TRENTON, N.J. — Kevin D. Jarvis has begun serving as acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, taking the helm of the agency following his nomination earlier this year by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Jarvis, nominated in January, brings decades of experience in public service, labor law and policy, including a previous tenure as chief of staff at the labor department, where he helped oversee operations and guide agency initiatives.
“I am thrilled to announce Kevin Jarvis as my pick to lead the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Kevin’s depth of experience advocating for the rights of New Jersey’s workers makes him an ideal candidate to serve as New Jersey’s Labor Commissioner,” Governor Sherrill said in the nomination announcement. “As we look to create more opportunities for New Jerseyans to find great jobs and get ahead, Kevin’s experience will be invaluable in helping us strengthen resources available to our communities.”
State officials said Jarvis will focus on advancing workforce initiatives, modernizing services and strengthening support for both workers and employers across the state.
“I am honored to begin my service as the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development,” said Acting Commissioner Jarvis. “Most importantly, I am honored to have the opportunity to focus on initiatives and services that will provide vital support to New Jersey workers and their families. New Jersey’s strength has always been in our workforce — skilled, resilient, and ready to meet the demands of the evolving labor market. I look forward to working alongside labor, business owners, and partners across government to ensure our workforce continues to thrive. I thank Governor Mikie Sherrill for this unparalleled opportunity to serve both New Jersey workers and businesses.”
Before returning to public service, Jarvis spent more than a decade in private practice as a labor attorney, representing workers and unions in collective bargaining, arbitration and benefits matters before administrative agencies and courts. Earlier in his career, he handled workplace-related legal matters focused on labor standards, workplace safety and economic security.
Jarvis earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. He comes from a union family; his father is a longtime member of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Local 1812.
