Governor Sherrill’s Mission to Deliver for the people of New Jersey,” Acting Commissioner Potosnak said. “In his new role, Henry will be supported by a dedicated and talented workforce at DEP that has worked tirelessly to advance New Jersey as a national leader in environmental protection.”
“I am extremely honored to serve in this new capacity under Acting Commissioner Potosnak’s leadership,” Gajda said. “Our team will work hard to provide accountability, transparency and efficiency to our constituents. I’m excited to get to work.”
Prior to his state service, Gajda served as Public Policy Director for a climate and clean energy advocacy group, leading on relevant policy matters and driving environmental legislation and action through strategic advocacy and coordinated coalition building.
Gajda earned a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management from The New School in New York City and has an extensive background in climate, clean energy, and urban policy research and analysis. Gajda earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy from Rutgers University.