TRENTON, N.J. — Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday announced Margo Chaly as her nominee to serve as New Jersey’s next secretary of higher education, citing Chaly’s experience helping students and families afford college.
Chaly currently serves as executive director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, where she has spent the past five years overseeing financial aid programs aimed at making higher education more accessible. If confirmed, she would lead statewide higher education policy at a time when affordability and workforce development remain key priorities.
“Margo Chaly is an experienced, innovative leader, and I’m excited to nominate her as New Jersey’s next Secretary of Higher Education,” Sherrill said. “Margo brings years of leadership experience in helping students and families afford higher education which will be critical as we fight back against cuts from the federal government. New Jersey has some of the best colleges and universities in the world, yet far too many of our students are pursuing their degrees out of state. Every New Jerseyan deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education in the Garden State.”
Sherrill said her administration plans to work with Chaly to improve affordability, ensure colleges and universities have the resources they need and strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.
Chaly said she is honored by the nomination and emphasized the importance of supporting students amid shifting federal priorities.
“Thank you to Gov.-elect Sherrill for her trust in me and the opportunity to continue supporting higher education here in New Jersey,” Chaly said. “While the Trump administration continues to cut funding that makes college affordable for students and guts research funding at our schools it’s critical we support the thousands of New Jerseyans who want to pursue a college degree. I look forward to working with Gov.-elect Sherrill and our partners in the state legislature to make higher education more affordable and accessible for every New Jerseyan.”
As executive director of NJHESAA, Chaly has overseen the distribution of tens of billions of dollars in need-based grants, scholarships and financial aid. She previously served as the agency’s chief of staff and earlier worked as manager of litigation and operations at a law firm, as well as in roles at multinational insurance companies.
A lifelong New Jersey resident, Chaly is a graduate of Ithaca College and Seton Hall University School of Law. Her nomination is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.
