The Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey is expanding its team with a new government affairs leader who knows a thing or two about Trenton.

On Jan. 6, CCSNJ announced Hilary Beckett will serve as the Chamber’s lead lobbyist in the state’s capital and plan and executive policy committee hearings as manager of government affairs, effective immediately. Shes comes to the role from serving as cabinet liaison in the governor’s office and replaces and will report to Christina Renna, who was promoted to president and chief executive officer of CCSNJ effective Jan. 1.

In her previous role, Beckett served as the point of contact between Gov. Phil Murphy’s front office and various cabinets, including the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Board of Public Utilities, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, CCSNJ said. She also oversaw execution of the administration’s policies and assisted with achieving long- and short-term objectives.

Beckett was chief of staff for State Sen. Troy Singleton, D-7th District, prior to working with the Murphy administration, CCSNJ said.

“Hilary’s familiarity with the critical issues facing the South Jersey region, experience with Sen. Singleton, and recent tenure in the Governor’s front office makes her the perfect new addition to the CCSNJ team,” Renna said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to continuing CCSNJ’s strong advocacy on behalf of the South Jersey business community with Hilary’s expertise and leadership.”

The Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey represents seven counties in South Jersey in addition to the Greater Philadelphia and Northern Delaware areas.