Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today announced the departure of his Chief Counsel, Thomas P. Scrivo, following a year and a half of service in the Christie Administration. Scrivo, who will return to private practice and form the law firm of O’Toole Scrivo with Senator Kevin O’Toole, was also appointed by the Governor to serve as the new Chairman of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
Succeeding Scrivo as Chief Counsel to the Governor will be Gregory Acquaviva, Vice President of State Government Affairs at UnitedHealth Group and former Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.
“During his time as my Chief Counsel, Tom has been a trusted advisor navigating my administration through extremely challenging matters resulting in key accomplishments while demonstrating sound judgment and reliable wisdom. I am incredibly proud of the work we have achieved together,” said Governor Christie. “I would like to thank him for his service in one of the most demanding public jobs in New Jersey and express my gratitude for all he has done for the people of New Jersey. I wish Tom the best of luck at his new firm, where I know he will continue his accomplished career as an attorney. I look forward to our continued friendship.”
As Chief Counsel, Scrivo was instrumental in ending the logjam of judicial appointments and helped gain approval of more than 75 new judges to appointment, including a Justice of the Supreme Court. He additionally played an integral role in legislation regarding the renewal of the State’s Transportation Trust Fund, the stabilization of Atlantic City, and the efforts to avert a rail strike at New Jersey Transit.
“Tom Scrivo has been a hard-working, honest and effective partner on behalf of the administration since he joined the Governor’s senior staff nearly two years ago,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “I greatly appreciate his professionalism and co-operation throughout our work on a variety of issues. His approach to tenacious-but-fair negotiation has been crucial to the functional operation of our state government. I wish him and his family the best in all of their future endeavors.”
“It has been a pleasure working with Tom Scrivo throughout his tenure,” said Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto. “He is one of those rare officials who not only excels in his field but possesses an unparalleled level of professionalism. He was always a man of his word who served the people of New Jersey well with his counsel. He will be missed but I wish him all the best in his new endeavor.”
“Tom Scrivo is a fantastic lawyer and strategist, who demonstrated extraordinary leadership and integrity in perhaps the most challenging job in Trenton—Chief Counsel,” said Attorney General Chris Porrino. “ His service was exemplary, and he will be sorely missed.”
Joining the new law firm of O’Toole Scrivo will be James DiGiulio, who will be leaving his post as Senior Counsel to the Governor.
Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Scrivo was the Managing Partner of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP’s Newark office and the firm’s Co-Chair of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. Scrivo has extensive experience in a diverse range of practice areas, including complex commercial and business litigation, labor and employment law, local government and redevelopment law, construction litigation, health care law, estates and trusts litigation, and professional liability litigation.
Gregory Acquaviva is rejoining the Christie Administration as Chief Counsel from UnitedHealth Group where he was Vice President, State Government Affairs. Prior to joining UnitedHealth Group, Acquaviva served in several high-level positions in the Christie Administration, including Chief of Staff for Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Assistant Counsel in the Governor’s Counsel’s Office. In these positions, he advised the Governor and Lt. Governor on myriad legal and policy matters including environmental, economic, energy and constitutional issues.
Acquaviva is a graduate of Monmouth University in West Long Branch where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree Summa Cum Laude and is a graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark where he received his Juris Doctor degree Summa Cum Laude.
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