TRENTON, N.J. – Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, and the family of the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver on Thursday unveiled Oliver’s official portrait, which will be permanently displayed in the New Jersey State House.
Oliver served as New Jersey’s second lieutenant governor from January 16, 2018, until her passing on August 1, 2023. She was the first woman of color to hold a statewide elected office in New Jersey’s history.
The ceremony follows Murphy’s August 2023 announcement commissioning the portraits of Oliver and former Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno to honor their service and establish a tradition of commemorating all former lieutenant governors with official portraits.
“I am honored to join Lieutenant Governor Way and the Oliver family for this important ceremony celebrating the life and legacy of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver,” Murphy said. “Sheila’s passion and lifelong dedication to the people of New Jersey left an indelible mark on our state. And now, her legacy as a trailblazer and a loyal public servant will be immortalized in the halls of the State House, inspiring generations of leaders to come.”
Way called Oliver “a dear friend and colleague, mentor, and [one who] represented the highest values of public service,” adding that the portrait will serve as a lasting tribute to her tireless work for New Jersey.
The Oliver family said they were “deeply honored” by the recognition, calling the portrait a reflection of her grace, strength, and lifelong commitment to uplifting others. Guadagno praised Oliver’s “incredible career of public service” and her historic tenure as Assembly Speaker.
Margaret O’Reilly, executive director of the New Jersey State Museum and curator of the State House Portrait Collection, said the slightly unfinished background symbolizes a life ended too soon. Portrait artist Kathy Fieramosca said she sought to capture Oliver’s “quiet strength,” warmth, and dignity.
Oliver’s portrait joins a growing tradition. Before the mid-20th century, New Jersey governors did not customarily have official portraits commissioned by the state. The practice began in 1962 with Governor Robert Meyner. Since 1978, the New Jersey State Museum has overseen the collection. Lieutenant governors’ portraits will be displayed in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite.
Born and raised in Newark, Oliver described herself as a “Jersey Girl” whose passion for advocacy began in childhood. She never stopped fighting for the voiceless. She became the first African American woman in state history to serve as Assembly Speaker in 2010, and only the second in the nation to lead a state legislative house.
In addition to her role as lieutenant governor, Oliver served as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, where she championed affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, homelessness prevention, and municipal support programs. As acting governor, she signed legislation to strengthen equal pay protections, expand financial literacy education, and establish restorative justice programs for youth.
She was a proud alumna of the Newark public school system, a cum laude graduate of Lincoln University, and a Columbia University master’s degree recipient. She earned multiple honorary doctorates.
Oliver’s impact was personal as well as political. She was a 40-year resident of East Orange, treasured time with her mother, Jennie, and inspired countless colleagues and constituents. She leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, compassion, and service.
Her portrait will now stand as a permanent reminder — not just of her historic achievements, but of her unwavering belief in the power of public service to change lives.
