TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Friday nominated Kevin Jarvis to serve as the next commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
If confirmed, Jarvis would oversee efforts to expand access to workforce training programs, strengthen partnerships among higher education institutions and businesses, improve government service delivery, increase career opportunities for individuals with disabilities and continue enforcement of worker protections, the governor’s office said.
“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,” Sherrill said. “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.”
Jarvis said he is honored by the nomination.
“I am honored to be nominated to serve as New Jersey’s next Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and I thank Governor Sherrill for putting her trust in me,” Jarvis said. “New Jersey is the epicenter of innovation, and I look forward to working with Governor Sherrill to cultivate a workforce ready to respond to our evolving employment landscape.”
Jarvis previously practiced labor law as a partner at the firm of O’Brien, Belland & Bushinsky, handling contract negotiations, grievance and arbitration hearings, unfair labor practice matters and litigation involving the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
He also served nearly four years as chief of staff at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Earlier in his career, Jarvis worked as a litigator at another New Jersey-based firm, representing workers injured due to workplace exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other carcinogens, including railroad workers, in state courts.
Jarvis earned a bachelor’s degree in history and English from Rutgers University in 1993 and a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2001.
