New Jersey Board of Public Utilities appoints new executive director, chief of staff
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has appointed two new senior executives to help oversee the agency’s operations and advance its priorities involving utility affordability, reliability and clean energy.
NJBPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel announced Tuesday, Oct. 27, that Lloyd Kass has been named executive director and Ben Giovine has been appointed chief of staff.
The appointments come as the agency continues its work overseeing electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications, broadband and cable television services throughout New Jersey while pursuing the state’s clean energy goals.
“With Lloyd Kass and Ben Giovine, we have established a strong, experienced leadership team focused on the issues that matter most to New Jerseyans,” Hertz-Shargel said. “Lloyd brings deep expertise in utility policy and program management, while Ben has a proven record of public service and community leadership. Together, they will help keep utility services affordable and reliable, strengthen essential infrastructure, and ensure every New Jersey household and business can count on safe, dependable water, energy, and communications services today and for the years ahead.”
As executive director, Kass will oversee the agency’s technical staff divisions and help implement policies and decisions adopted by the board. Giovine, as chief of staff, will work directly with Hertz-Shargel to advance agency priorities, oversee administrative operations and strengthen relationships with government officials, utility stakeholders and communities across the state.
Kass brings more than 20 years of experience in utility policy, energy efficiency and program management. He previously served as vice president of strategy and market development at Franklin Energy and held senior positions at Lime Energy, Willdan, the New York Power Authority and the New York City Housing Authority.
He has also served as an adjunct associate professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs since 2009 and is a founding board member of the Energy Efficiency Alliance of New Jersey. A New Jersey native, Kass holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University.
“As we work to deliver more affordable, reliable utility services and prepare New Jersey’s infrastructure for the future, the BPU is sharpening its technical expertise and driving bold policy innovation,” Kass said. “I’m excited to partner with President Hertz‑Shargel and the talented BPU team to strengthen the agency’s impact and position New Jersey as a national leader in modern utility regulation.”
Giovine joins the NJBPU after spending seven years working for U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, most recently serving as director of intergovernmental affairs. He previously served as Ocean County director for former U.S. Rep. John Adler and helped lead the launch of ReNew Jersey Stronger, the state’s recovery program following Superstorm Sandy.
A Toms River native, Giovine also served as president of the Toms River Board of Education and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from American University.
“New Jersey families want lower energy bills and a cleaner future, and this agency is focused on delivering both,” Giovine said. “I am proud to have joined this team and am grateful to President Hertz-Shargel for the opportunity to serve. Real progress requires collaboration, which begins with listening to ratepayers and community stakeholders. I look forward to working with communities across New Jersey to ensure residents have confidence in the decisions we make.”
The NJBPU regulates public utilities and oversees programs intended to support reliable utility services, infrastructure improvements and energy efficiency across New Jersey.
