Christine Guhl-Sadovy
By Joshua Burd
Gov. Phil Murphy has tapped New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Commissioner Christine Guhl-Sadovy as the agency’s new leader, following the sudden death last week of longtime President Joseph L. Fiordaliso.
Guhl-Sadovy, who most recently was a cabinet secretary within Murphy’s senior staff, is no stranger to the regulatory agency. The governor in June appointed her to serve as a commissioner, but she previously spent more than three years at the BPU starting in late 2018, rising to the position of chief of staff under Fiordaliso and playing a key role in advancing Murphy’s clean energy agenda.
“For nearly two decades, Joe served as an exemplary public servant whose commitment to the future of our state — and to the next generation of New Jerseyans — was unparalleled,” Murphy said. “As NJBPU President, Joe remained steadfast in his unwavering belief that we not only can — but must — cultivate a healthier and more sustainable planet for our children and grandchildren.
“I’m confident that Christine, who has demonstrated her commitment to these same values time and time again throughout her invaluable service in my administration, will continue to build upon Joe’s lasting legacy. I look forward to Christine guiding our work to responsibly transition New Jersey to a clean energy economy, while putting the needs of consumers and New Jerseyans first.”
Fiordaliso, who led the BPU for some 18 years, died last week at age 78. Business and government leaders mourned the longtime public official, one of the most highly regarded in the state, following a career that included serving under four governors in the key regulatory post and three terms as Livingston’s mayor.
“The appointment of Christine Sadovy honors Dad’s legacy and ensures that the Murphy administration’s critically important work to reverse the worst effects of climate change continues,” Joseph A. Fiordaliso said. “On behalf of the entire Fiordaliso family, I commend Governor Murphy for this appointment and extend our best wishes to Christine and the entire NJBPU team.”
In announcing the move, Murphy’s office noted that Guhl-Sadovy comes from a family dedicated to public service and is a lifelong New Jersey resident who currently lives in Lambertville.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Joe Fiordaliso, but will do everything I can to honor his legacy as BPU president,” Guhl-Sadovy said. “Thank you to Governor Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of New Jersey in this role, and making the planet healthier for my son, Joe’s grandchildren and all New Jerseyans.”
Business, government leaders mourn longtime BPU chief Joe Fiordaliso
